GEM Reportedly Looking At Buying Bill Davis' Sprint Cup Team

Gillett Showing Interest In Buying Bill Davis' Sprint Cup Team

A deal is "in the works" for Gillett Evernham Motorsports (GEM) Majority Owner George Gillett "to buy out Bill Davis' Sprint Cup operation -- including the No. 22 team, the Toyota affiliation, Triad Racing Development and their engine shop," according to sources cited by Lee Spencer of FOXSPORTS.com. GEM VP & Managing Dir of Competition Mark McArdle Sunday said that GEM, which currently fields three Dodge Cup rides, is "searching for a fourth car with a spot inside the top 35 in the owners standings." McArdle "would not elaborate on which team or any possible terms, but Bill Davis has made it no secret in the garage that he is open to offers." Spencer noted while a deal "has not yet been finalized," sources said that Toyota has "approved the plan." Davis "will continue to field a Craftsman Truck Series team and add a Nationwide Series program" to his operation. Dodge Motorsports Senior Manager Mike Delahanty denied the move, saying, "We're aware and have had discussions about GEM's interest in adding a fourth car, but there's (never been) any discussion about running anything other than anything but a Dodge" (FOXSPORTS.com, 9/16). Dodge Motorsports officials said that reports that GEM "could move to another manufacturer next season are 'pure speculation'" (SCENEDAILY.com, 9/16).