No. 19 Best Buy/Stanley Tools/McDonald's Dodge

2008 Spin
When you’re down and out, the only way to go is up.

Well, for Elliott Sadler, his sights should be turned squarely skyward for 2008, because after the year he had, his spirits couldn’t get much lower. Following a forgettable season that saw him score only two top 10s — his worst total since 2001— hopes are high that Sadler and his team can rebound from a series of disappointing performances. It won’t be easy. The Car of Tomorrow really threw this team a curveball in ’07, and this group will have to overcome its shortcomings in that area.

Still, Ray Evernham’s partnership with George Gillett Jr. midway through the ’07 campaign does hold promise. Sadler’s teammate, Kasey Kahne, saw appreciable gains late in the season, and given the time to refocus and develop, the performance of both teams should improve with increased financing and a fresh approach.

Speaking of fresh, Sadler’s cars will have a new look this year with Best Buy serving as the primary sponsor for 15 races, including the Daytona 500, while Stanley Tools, McDonald's and Siemens will don the hood in the remaining races. Another change that bears watching is the addition of Rodney Childers as Sadler’s team director in November. His first race on top of the pit box for Sadler at Texas produced a 12th-place finish; provided the two form a solid chemistry, the formula has the potential to bring improvement.

Another new addition is teammate Patrick Carpentier, an open-wheel standout making his full-time NASCAR debut. Without a guaranteed starting spot, Carpentier’s plight could be a drain on the remaining two teams if they struggle early on. Also new to the organization is the addition of Robby Gordon's single-car effort that signed on as a satellite operation with GEM. Gordon does not bring much to the table that will benefit Sadler and the boys at the track, but having another teammate — a veteran, at that — is never a bad thing.

Still, Sadler should be in for a better 2008 season — he has to be, driving for an owner in Gillett that will quickly grow impatient should the 32-year-old struggle early. But Sadler is an intense competitor, and with a new sponsor and team director committed to his success, things are indeed looking up.

Opposing Crew Chiefs’ Take
“Everywhere Sadler goes, he seems to do OK to start, but then it all falls apart. … He goes through a lot of crew chiefs and people, and he always seems to be the same. He’s the only variable, and yet’s he’s the only part that hasn’t been changed. … You can talk about drivers all you want, but the reality is that there are very few owners who’ve got what it takes to be No. 1. Ray Evernham is smart, dedicated and open to innovation. … Somehow, though, everything doesn’t add up with his team. I guess it’s just a work in progress. I’d never count Evernham out, but he should have everything down by now.”

Fantasy Stall
Looking at Checkers: He’s yet to win a road race, but those tracks are statistically two of his best. And he has someone to bounce ideas off of in new quasi-teammate Gordon.
Pretty Solid Pick: If he’s not flipping wildy, Sadler is usually good for a decent run on the plate tracks.
Good Sleeper Pick: Look for Elliott at intermediate tracks like Darlington and Kansas.
Runs on Seven Cylinders: His first win came at a short track, but he isn’t a consistent threat there.
Insider Tip: Until the team or driver makes some changes, he’s not your recommended "Best Buy."

For more in-depth driver news and hard-hitting features, order your 2008 Athlon Sports Racing Annual here.