Races [15 + 3*] that Fastenal is scheduled to be the primary sponsor in 2012:
Daytona,- Bud Shootout* - 2/18
Daytona, Gatorade Duel* - 2/23
Daytona 500 - 2/26
Martinsville - 4/1
Texas - 4/14
Talladega - 5/6
Charlotte, All-Star Race* - 5/19
Charlotte - 5/27, with NASCAR Unites
Michigan - 6/17
New Hampshire - 7/15
Indianapolis - 7/29
Pocono - 8/5
Watkins Glen - 8/12
Bristol - 8/25
Chicago - 9/16
Dover - 9/30
Kansas - 10/21
Phoenix - 11/11

Races [6] that Subway is scheduled to be the primary sponsor in 2012:
Phoenix - 3/4
Auto Club - 3/25
Dover - 6/3
Daytona - 7/2
Atlanta - 9/2
Talladega - 10/7

Races [?] that Aflac is scheduled to be the primary sponsor in 2012:
Las Vegas - 3/11
TBA

Races [2] that Best Buy is scheduled to be the primary sponsor in 2012:
Michigan - 8/19
Martinsville - 10/28

Races [2] that Kellogg's is scheduled to be the primary sponsor in 2012:
TBA

Races [2] that Cheez-It is scheduled to be the primary sponsor in 2012:
Bristol - 3/18
and one race TBA

Roush Fenway Racing to Host Fan Day on May 24: Roush Fenway Racing will host its annual Fan Day on Thursday, May 24 at its Concord, N.C. campus. The Roush Fenway drivers, show cars and sponsor booths will highlight the activities planned that day. The event will kick off at 8am when tickets will be handed out for the autograph sessions. The autograph sessions begin at 10:00am with Roush Fenway drivers Matt Kenseth, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Trevor Bayne and team owner Jack Roush. Then Carl Edwards and Greg Biffle will sign for fans at 11:30am.
Several displays will be on hand along with show cars, free samples, food and a band. The RFR gift shop and museum will also be open extended hours throughout the race weekends at Charlotte. "Our fan day is a great opportunity for people of all ages to get to meet the drivers, see the show cars up close and learn about the wide range of products our sponsors offer," said Jack Roush. "It is a fun way to kick off the Memorial Day race weekend and we enjoy having so many fans visit our facility." Admission is free and fans of all ages are encouraged to attend.(RFR)(5-12-2012)

Contracts: Sponsors: 2012; Driver: 2012+; Manufacturer: 2013

Carl Edwards to join ESPN for two Nationwide races: #99-Carl Edwards will move from the cockpit of his race car to the broadcast booth as he becomes an analyst for ESPN on two upcoming telecasts of NASCAR Nationwide Series races. Edwards will make his debut during ESPN2's live telecast of the NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Darlington Raceway on Friday night, May 11, at 6:30 p.m. ET. Edwards also will serve as an analyst for the June 29 event at Kentucky Speedway. For the Darlington race telecast, Edwards will join lap-by-lap announcer Allen Bestwick and analyst Andy Petree in the booth. While Edwards has never called a race, he has worked closely with ESPN the past two years during ESPN's portion of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule by doing post-race analysis for SportsCenter. "I am humbled by this opportunity to broadcast for ESPN and be part of their team," said Edwards. "This Friday in Darlington, I will hop out of my Sprint Cup Car and trade my firesuit for a suit and tie to see the Nationwide race from a totally different perspective. I am honestly a little nervous as it will be my first time being part of the broadcast," he said. "ESPN has been a great partner for everyone in NASCAR and I hope I can add some insight for the fans." Edwards, who drives for Roush Fenway Racing, stopped competing in NASCAR Nationwide Series races this season after racing fulltime in both the Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series the past seven years. He was the Nationwide Series driving champion in 2007, and earned the 2011 series owner's championship for Roush Fenway Racing, but decided to concentrate his efforts on the Sprint Cup Series this season. "Having a past NASCAR Nationwide Series champion and active NASCAR Sprint Cup driver in the booth will certainly bring some unique perspective to our viewers," said Rich Feinberg, ESPN vice president, motorsports, production. "We have a very strong on-air team for NASCAR and this addition makes it even stronger."(ESPN)(5-9-2012)

Fastenal to sponsor all 3 Roush cars in Coca-Cola 600: Fastenal will sponsor all three Roush Fenway Racing entries in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 27. The Fastenal paint schemes for #99-Carl Edwards, #16-Greg Biffle and #17-Matt Kenseth will also incorporate the "NASCAR Unites - An American Salute" red, white and blue theme. This is not the first time Fastenal has sponsored the RFR fleet. Last year all three RFR Nationwide Series Fords displayed the Fastenal colors at the Charlotte race in May. The Blue Team placed first (Kenseth), second (Edwards) and fourth (Ricky Stenhouse Jr.).(Roush Fenway Racing)(5-3-2012)

Edwards questions penalty on late race restart: UPDATE: That #18-Kyle Busch won his fourth consecutive spring race at the .75-mile oval was overshadowed by the fact that #99-Carl Edwards and #14-Tony Stewart both thought a possible win was ripped from their clutches. Edwards felt he was incorrectly penalized for jumping a restart with 82 laps to go. A black flag forced him to pass through the pits at 40 mph, dropping him from second to 15th. "I don't think it's right. I don't agree with it," said Edwards, who wound up 10th. Stewart, meanwhile, thought a debris caution that ultimately cost him the lead on the race's final restart with nine to go wasn't necessary. "When the caution is for a plastic bottle on the backstretch, it's hard to feel good losing that one," said Stewart, who settled for third. For Edwards, the flap was anything but welcome. He was told by his crew that his #99 Ford was the leader - something the RIR infield scoring tower (and Fox TV's scrawl) validated in real-time - and said he reacted as such on the restart, even though he was starting on the unpreferred outside lane with Stewart on the inside. "They told my spotter Jason (Hedlesky) three times, 'The 99's the leader.' At that point, I'm thinking it's my job to start this race," said Edwards, who at the time thought NASCAR had made a mistake in not letting him pick the inside lane as the leader. "I think NASCAR then saw the restart, they didn't like what they saw for some reason, and they black-flagged us. Which I don't think they should've done." The Roush Fenway Racing driver, crew chief Bob Osborne and Hedlesky were summoned to NASCAR's hauler after the race, and they emerged disappointed. What was said? "I'd rather not say," Edwards said. NASCAR vice president of competition Robin Pemberton was steadfast about two things: Stewart's #14 Chevy was the leader, and Edwards jumped the restart. "All of the above," he reiterated. Pemberton said the automated scoring system probably tallied Edwards as the leader under caution, even though he said NASCAR made teams aware that the starting order wa Stewart then Edwards. Even if Edwards was leading, Pemberton said he would have been black-flagged for starting before reaching the designated restart zone, which was Edwards' main point of contention.(USA Today)(4-29-2012)
UPDATE: NASCAR's vice president for competition says there is radio communication supporting that Carl Edwards was second behind Tony Stewart when Saturday night's Sprint Cup race was restarted with 81 laps remaining. Edwards argued his spotter was told by a NASCAR official that he was the leader just before the restart when explaining why he was black-flagged for jumping the restart. "The confusion was on their part," NASCAR's Robin Pemberton said on Tuesday night at Charlotte Motor Speedway. "That's something they have to work on in their communication. We work with the crew chiefs, and if the crew chief thought there was something, the crew chief would have radioed us. But multiple times during that last lap it was repeated 14-99 (Stewart-Edwards) from more than one source." Edwards met with officials after the race to further argue that spotter Jason Hedlesky "told me I was the leader" as they came to the box where the leader by rule restarts the race. Pemberton said that was a mistake by the spotter. "We weren't confused, and they weren't confused," Pemberton said at a promotion featuring the 1992 All-Star race at CMS, the first race run under the lights here. "We have audio of them and more than once (Edwards) was told by their spotter they were in second place. Just before the restart, he (spotter) came over the radio and said, 'You're the leader,' for whatever reason. If he was confused because of the scoreboard, that could have been the only thing." On another somewhat controversial issue, Pemberton said there was an aluminum object -- "a beer can or something" -- on the track in addition to the water bottle that Stewart said brought out the final caution with 14 laps to go.(ESPN)(5-2-2012)

