Sadler confirms Richard Childress Racing departure next year

Richmond, VA, United States (4E Sports) – Nationwide Series point leader Elliott Sadler has refused to divulge the real reason behind his decision to leave Richard Childress Racing next year despite his outstanding showing this season.

“The stars don’t always line up,” Sadler said.”It’s no big deal. We’re just not going to be able to race for those guys next year.”

Sadler revealed that he has started negotiations with several teams after confirming that he will leave RCR in 2013. RCR owner Richard Childress told SIRIUS/XM NASCAR Radio last weekend that Sadler was “gone somewhere else” after this season.

“Right now, I don’t have anything with any team,” Sadler said after practice.”We are working on some things and we are talking to some different teams, and hopefully some will come together.”

Reliable sources said Sadler is negotiating with Joe Gibbs Racing for a full-time Nationwide and part-time Cup ride. A source also added that he has one other option with another organization for next season.

JGR has a vacancy after Joey Logano announced he would drive the No. 22 Sprint Cup car at Penske Racing next season. Logano was offered a full-time Nationwide and part-time Cup ride to stay at JGR in 2013.

Despite his imminent departure, Sadler said he is determined to win a championship for Childress. He has a 12-point lead over defending Nationwide champion Ricky Stenhouse Jr. with nine race remaining.

“Would love nothing more than to bring a championship to Richard,” Sadler said. “He’s a good man, he’s been great to me, he’s helped resurrect my career. It would be an honor to be able to put something on the wall before we leave for the man who was on the car of your hero growing up.”

“We’re in great position to win driver and team owner’s championships,” Sadler added. “That’s great bragging rights for both of us [Childress] if we pull that off. We’ve both made a hell of a commitment to the last nine weeks to do everything to put best foot forward and win this championship.”

RCR signed Sadler when it took over the Kevin Harvick Inc.’s Nationwide program this season.

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