I remember reading an article where Bill France told Felix Sabates that his Sabco race team would never be sucesful no matter how much money he threw at it, because Felix was just not a racer. It convinced Sabates to sell half to Gannasi, but Gannasi wanted more then half else he would not get involved.So Sabates relented.....Now Ganassi has underperformed, but he has had remidial sucess running with secind tier sponsership.But what makes me wonder is Ray Evernham selling and giving up total control to Gillite who is obviosuly not a racer. And who exactly do they have runnig that operation now that Evernham by all accounts is on ESPN, soending time with his family. Now Khane won the All-star race, bu that was a 50 lap shoot-out. Long term, I think these guys are in trouble.

The main reason the Gillett family is there is to provide additional financial support and to alleviate the stress that was on Ray's shoulders. As of now, Ray and George have CEO Tom Reddin behind the business side of the team while Mark McArdle is the main reason for the team's improvement on the track.

http://www.evernhammotorsports.com/main.cfm?pagename=director_competition

Considering the improvements that I have seen on the track and in the newer chassis built by GEM (debuted at Phoenix, but DNFd and wrecked at Darlington. Not to mention Sadler's Showdown wreck), I think GEM will be fine in the long term. Just give them a month or two, and I think GEM should be closer to what they were in early to mid-2006.

Captain Spyro - 18 May 2008 03:18 AM

Just give them a month or two, and I think GEM should be closer to what they were in early to mid-2006.

I agree with Bill France, Jr., I question George Gillett commitment. After little over year of owning Liverpool FC. He's now trying to sell his stake in the club. Even though Nascar and Soccer are two different sports/business. If GEM continues to struggle and Kasey decides he want's out. Will Gillett still be committed to owning Nascar team?

Captain Spyro - 18 May 2008 03:18 AM

I think GEM will be fine in the long term. Just give them a month or two, and I think GEM should be closer to what they were in early to mid-2006.

They had something figured out at the intermediate tracks in 2006 - apart from that they were still just mediocre.

I was happy to see Ray at the race last night and I do think he is a valuable asset for that organization. He's not so good on the business side, but from the racing standpoint they need him in there. I was very surprised to learn that he has only retained a 20% stake in GEM. I thought it would be more.