Edwards responds to comments in book: #99-Carl Edwards took the high road Friday when asked about the critical comments former girlfriend Amanda Beard wrote about him in her new book. "I'm not going to bash her or say bad things about her," Edwards said in the Texas Motor Speedway media center. "She's a mother, she's a wife and someone I cared about." Beard, a former Olympic gold medal swimmer, describes Edwards as self-absorbed, insanely jealous and controlling in their two-year relationship from 2005 and 2006. Sixteen pages of the 256-page book titled, "In the Water, They Can't See You Cry," are devoted to their times together. The book also details Beard's previous problems with drug use and bulimia. "I considered us friends and I didn't realize she had all those problems," Edwards said. "I would have done anything in the world to help her with those. Regardless of what she writes in a book, if she ever needs something from me, I'd be there to help her out." But Edwards said he's still dumbfounded by some of the things Beard wrote in her book. "I don't know where to start," he said, "whether it's the psychology of feelings about a relationship that doesn't work out or the strategy to sell book. To be honest, it's just weird. I don't know how to address things that I don't remember happening." Edwards married Dr. Kate Downey in 2009. They have two children; two-year-old Anne and Michael, 11 months.(ESPN)(4-14-2012)

Special NASCAR Unites schemes to run UPDATES & Images: as part of the NASCAR Foundation's NASCAR Unites program, a few drivers will run special paint schemes at various races including #47-Bobby Labonte, #48-Jimmie Johnson, #55-Mark Martin, #56-Martin Truex Jr. and #99-Carl Edwards at Charlotte in May;
#2-Brad Keselowski (no image), #29-Kevin Harvick (no image) and #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. at Charlotte in May and Daytona in July;
#16-Greg Biffle at Michigan in June. See links to the images of the schemes on the Paint Scheme Gallery page.(4-9-2012)
UPDATE: NASCAR announced the launch of "NASCAR Unites  An American Salute," a patriotic initiative uniting the NASCAR industry and fans this summer to celebrate America and support U.S. military families. NASCAR Nation will be covered from head to toe  and from splitter to spoiler  in red, white and blue to highlight the summer season, starting and ending at two traditionally patriotic summer NASCAR events held at Charlotte Motor Speedway (Memorial Day Weekend, May 26-27) and Daytona International Speedway (Independence Day Weekend, July 5-7). Additional activities related to the six-week initiative will take place between these "tent-pole" events, including retail programs and other sponsor promotions.
To launch the initiative, the "NASCAR Unites  An American Salute" paint scheme for Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s #88 National Guard Hendrick Motorsports Chevy was revealed today in the nation's capital for more than 30,000 children and their guests attending the 134th Annual Easter Egg Roll event at the White House.
Among those NASCAR drivers already committed to "NASCAR Unites  An American Salute" paint schemes are Earnhardt, 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion #14-Tony Stewart, #16-Greg Biffle, Danica Patrick, #2-Brad Keselowski and #99-Carl Edwards. As part of the program, NASCAR and The NASCAR Foundation will work with charities to fund initiatives that support military families. A social media promotion utilizing a #NASCARUnites hashtag will highlight track activations as well as patriotic activities from teams, broadcast partners and sponsors.(NASCAR)
AND In the Nationwide Series, #88-Cole Whitt, will run in the Kentucky race in June and #7-Danica Patrick will run in the Nationwide race at the Daytona race in July. See images of the cars on the #7 NNS team paint schemes and #88 NNS paint schemes page.(4-9-2012)

Stewart leads in sponsor exposure through four races: Through television coverage of the this season's first four NASCAR Sprint Cup Series points races, defending champion #14-Tony Stewart leads in securing on-screen time for his sponsors, while #99-Carl Edwards collected the most verbal mentions for his supporting brands and #1-Jamie McMurray bested all drivers with $18.3 million of exposure value. According to research conducted by Joyce Julius & Associates, Inc.- which has monitored every NASCAR race telecast over the last 28 seasons - McMurray's appearance on the Fox set during the Sunday rain-delay portion of last month's Daytona 500 led to quality exposure for several of his brands during some of the most valuable broadcast time of the season.
Stewart ranked number-one in camera time, as 29 of his sponsors enjoyed a combined two hours, 42 minutes, 42 seconds of clear and in-focus exposure time during live and replayed coverage of the first four races. #2-Brad Keselowski (2:28:34), #48-Jimmie Johnson (2:27:53), #17-Matt Kenseth (2:18:54) and #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. (2:08:23) rounded out the top five in accumulated TV time. Meanwhile, #99-Carl Edwards, who led all drivers in sponsor mentions last season-either by him, or by announcers referencing his team-is off to another fast start with a Series-high 37 verbal brand mentions.
In terms of delivering television exposure to the Series' participating automobile manufacturers, McMurray was the top exposure producer, posting $2.5 million on behalf of Chevrolet. #11-Denny Hamlin and Kenseth garnered $2.3 million for Toyota and Ford, respectively, while Keselowski gathered $1.5 million on behalf of the Dodge nameplate.(Joyce Julius)(3-31-2012)

Edwards trains with SWAT team: #99-Carl Edwards, along with Texas Motor Speedway President Eddie Gossage, took part in a special training session with Sgt. Todd Plowman and members of Fort Worth's SWAT (Special Weapons And Tactics) team at the Fort Worth Police & Fire Training Center. Edwards experienced the high-risk job of serving as a member of the Fort Worth SWAT team. During the crash course, Edwards observed as Texas Motor Speedway President Eddie Gossage fired a 40mm Grenade Launcher, Benelli M4 12-gauge semi-automatic shotgun and Colt M4 Commando 5.56mm carbine with suppressor. Edwards opted for some of the other training exercises that included rappelling down the side of a six-story building and facing "live" situations in a hostile environment simulator and having to defuse the situation with armed force. He also appropriately arrived to the event in the Fort Worth SWAT team's Bearcat tactics vehicle and later took it for a spin.( images and more at the TMS site)(3-22-2012)

