STATESVILLE, N.C. -- Gillett Evernham Motorsports announced Tuesday that Reed Sorenson has signed a multi-year contract to join the team for the 2009 Sprint Cup season and beyond.
"Reed is a highly talented driver with a wealth of experience and accomplishments for a 22-year-old," said Mark McArdle, the team's vice president and managing director of competition. "We believe he has a great future ahead of him here at Gillett Evernham Motorsports. He will be a great fit with our drivers, sponsors and employees."
The native of Peachtree City, Ga., owns three wins in the Nationwide series and five top-five finishes in the Sprint Cup Series.
Before his NASCAR career began, Sorenson won championships in Legends racing and Quarter Midget racing, visited Victory Lane in ARCA, and starred in the American Speed Association (ASA) winning the rookie of the year award in 2003 at age 17.
"I'm pretty pumped up about this," said Sorenson who started racing at age 6 before winning 250 quarter midget races and 84 Legends races.
"I can't wait to get in their cars," Sorenson said. "I really believe in what they are doing with their program with all their wins and poles this year. Ray Evernham and the Gilletts are going to give us the equipment we need to go out and be a contender each weekend and eventually race for a championship."
"We will announce Reed's sponsorships and car number in the near future," said Tom Reddin, CEO of GEM. "He is a highly marketable young driver who knows how to win races, and has a long career full of promise ahead of him."
Gillett Evernham Motorsports owns 15 victories and 27 poles since it began racing full time in 2001.
Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates co-owner Felix Sabates had confirmed Monday that Sorenson would be heading to Gillett Evernham Motorsports in2009.
We have a pretty good idea that hes going to drive the 10 car, Sabates said. I wish him good luck.
Sabates contradicted statements made by team officials that a contract was still being negotiated and added that he thinks Sorenson is at his peak as a driver.
From my point of view, his contract is over, Sabates said. I think Reed is today as good as hes ever going to be. If somebody else wants to put him in a car, fine with us.
