[Robertdjr]

The newly merged Earnhardt Ganassi Racing team has shut down its NASCAR Nationwide Series operation, driver Bryan Clauson and former crew chief Brad Parrott confirmed Wednesday.

Parrott said seven crew members were laid off from the team, which originally planned to run the full Nationwide schedule next year with Clauson. Four or five other crewmen will be absorbed by the Sprint Cup operation, Clauson said.

The laid-off crew members were told Monday, Parrott said, and Earnhardt Ganassi is trying to sell its inventory of Nationwide Dodges.

Clauson remains under contract with the team but said Wednesday his plans for 2009 are unknown. The 19-year-old finished second in the Raybestos Rookie of the Year standings in the Nationwide Series this season.

A spokesman for Earnhardt Ganassi said the team would have no comment at this time

Scenedaily.com

[Kiante']

I'm sorry to say, but Dodge might have to leave completely again... Toyota has really done pretty well and I have heard nothing from Dodge... Period, point blank...

[BGN Fan]

Gillett Evernham Motorsports will layoff about 65 employees in several departments as part of scaling back its Nationwide Series program next season.

GEM to layoff about 65 from its N'wide program