Edwards to train with SWAT team: #99-Carl Edwards, known for his strength and conditioning, will receive a different kind of workout with the Fort Worth SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) team on Wednesday, March 21st. Edwards will be put to the test in a 45-minute training session where he will undergo the same training methods of the Fort Worth SWAT team, which include riding in a Bearcat tactics vehicle; rappelling down an eight-story building; situation exercises in a shooting simulator; live range shooting with a variety of firearms including a sniper rifle; and participating with the team in a "live" tactical scenario. Following the session, Edwards is scheduled to meet with the media to discuss his experience, along with his season and return trip to Texas Motor Speedway for the April 14th Samsung Mobile 500.(TMS)(3-20-2012)

Cheez-It colors for Edwards: The #99 Roush Fenway Racing Ford of Carl Edwards will have Cheez-It as the primary sponsor this weekend at Bristol Motor Speedway (RFR). The scheme is scheduled to run one more unknown race in 2012. See image of the scheme on the #99 Team Schemes page.(3-16-2012)

Carl Edwards To Serve as Honorary Starter for NNS race at Bristol: Carl Edwards is used to seeing the green flag fly from behind the wheel of his Roush Fenway Ford Fusion or Mustang, but this weekend he'll get a truly different perspective as he serves as Honorary Starter for Saturday's Ford EcoBoost 300 at Bristol Motor Speedway. As part of its multi-year sponsorship agreement with BMS that runs through 2014, the Region Area Ford Dealers have continually looked for ways to activate and improve the race weekend experience for fans. Ford Fan Friday, where race fans can attend Q&A sessions and get autographs from their favorite drivers, has become a highly-anticipated event. The inclusion of Edwards in this special role continues that philosophy. "It's an honor. I've sat in the grandstands to watch races at Bristol and I've been fortunate to race and win there as well, but this will be something totally different and I'm really excited about it," said Edwards, who won the NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Bristol in 2007. "I think Ford has a revolutionary and smart technology with EcoBoost that delivers both performance and fuel economy, which is something fans care about." In addition to Edwards' participation, Ford Group Vice-President of Global Marketing, Sales & Service Jim Farley will serve as the race's Grand Marshal. Farley has been a driving force behind the use of racing as a marketing tool for Ford EcoBoost.(BMS)(3-14-2012)

Best Buy races for Edwards: #99-Carl Edwards will be sponsored by Best Buy in two races for the 2012 season, at Michigan in August and Martinsville in October. See image of the scheme on the #99 Team Schemes page.(3-8-2012)

Roush Fenway Scores Historic 300th Victory with Daytona 500 Win: Roush Fenway Racing officially kicked off it's 25th Anniversary season in grand fashion on Monday night, with #17-Matt Kenseth holding off teammate #16-Greg Biffle as the organization claimed its historic 300th NASCAR victory with its second Daytona 500 victory in the first ever night-time running of the famed event at Daytona International Speedway.
"It feels great," said Kenseth. "We even went overtime a little bit since we didn't quite go the whole distance the first time we won it. We had a really fast car all day and overcame a lot of adversity and problems with the car that we figured out. We had a great pit stop at the end that put us into position. It feels great. I wasn't expecting to win when I woke up this morning so it feels good to be sitting here."
Kenseth and Biffle combined to lead 83 of 200 laps in the race, with Kenseth taking the lead for the final time with 37 laps remaining and holding the point until the race's conclusion with a green-white-checkered finish. With the victory, Roush Fenway becomes the first team in NASCAR history to win 300 races.
"This is a special night," said team co-owner Jack Roush. "It feels great. It is very fitting that Matt won the 300th victory that we have had since we started in 1988 and (crew chief) Jimmy Fennig has been with us for most of the time and Matt has been here most of the time as well. It is great to celebrate our 300th win here with the 54th Daytona 500. This is Matt's second 500 win and that makes it special as well."(Roush Fenway Racing)(2-28-2012)

All Roush Fenway Racing teams switch to Valvoline NextGen oil: Less than one year after the Valvoline brand introduced a revolutionary recycled motor oil that stands up to racing's demanding standards and high-quality performance, Roush Fenway has decided to switch all its Sprint Cup and Nationwide teams to Valvoline NextGen motor oil technology for the duration of the 2012 NASCAR season. RFR will kick off the shift at the 54th annual Daytona 500 race on Feb. 26, 2012. The announcement represents the culmination of a rigorous validation process that began last summer with drivers like Greg Biffle and Carl Edwards, and is a continued illustration of Roush Fenway Racing's commitment to going green on the track while keeping performance paramount. NextGen motor oil is made of 50 percent recycled motor oil and delivers 100 percent Valvoline quality, offering optimum engine protection in a product that's also better for the environment. "Closing the Loop"  for professional drivers and everyday consumers alike  is a step towards reducing our dependence on foreign crude oil and preserving our existing resources by collecting and returning your used oil for recycling, and then refilling crankcases with NextGen. NextGen's debut in the Sprint Cup Series is a journey that started last summer when NextGen's racing formulation was put through extensive validation testing by Roush Yates Engines, earning approval from some of motorsports' top teams. Roush Fenway Racing, home of Carl Edwards, Greg Biffle and Matt Kenseth, started using NextGen recycled motor oil technology in competition to protect the engines of their stock cars. "RFR is committed to sustainable operations  from our solar energy system to our waste reduction efforts. We recycle 96% of every race car, so the ability to use a high quality recycled motor oil that can help us win on the track and help the environment is a no-brainer," said Roush. For committing to performance and the environment by returning used oil and refilling crankcases with NextGen, Advance Auto Parts will reward those who Close the Loop with a $20 mail-in gift card offer.(Valvoline)(2-26-2012)

Edwards wins Daytona 500 pole: #99-Carl Edwards won the pole for the Daytona 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Daytona International Speedway with a lap of 194.738mph for his first Daytona 500 pole and 11th career pole and it is Roush Fenway Racing's 80th pole. Edwards is the 37th driver to win the Daytona 500 pole. #16-Biffle gets the outside pole and will start 2nd. Only Edwards and Biffle have secured their exact starting spot. #88-Earnhardt Jr was 3rd fastest followed by #9-Ambrose, #13-Mears, #24-Gordon, #56-Truex Jr., #6-Stenhouse Jr., #21-Bayne and #14-Stewart. Edwards will start from the pole in the first Gatorade Duel and Biffle will start 1st in the 2nd Gatorade Duel. #15-Bowyer has not passed the height sticks and his qualifying time disallowed
#21-Bayne (9th), #26-Raines (26th) #30-Stremme (27th) all earned spots in the race as the three fastest drivers among those required to qualify on speed. #32-Terry Labonte will also start the race since he has a past champions provisional to use unless he races his way into one of the two spots available in the Duel he races or gets in by speed since he is 5th fastest of the go-or-go homers.
If Bayne, Raines, or Stremme race into the Daytona 500 via the Gatorade Duels. #09-KWallace, #36-Blaney and/or #40-Waltrip could make the field via speed. #97-Elliott could use the past champions provisional if Terry Labonte races into the field or uses speed [5th best of go-or-go homers] to make the race.
#15-Clint Bowyer had 22nd-fastest speed, but his car failed to pass post-qualifying inspection as the car did not meet front-end height requirements. So Bowyer will have to start at the rear of his Gatorade Duel, race 2. It doesn't effect his starting spot in the Daytona 500.
With the exception of the front row, the starting lineup will be set by the Gatorade Duel races, scheduled for Thursday, February 23rd at 2:00pm/et on SPEED.
See Qualifying Results, speeds, pole progression, pdf link and more on my Daytona 500 Qualifying Results page.
For the Gatorade Duel 150 1 & 2 starting lineups, see my Gatorade Duel's Starting Lineups page.(2-19-2012)

