Ginn signs Almirola, Smith replaces Marlin, Nemechek on the way out-UPDATED
Quote selected text Published July 18th, 2007 in NASCAR News
Emphasizing an eye on the future along with solidifying the foundation of its Nextel Cup program, Ginn Racing announced the following transactions.
* Aric Almirola has signed with Ginn Racing. He will become Mark Martin’s co-driver in the #01 U.S. Army Chevrolet for the remainder of the 2007 season and will also share the ride with Martin in 2008. His first race in the #01 will be Aug. 12 at the road course in Watkins Glen, N.Y. As part of his contractual obligations, Almirola will compete in five remaining Busch races for JGR this season.
* Regan Smith will assume full-time driving duties in the team’s #14 Chevy, beginning with the Nextel Cup race July 29 in Indianapolis. Smith replaces Sterling Marlin.
* Due to a lack of sponsorship, the #13 Ginn Racing team is currently being evaluated. Joe Nemechek, who drove the #13, has been released and is free to explore other opportunities.
[Ginn PR]
UPDATE:
Joe Gibbs Racing has granted Aric Almirola his release, allowing the development driver to compete for Ginn Racing in select Nextel Cup and Busch Series races this year. Almirola will still compete for JGR in the five remaining Busch Series races that were a part of his original 2007 racing schedule. In 2008, Almirola�s entire racing slate will come via Ginn Racing.
[Gibbs PR]
- Marlin replaced by Regan Smith for the Brickyard, Nemechek could be out too
- Marlin settles legal dispute with Ginn
- Petty surprised by Marlin & Nemechek firing, has choice words for Bobby Ginn
- Money/sponsorship problems for Ginn?
- Ginn makes plans for 2008
Wow! That’s all I have to say about that…
This years silly season is RIDICULOUS!!!
Man why they get rid of Nemechek. He a good driver and pulled through to get them in the top 35 as a new team. That kinda dirty. I mean he always seems to finish alright.
Finally Almirola is with an owner that actually cares about how he does
Im sorry but when Almirola got booted out at Milwaukee….JGR knew excatly what they were doing. And JGR is gonna get upset cuz he found a ride and an owner that cares about his developmental drivers rather than just hire them and put them on the back burner. This kid has talent and just wait…if he gives them a win before Coleman does I will laugh my ass off!!! Congrats Aric…you deserve everything you’ve worked for…now show JGR what there missing!!!
And Joe Nemechek sucks!!! im glad hes gone take him and his mom and retire!!
I think your wrong Joe is still a good wheel man just not marketable
I hope Almirola wins races left and right, just to shove it in Gibbs’ face.
Joe was good until they treated him crappy and took his car and gave it to Mark Martin……….that was dirty. Mark should have been given a different car, Joe has struggled all year in the 13 car. Hope he moves on and does great.
Ginn is going under and will not be around much longer .Mr GINN is not a smart owner why do you think he cant keep a spos or driver . The only chance Ginn racing has is if DEI buys them out.
Ole Front Row Joe may not have been on a winning streak lately but…..when he was in the 01 he represented “all our troops” and gave a damn about racing. He got screwed on that one and this is an even bigger slap in the face. As a proud mother of an american solider I’m insulted
What in the world is Ginn Racing doing???? Nemechek is still an awesome driver. Maybe he’ll hook up with Gibbs or DEI. No matter where he goes it was great to have him represent the US Army. I really don’t like Martin in that car, but–oh well.
I’ll tell you what he’s doing, he’s getting a jumpstart on ‘08. He’s restructuring his team NOW with 17 races to go instead of doing it during the offseason…the guys on the track will already have built chemistry during race conditions whereas Jr. and Kyle Busch are going to be thrown to th wolves in the Daytona 500! All of his cars are in the top 35 in owner points right now so their couldn’t of been a more better opportunity. He’ll pull in some new and reliabe sponsors while the guys are at the track working with the drivers that they will have in 2008 getting ready to make a run at the championship.
Joe got a raw deal. Mark is not with a new team, he is with a slightly restructured established team, Ginn stuck Joe with a new team.
Sterling and Joe were not supposed to leave until AFTER this season. Bobby Ginn is the new J.D. Stacy, not caring if he screws over his drivers.
This new decision w/ Joe leaving is not fair. So what, are they going to just shut down the #13 team altogether? That’s not right! Ginn will be liquidated into DEI next season, and this is not fair to shut down the #13 team. Paul Menard will need those points to get in the Top 35, unless of course they use the #14’s Owners’ Points. Either way you look @ this, Regan Smith will end up getting shafted, b/c the #14 team will be shut down, and he’ll be looking for work.
You have absolutely no idea what you’re talking about…
ginn racing you are a bunch of idiots
first you getting rid of a good driver why do you think his name is front row joe? so what if he had a couple of bad years. he still a good driver. 2nd of all why you getting a new driver a name we can pronounce and we dont know him. this guy wont last. ginn racing you suck.. i wont buy any of your stuff!!
to ginn racing i hope you dont win any more races !! and hope you finnish last or dnf that will teach you