Chip Bolin to Fill-In for Bob Osborne at Bud Shootout: Chip Bolin will serve as crew chief this weekend at Daytona International Speedway on the #99 Fastenal Ford with Carl Edwards due to the passing of Bob Osborne's father. Osborne will return to Daytona next week to lead Edwards and the team in the Gatorade Duels and the Daytona 500. Bolin is currently the head engineer for Roush Fenway Racing and previously served at Matt Kenseth's Sprint Cup crew chief.(RFR)(2-15-2012)

Edwards joins First Lady in Let's Move initiative in Iowa: Michelle Obama challenged Iowa children Thursday to think of new ways to get their friends involved in fitness and health. Obama sited programs at several Iowa schools that are working to get kids fit, including a West Des Moines school that has used technology to track its 33,000 miles of walking. She then helped lead a dance that included the entire audience to get moving. Thousands of students, several well-known athletes and a number of politicians joined Obama for the event at Wells Fargo Arena Thursday. Besides the first lady, participants at the event include Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad, gymnast Shawn Johnson, figure skater Michelle Kwan, NASCAR's #99-Carl Edwards, health and fitness expert Bob Harper and ISU basketball head coach Fred Hoiberg. About 10,000 children, grades 6 to 9, were bused to the event from 45 schools in the Des Moines area.(see a video at kcci.com)(2-9-2012)

Subway returns to sponsor Edwards; more races in 2012: Subway restaurant chain, the world's largest restaurant chain, has expanded its successful partnership with Carl Edwards and Roush Fenway Racing from the primary sponsor of the #99 Ford in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series for three races in 2011 to six races starting in 2012. The multi-year partnership also includes four additional races as a major associate sponsor and becoming the Official Training Restaurant of Carl Edwards and Roush Fenway Racing. "Carl has been a fan of our brand and our sweet onion chicken teriyaki sandwich for a long time," said Tony Pace, Sr. Vice President, Global Chief Marketing Officer at Subway Franchisee Advertising Fund. "He and Roush Fenway Racing are great partners and proven winners. We look forward to Carl chasing his goal of a championship in 2012." The first race this year for the #99 Subway Ford will be March 4 in the Subway Fresh Fit 500 at Phoenix; returning to the track March 25, at Auto Club Speedway; June 3, Dover; July 7, Daytona; Sept. 2, Atlanta; and Oct. 7, at Talladega. "The Subway restaurant brand and their Subway Fresh Fit menu provides me with the opportunity to promote my healthy, active lifestyle," stated Edwards. "Subway sandwiches are the best tasting, most healthy food option that I can get on-the-go when I'm traveling," continued Edwards. Edwards will again be featured in the Subway restaurant advertising campaigns. The first new on-air ad with Edwards will run during the national television broadcast of the Daytona 500. "I am extremely pleased that Subway has expanded their relationship with Roush Fenway Racing," said Jack Roush, co-owner, Roush Fenway Racing. "As a company, we promote a healthy lifestyle with our employees and in particular, our drivers and pit crew members. Having the Subway restaurant chain as our Official Training Restaurant is ideal."(Catalyst / Subway PR), see image of the 2012 Subway scheme on the #99 Team Schemes page.(2-8-2012)

Edwards and Bayne nominated for Cartoon Network's Hall of Game Awards: #99-Carl Edwards and #21-Trevor Bayne could soon add "Dance Machine" and "Gnarliest Newb" to their respective resumes. Edwards and Bayne have been nominated as part of Cartoon Network's second annual Hall of Game Awards, airing Monday, Feb. 20 at 7 pm/et. Five-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion and 2011 "Dance Machine" nominee Jimmie Johnson will also present "The World's Fastest Award" with a special cameo appearance. The show, hosted by Shaquille O'Neal, is a high-energy, off-the-wall, multi-platform experience that lets viewers vote and honor their favorite sports stars and sports moments of the year. Edwards and Bayne have been nominated  and deservedly so  to compete in the "Dance Machine" and "Gnarliest Newb" categories. Edwards' signature victory celebration, a backflip from his car, catapulted him to be a finalist in the "Dance Machine" category. Bayne's improbable Daytona 500 victory as a 20-year-old in only his second NASCAR Sprint Cup Series start last season propelled him to compete in what is essentially the "Rookie of the Year" category in this year's awards. Fans can vote for Edwards and Bayne on www.hallofgame.com now through Friday, Feb. 17. The site has already received over 64 million votes.(NASCAR)(2-7-2012)

Roush Fenway to Commemorate "25 Winning Years" in 2012: Coming off one of the strongest seasons in its quarter-decade history, Roush Fenway Racing will commemorate 2012 by celebrating its 25th Anniversary of racing at NASCAR's highest levels. Roush Fenway kicked off its "25 Winning Years" program this week on Charlotte Motor Speedway's annual media tour, where they asked media to name what it considers the top moment of the organization's celebrated 24-year racing history. "We've had a number of critical milestones since we started in 1988," said team co-owner Jack Roush. "I looked around the room at the media tour at all the trophies we had on display and there is a great deal of emotion that comes to mind when I see each piece. Each trophy has a different story and represents a different milestone and sacrifice. From the first win with Mark Martin at Rockingham in 1989 to our 299th win last season with Trevor Bayne in Texas, they all mean something. Along the way we've won multiple championships in all three NASCAR Series, with Greg (Biffle) getting the first two and Matt Kenseth getting our first Cup championship in 2003." Since founding the company in 1988, Jack Roush has seen the organization amass a record 299 victories. Roush Fenway currently boasts 125 Sprint Cup wins and is the winningest team in both NASCAR's Nationwide and Truck Series'. To properly commemorate the season, Roush Fenway will celebrate four specific areas vital to the organization's success in 2012; performance, people, partners and innovation.(Roush Fenway Racing)(1-28-2012)

Roush plans to expand back to a four-car team: Team owner Jack Roush said despite the "economic pressures" that forced his organization to shrink from four to three Cup teams this season, he is looking to expand back to a quartet when possible. "The plan is to go back to that four-car stable ... yes," Roush said. "In the meantime, we've been able to reposition personnel and resources within the organization because of the downsizing that I think will make us very strong." Roush also confirmed that his team will run Ricky Stenhouse Jr. for the full Nationwide Series schedule this season and is still working on sponsorship to run Trevor Bayne for a complete campaign.(Motor Racing Network)(1-25-2012)

Edwards not planning on running Nationwide in 2012: After competing the past seven years for Roush Fenway Racing in the Nationwide Series, all while running a full Cup Series schedule, Carl Edwards has decided not to run any Nationwide races in 2012. "The way we're approaching this season is, I'm not committing to any races right now," Edwards said. "And as the season goes, if I decide I'm just a nervous ball of energy on Saturdays and I can't function without going and racing -- because that might be the case -- then we'll work to try to go [Nationwide] racing. We could get 10 races in [to the season] and I could say 'Hey, I'm better off racing on Saturdays.' Then, it would be on me to go look for some way to put something together so that we could go race."(NASCAR.com)(1-16-2012)

Edwards to Co-Host "LIVE! with Kelly": #99-Carl Edwards will take a turn co-hosting the syndicated morning program "LIVE! with Kelly" on Tuesday, January 10, during a special themed week of sports co-hosts with Kelly Ripa. Edwards was selected along with Reggie Bush, Boomer Esiason, Jesse Palmer and Apolo Anton Oh# Actress Kate Beckinsale will be a guest on the show when Edwards co-hosts with Ripa. Edwards was a guest on the popular show last June after his win in the Sprint All-Star race, and has appeared in the past with the NASCAR Chase contenders. This will be his first stint as co-host. "LIVE! with Kelly" is distributed in national syndication by Disney-ABC Domestic Television. Produced by WABC-TV in New York and executive produced by Michael Gelman, "LIVE! with Kelly" airs in more than 200 markets across the U.S.(RFR)(1-3-2012)

Roush Yates teams up with Impact: Roush Yates Performance Products has reached a distribution agreement with Impact by MasterCraft Safety to create a 1,500 square foot safety center within Roush Yates Performance Products' Mooresville, N.C. retail center. This partnership will continue Roush Yates' goal of offering "one stop" shopping for drivers and pit crews throughout the racing spectrum. "We're very proud to be associated with a great company like Impact," said Roush Yates CEO Doug Yates. "This new partnership certainly broadens our reach and product offerings as a whole, which should further underscore the fact that Roush Yates Performance Products is truly a complete solution center for any racer of any caliber or series." The safety center will be staffed with personnel well versed in the intricacies of critical safety matters such as helmet fitment, custom race suit measurements, and choosing the proper restraints for specific genres of racing. "We couldn't be happier," said MasterCraft Safety president Robbie Pierce. "While our product lines are different, both Roush Yates and Impact offer premium racing products with absolutely no compromises."(Roush Yates Performance Products/Impact by MasterCraft)(12-27-2011)

Best Buy to sponsor Kenseth?: UPDATE: Roush Fenway Racing and #17-Matt Kenseth appear to be well on their way to securing the Best Buy sponsorship for 2012, according to sources familiar with the situation. The Roush organization has pledged to run Kenseth, the 2003 Cup champion, without sponsorship but has been working hard to find funding for the driver coming off a three-win season where he placed fourth in the Cup standings. Kenseth's primary sponsor Crown Royal opted not to sponsor a race team in 2012. Best Buy's sponsorship of #43-AJ Allmendinger at Richard Petty Motorsports was for 24 races in 2011. RPM has not announced any sponsorship for the #43 car for next season. An RPM spokesman said the team would have no comment on its sponsorship search.(SceneDaily)(12-15-2011)
UPDATE: Best Buy Co., Inc. announced a new sponsorship deal for the 2012 Sprint Cup Series Season. Best Buy will serve as primary sponsor of Carl Edwards' #99 Ford for two races and the Matt Kenseth #17 Ford for nine races. In addition, Best Buy will serve as associate sponsor for each. "Best Buy is thrilled to announce this new NASCAR sponsorship deal with Roush Fenway Racing," said Drew Panayiotou, senior vice president of marketing for Best Buy. "Roush Fenway Racing is a great fit for Best Buy Racing. NASCAR continues to be a relevant way for us to connect with our customers. Our goal is to reach our target audiences in a meaningful way, while maximizing the value of our marketing and sponsorship investments." Best Buy has been a NASCAR sponsor for the past 7 years.(Best Buy)(12-20-2011)
AND: Richard Petty Motorsports statement: "We have had a successful and rewarding relationship with Best Buy for the past few years and appreciate all they have done for us," stated Richard Petty, co-owner of Richard Petty Motorsports. "Although it is very disappointing that Best Buy is changing directions at this late date, we wish all of our friends there the best in their future endeavors. Our plan has always been to run a two-car team in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in 2012 and we are continuing down that path," said Petty. "We have several partners that remain committed to the #43 team. We will move forward and explore all of our options in regard to the #43 program in the coming weeks."(RPM)(12-20-2011)

Kellogg's returns as a primary sponsor of #99 Ford: Roush Fenway Racing and Kellogg Company have announced the multi-year extension of their NASCAR partnership. Kellogg will serve as a primary sponsor of the #99 Ford for four (4) Sprint Cup races in 2012, teaming its famed Kellogg's Frosted Flakes cereal and Cheez-It crackers with perennial championship contender and fan favorite Carl Edwards.
Kellogg has been involved with NASCAR for many years, including serving as a primary sponsor of the #99 Ford with Roush Fenway for the past two seasons. "It's an honor to be involved with Kellogg," said Edwards. "They have tremendous commitment to quality in everything they do and racing fans love their products. They are a fun partner to go racing with and I'm excited about continuing the relationship."
"Our involvement with racing gives us a great opportunity to interact with our consumers in a fun, exciting environment," said Brad Davidson, president, Kellogg North America. "We are thrilled to extend our relationship with Carl and Roush Fenway Racing, and we look forward to seeing Kellogg's Frosted Flakes and Cheez-it crackers on the #99 car next season."(Roush Fenway Racing), see images of the 2012 schemes on the #99 Team Schemes page.(12-15-2011)

#99 Team Claim 2011 Mechanix Wear Most Valuable Pit Crew: There's no insurance for good finishes like a great pit crew. And the pit crew for the #99 AFLAC Ford Fusion of Carl Edwards did just that  delivering the best average finish of 4.9 for the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup and Edwards' second place finish in the final standings. That hard work, flawless performance and strong motivation earned them the Mechanix Wear Most Valuable Pit Crew for 2011 and a $100,000 bonus. The Mechanix Wear Most Valuable Pit Crew Award, which is determined by a vote of each team's crew chief, is given quarterly to the top-performing pit crew in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. The four quarterly winners are eligible for the year-end Mechanix Wear Most Valuable Pit Crew Award presented during Champion's Week in Las Vegas  and the $100,000 grand prize. This year celebrates the 10th annual Mechanix Wear Most Valuable Pit Crew Championship  the only authentic competition voted on by crew chiefs  as well as the safety innovator's 20th year in the sport. Mechanix Wear, the #1 glove in racing, is the Official Glove of NASCAR® used by nearly all pit crew members in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.
That's why Mechanix Wear is proud to announce that the #99 AFLAC pit crew from Roush Fenway Racing is the winner of the Mechanix Wear Most Valuable Pit Crew Award for the 2011 season. The #99 AFLAC pit crew was selected for its fast pit stops, flawless performance and incredible effort over the 38-race season. The team also won the Mechanix Wear Most Valuable Pit Crew Award for the fourth quarter. The #99 AFLAC pit crew joined Edwards in Las Vegas as part of their award to be honored at the annual NASCAR Sprint Cup celebration, where they took home the Mechanix Wear Most Valuable Pit Crew trophy and the $100,000 grand prize.
Members of the #99 pit crew include.
· Gas man - Joe Karasinski, Spotswood, N.J.
· Rear tire carrier - Jody Fortson, China Grove, N.C.
· Rear tire changer - Dwayne Ogles, Hoover, Ala.
· Jack man - Dennis Killian, Wentzville, Mo.
· Front tire carrier - Alan Troutman, China Grove, N.C.
· Front tire changer - Kale Uphoff, McFarland, Wis.
· Pit crew coach - Andy Ward, Kannapolis, N.C.
· Trainer -- Les Ebert
(Mechanix Wear/Victory Management Group)(12-3-2011)

Significant layoffs at Roush: Multiple sources have confirmed significant layoffs this week at Roush Fenway Racing. According to sources, more than 100 workers were released by the team Monday and [Tuesday]. One source put the number at 125. Prior to today, the team employed about 440 people. Roush Fenway is expected to reduce its NASCAR Sprint Cup car count from four cars to three next season, with the #6 driven by David Ragan likely to be shuttered. At last report, the team is also without sponsors for the #17 of Matt Kenseth. The team may also reduce the size of its NASCAR Nationwide Series operations from three cars to one or two.(SPEED)(11-22-2011)

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Clinch Scenarios Set For Homestead: Only one finish guarantees Carl Edwards his first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship  a victory in Sunday's season-finale Ford 400. Just three points separate points leader #99-Carl Edwards and second-place #14-Tony Stewart, a margin so tight, no other finish would clinch the title for Edwards regardless of where Stewart finishes. Stewart owns the tie-breaker (best finishes), and therefore could tie and win his third series championship. All other drivers are officially eliminated from championship contention. Edwards' three-point lead roughly translates to 13 points under the previous points system. That makes it the closest margin between first and second going into the final race in Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup history, and third-closest since the inception of the position-based points structure in 1975.(NASCAR)(11-14-2011)

Edwards - Stewart Homestead comparisons:
1 - Carl Edwards (No. 99 AFLAC Ford)
· Season-to-Date Driver Rating: 99.8
2011 Rundown
· One win, 18 top fives, 25 top 10s; two poles
· Average finish of 9.5
· Led 24 races for 784 laps
Homestead-Miami Speedway Outlook:
· Two wins, four top fives, six top 10s; one pole
· Average finish of 5.7 in seven races
· Series-best Average Running Position of 7.7
· Series-best Driver Rating of 117.5
· Series-high 173 Fastest Laps Run
· Series-best Average Green Flag Speed of 162.956 mph
· Series-high 1,379 Laps in the Top 15 (86.0%)
· 236 Quality Passes (passes of cars in the top 15 under green), seventh-most
2 - Tony Stewart (No. 14 Office Depot/Mobil 1 Chevy)
· Season-to-Date Driver Rating: 95.1
2011 Rundown
· Four wins, eight top fives, 18 top 10s; one pole
· Average finish of 12.3
· Led 20 races for 848 laps
Homestead-Miami Speedway Outlook:
· Two wins, three top fives, six top 10s
· Average finish of 12.4 in 12 races
· Average Running Position of 14.6, 10th-best
· Driver Rating of 87.6, 11th-best
· 60 Fastest Laps Run, 10th-most
· 415 Green Flag Passes, seventh-most
· Average Green Flag Speed of 162.140 mph, 10th-fastest
· 1,037 Laps in the Top 15 (64.7%), seventh-most
· 235 Quality Passes, eighth-most
(NASCAR)(11-16-2011)

Roush Fenway expects to have 3 teams in 2012: Roush Fenway Racing expects to shrink from four full-time Sprint Cup cars to three in 2012. "The most likely scenario is three,'' RFR president Steve Newmark said before Sunday's race at Martinsville Speedway. "We're still plugging away at the fourth, but we all recognize the realities that when you're this late in the season it makes it more difficult to secure that. Only the #99 car of Carl Edwards and #16 of Greg Biffle is fully sponsored for next season. The #17 of 2003 Cup champion Matt Kenseth has no sponsorship for 2012, and Newmark said "nothing is eminent'' but added RFR is prepared to run that car unsponsored if necessary. Newmark said the #6 car driven by David Ragan could run limited races but was non-committal on whether Ragan, Nationwide Series points leader Ricky Stenhouse Jr. or Trevor Bayne -- or a combination of two or three -- would get those races. He said the plan is for Bayne, the defending Daytona 500 champion, to run a limited Cup schedule in the #21 for the Wood Brothers. Newmark said RFR hopes to field two Nationwide Series cars, with at least one of them fully sponsored. No decision has been made on who would fill those seats, although Stenhouse has been promised a ride for RFR next season.(ESPN)(10-31-2011)

UPS renews with NASCAR; Moves to associate sponsor with Edwards: UPS and NASCAR have signed a multi-year agreement for UPS to remain the sport's official logistics partner, providing critical pick-up and delivery services for race teams, vendors and suppliers at every NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event throughout the season. In addition to its official partnership, UPS will continue its relationship with Roush Fenway Racing as a full-season associate sponsor of the #99 Ford, driven by Carl Edwards. The decision to continue with NASCAR in an official capacity for a 13th season and Roush Fenway Racing as a sponsor for a fourth season was driven by the positive growth UPS has enjoyed through its direct involvement in the sport. UPS also will continue its successful customer and employee hospitality activations at select events throughout the year in addition to serving as primary sponsor on the #99 Ford at Kentucky Speedway.(UPS)(10-27-2011)

Roush Yates Engines and Freescale Semiconductor partner on technology: Roush Yates Engines and Freescale Semiconductor announced a new partnership grounded in a shared vision for the expanding role of technology in motorsports. This partnership brings together two industry leaders in automotive and motorsports. Freescale, as one of the world's largest providers of automotive electronics, provides the processing power behind NASCAR's 2012 Sprint Cup Series switch to fuel injection and is the Official Automotive Semiconductor of NASCAR. Roush Yates is recognized as one of the premier engine manufacturers, and both of these companies have a long history in automotive and motorsports innovation. Together, Roush Yates and Freescale look to discover new ways in which technology can be used to improve the team, driver and fan experience within NASCAR and other racing series.(Roush Yates)(10-18-2011)

Carl Edwards Stars In New "Bait A Hook" Country Music Video: Carl Edwards plays the star role beside country artist Justin Moore in the new "Bait A Hook" music video which will debut this weekend as part of the CMT Big New Music Weekend, which kicks off Friday, Oct. 14 at 6:00 a.m., EDT, and continues throughout the weekend . In conjunction with the premiere on CMT (Country Music Television), the 100,000 plus fans attending the Bank of America 500 at Charlotte Motor Speedway will watch the new video Saturday night at approximately 7:15 p.m. EDT on the world's largest HDTV, after driver introductions for the Bank of America 500 are complete.(Roush Fenway Racing)(10-14-2011)

Could Roush drop to three teams in 2012? UPDATE: this week Jack Roush addressed the topic of Rosuh Fenway Racing dropping from a four-car to a three-car team in a SiriusXM Satellite Radio interview. "We're looking for a sponsor for #6-David (Ragan), but right now I can't tell you who that's gonna be," Roush told host Claire B. Lang. "I'll say that I'm not real close on it. So David has not been encouraged to not talk to other teams going forward for things that they might have or an interest because right now I don't see how I'm gonna run the fourth car unless things turn dramatically." #16-Greg Biffle, #99-Carl Edwards and #17-Matt Kenseth are RFR's other Cup drivers. Roush said he expected to remain active in the Nationwide Series but more likely with two cars than three. He has self-funded in large part the programs of Trevor Bayne (who won the Daytona 500) and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (who is on pace to win the Nationwide title), and even Edwards hasn't had full backing.(Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)(10-7-2011)
UPDATE: Roush concedes that, while he is still looking for a sponsor to keep Ragan in his current ride, there are still no great prospects. And Roush says he's told Ragan to start looking for a new deal, because without major sponsorship Roush says he won't be able to run four full-time Cup teams in 2012. Speculation is that Ragan could be penciled in for a ride with Kevin Buckler [#71 TRG Ford], the sports car racer turned NASCAR team owner, and a Ford man. But Ragan himself says he's focused more on finishing this season as strongly as he can. "Right now I am not focused on 2012 just yet," Ragan says. "I think it's important for us to finish this season strong. And the stronger we can finish 2011, that will only help our chances of finding a sponsor and a package to go racing next year. Everyone at Roush Fenway is working hard at selling sponsors for us and for Matt. They have to sell some sponsorships for us to go racing next year. Jack has always done a good job of selling our race cars. Even though it's come to the last minute, we have confidence we'll be out on the track racing (next season). And hopefully we can find a partner we can announce, sooner rather than later.(MikeMulhern.net)(10-8-2011)

UPS to cut back NASCAR sponsorship UPDATE: UPS plans to cut back dramatically on its support of Roush Fenway Racing's #6 Ford driven by David Ragan in 2012, SportsBusiness Daily reported. Sources familiar with the company's plan said it will drop its full-season primary sponsorship of the #6 car and sponsor 4-8 races at RFR in '12. The company is in talks to shift its sponsorship to Carl Edwards, who drives the team's #99 Ford. RFR president Steve Newmark declined to comment and said the team is still in discussions with UPS. The company did not return a call seeking comment. The move will further reduce the number of sponsors paying for their logo to appear in all 36 NASCAR races. UPS was one of seven sponsors slated to be on the same NASCAR hood for all 36 Sprint Cup races. The other full-season primary sponsors are #11-FedEx [34 races, Sports Clips at Darlington, Charter Comm at Atlanta], #20-Home Depot, #48-Lowe's, #27-Menard's, #2-Miller Lite and #56-NAPA Auto Parts. (Red Bull and Furniture Row own the teams that feature their logos.) Though UPS won't renew its full-season primary sponsorship at RFR, sources said the company is expected to renew its official partnership with NASCAR. It has been the sport's official delivery company since 2000.(Sporting News/SportsBusiness Journal)(9-2-2011)
UPDATE: If UPS is in talks to become part of Carl Edwards' sponsorship program next year, the driver of the #99 Ford hasn't been part of the discussions yet. Edwards was aware of Friday's Sports Business Daily story that indicated UPS, which currently sponsors David Ragan in the #6 Roush Fenway Racing Ford, would reduce its commitment significantly next year and is talking with RFR brass about sponsoring Edwards for four to eight races. "I read it, too, and I don't know anything other than what it said," Edwards told Sporting News on Saturday at Atlanta Motor Speedway, when asked about the report. "I still don't know that it's anything more than a rumor. Nobody's come to me and said, 'Hey, here's what's happening; here's what's going on.' I wish I knew."(in ppart from the Sporting News)(9-3-2011)

Fastenal Steps up to be primary sponsor for Edwards: Fastenal announced that it has signed a multiyear agreement with Roush Fenway Racing to become a primary sponsor of Carl Edwards' #99 Ford in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Fastenal will be the primary on Edwards' #99 for 17 Cup Series races in 2012, starting at Daytona International Speedway. The company will also sponsor two additional Roush Fenway entries in a yet to be determined 2012 Sprint Cup Series race, putting three Fastenal-branded Fords on the track during a single event. "I've appreciated the long relationship that I've had with Fastenal," said Edwards. "I'm proud that they believe so strongly in our team and program that they are making the commitment to sponsor us in the Sprint Cup Series. My partnership with Fastenal started in 1999 at my local dirt track. I would have never imagined that we would be going to the 2012 Daytona 500 together. They have always treated me with the same respect that they treat their customers and I am proud to represent them."
"It's hard to imagine a better driver, or a better spokesperson for our company, than Carl Edwards," said Cory Jansen, Fastenal's Executive Vice President, Operations. "He's become a true member of the Fastenal 'blue team,' and we can't wait to see him make a run for the championship in the #99 Fastenal Ford."
For Fastenal, the road to this marquee sponsorship began back in 2006 when the company began sponsoring a team in NASCAR's Truck Series. Fastenal moved to the Nationwide Series two years later. But through it all, a Fastenal-sponsored car had never won a NASCAR race until its partnership with Roush Fenway and Edwards began in 2010. Edwards and Fastenal have teamed up to go to NASCAR victory lane five times in the #60 Fastenal Ford Mustang, including four times this season. "Because of the phenomenal season Carl is having, we've probably had more brand exposure this year than we've had in the previous five years combined," added Jansen. "We're looking forward to taking another huge step forward next season by presenting our brand to the tens of millions of fans who follow the Cup Series."(Roush Fenway Racing)(9-1-2011)

Aflac and Edwards to run Childhood Cancer Awareness scheme: Aflac, the number one provider of supplemental insurance in the United States, and Carl Edwards, NASCAR driver of the #99 Aflac Ford, are teaming up to support National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month 2011. Edwards is scheduled to visit with children and families at the Aflac Cancer Center in Atlanta on Friday, and unveil the specially painted car he will drive during Sunday's race at the Atlanta Motor Speedway as part of the company's Friends of a Feather campaign. In addition to the visit to the Aflac Cancer Center by Carl Edwards, Aflac will officially unveil its new Childhood Cancer Awareness plush Aflac Duck, which will go on sale soon at www.aflac.com/friends. All of the proceeds from this special new duck will go to the Aflac Cancer Center along with a $20 donation from Aflac for every duck sold.
The car unveiled for Sunday's race is designed with duck feathers painted from front to back inscribed with the names of some of the unsung heroes who have gone the extra mile for 12 year old Aflac Cancer Center patient Hannah Layfield. Hannah, like so many children facing cancer, has an army of people that have stood by her and her family during her multiple bouts with Leukemia. During Childhood Cancer Awareness month, Aflac wants to recognize the many people who come together to support children and families battling cancer as part of the Friends of Feather campaign. "Driving for Aflac is always special, but racing for kids like Hannah and the many people at the Aflac Cancer Center who support her takes it to another level," Carl Edwards said. "When I visit the Aflac Cancer Center it reminds me that courage isn't about driving a racecar, it's about brave young kids staring down cancer, determined to win. I'd love to win in their honor on Sunday night."(Aflac PR), see an image of the car on the #99 Team Schemes page.(8-30-2011)

5-Hour Energy to the #33? Home Depot to the #99? Clint Bowyer would like nothing more than to extend his contract with Richard Childress Racing but despite both the driver and owner publicly admitting their desire to remain together, nothing has been announced. The reported hold-up is around finding necessary sponsorship for the RCR #33 entry, which will lose General Mills at the end of this season. Current Steven Wallace Nationwide Series sponsor 5-Hour Energy continues to be in the mix as a potential replacement but right now there is no agreement.
AND: Aflac is expected back in a limited role but the Michigan garage area was rampant with rumors Home Depot, who reportedly coveted having Edwards as its spokesperson had me made the move to Joe Gibbs Racing, might find its way to the #99 car. The home improvement giant has been a staple of the JGR sponsor stable for years, dating back to its two Sprint Cup championships with Tony Stewart. However since Joey Logano took over the ride from the departed Stewart, the struggling performance level for the young driver has forced Home Depot management to watch arch rival Lowes grab the spotlight for five years running with Jimmie Johnson's title runs.(CBS Sports)(8-25-2011)

Special 'dental' scheme for Edwards at Bristol: When the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series circuit hits Bristol Motor Speedway in August, two-time Bristol winner #99-Carl Edwards will pilot the bright blue and white #99 Aflac Dental Ford Fusion during the Irwin Tools Night Race. See an image of the scheme on my #99 Team Schemes page.(8-22-2011)

Jack Roush ready to resume flying: It was a year ago when Sprint Cup car owner Jack Roush arrived at MIS with facial injuries, making his return to the series after he had crash-landed his plane in Oshkosh, Wis., the previous month. Roush, 69, enjoys flying his planes as much as he loves motor sports, and that is why he's so excited to return to piloting this week at Willow Run Airport for the first time since the crash. "I'm totally recovered," said Roush, of Livonia, wearing his trademark Panama-style hat while signing autographs. "I just got my medical back from the FAA, indicating that I'm medically sound and I'm without restriction. I have one more validation flight for the (injured) eye and I have that Tuesday. Once I get that done I can fly anything I did before. I plan to fly Tuesday." Roush suffered a ruptured left eyeball, broken jaw, damaged left cheekbone and had a compression fracture in his back from the crash. He said at the time "that everything will come back except the sight in my left eye."(Detroit News)(8-22-2011)

Edwards & RIR Reps spend day at sea: It was a day to remember. Richmond International Raceway representatives and NASCAR driver #99-Carl Edwards set out on a flight like no other. Strapped tightly into a C-2 Greyhound on Tuesday, August 16th, the team took off for the USS Eisenhower, located approximately 200 miles southeast of her home in Norfolk, VA. The one hour flight to the ship ended with a hook landing on the flight deck of the IKE. After departing the plane, Edwards and raceway officials were escorted through the ship to meet with the Commanding Officer, Captain Marcus Hitchcock. Following introductions, the team suited up again and headed back to the flight deck, where they observed F-18s hook landing and catapulting off the carrier. "I feel like a NASCAR fan right now," explained Edwards. "This is just amazing. I'm fascinated by all of this, by what goes on on the flight deck. They let me stand right next to the F-18s as they were landing and taking off. Being this close and experiencing something like this must be what race fans feel like when they sit so close to the action at Richmond." Edwards and Richmond International Raceway president Dennis Bickmeier spent most of their time on the IKE visiting with sailors, thanking them for their service. Edwards signed autographs, took photos and got to know many of the sailors aboard the ship. "Our sport has a great attachment to all branches of the military," commented Bickmeier. "You see it every week - our events are very patriotic and that's why so many people love the attachment that NASCAR has to the military; and in particular, being close to RIR, it means a lot for us to honor these heroes every day for the job they do to keep us protected and safe." The crew even baked Edwards a personalized birthday cake and sang "Happy Birthday" during his visit to the mess hall. "We met an amazing group of sailors," reflected Edwards. "It's just spectacular what these sailors are out here doing. They're sacrificing and putting themselves in a very high risk environment for our country. I'm just honored they had us here today. It's amazing how many of these folks follow our sport and love NASCAR. We met a bunch of fans who are going to be at Richmond in a few weeks." As the visit came to a close, Edwards, Bickmeier and team all suited up, boarded the C-2 Greyhound and once again strapped in tightly for the catapult launch off the ship. After an hour flight back to the Norfolk Naval Station Air Terminal, the team departed the plane with sailors and pilots, thanking them for the experience and for their service. Many of the sailors Edwards met on the USS Eisenhower will be attend the September 9-10 NASCAR weekend at Richmond International Raceway. (RIR)(8-18-2011)

Edwards to broadcast some NNS races in 2012?: Iowa Speedway put together a UStream.com feed so that the post-race from the Saturday night Nationwide Series race would be available to fans via the Internet. It was an exciting finish, so many fans wanted to hear more from Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Carl Edwards than ESPN had provided in a brief post-race show. Alongside of race winner Stenhouse was owner Jack Roush. The few media members there wanted to know more about the building tension between young hot shoe Stenhouse and the veteran Edwards. Roush said this year he would handle it, but then came to the topic of 2012. "I think he's (Carl) made his decision," said Roush. "I think he is going to become a sportscaster for ESPN for the Nationwide Series races. I'm not sure if he is going to just do the companion races or all the races."(more at the Daly Planet)(8-7-2011)

Edwards not racing full-time in NNS next season: Carl Edwards will trim his Nationwide Series schedule next year to spend more time with crew chief Bob Osborne and their Sprint Cup effort. The 31-year-old driver has 34 career Nationwide wins and won the 2007 title for Roush Fenway Racing. He's run the full Nationwide and Cup schedules for the past seven years, one of the most taxing schedules in NASCAR history. "I feel there are weekends when I walk away from the Cup car and get in the Nationwide car (and) feel I'm leaving something on the table," Edwards told reporters on Friday at Pocono Raceway, scene of Sunday afternoon's Good Sam Sprint Cup 500. "The racer in me wants to run the Truck Series, the Nationwide Series, and the Cup Series every week. But I think I've got to (cut back). (Five-time Cup champion) Jimmie Johnson doesn't run (many) Nationwide races." Edwards hasn't set his '12 schedule, but it likely will include only Nationwide companion races at Cup venues.(AutoWeek)(8-7-2011)

Some details about Edwards new contract: Roush Fenway Racing owner Jack Roush offered details today on Ford Motor Company's contribution to the contract package agreed to Thursday by #99-Carl Edwards. "Ford stepped forward and offered Carl an incentive program," said Roush to Sirius XM NASCAR Radio's Sirius Speedway with Dave Moody. "They also offered up a Ford stock program that will come to fruition after the third year of his contract is complete." Roush admitted that there is "still some work to do" on sponsorship for 2012; both for Edwards and other members of the Roush Fenway Racing stable. "The 3M package for Greg Biffle is done and discussions are ongoing for Matt Kenseth and David Ragan," he said. "We can see our way more than 50% through Carl's program, right now, but the day is past when you can rely on one sponsor to pay the full ticket for any driver. Sponsors like that are fewer and farther between than they were even a few years ago, but we will continue to work hard to put these various packages together."(Sirius Speedway)(8-5-2011)

Edwards re-signs with at Roush Racing: Roush Fenway Racing announced that it has re-signed driver #99-Carl Edwards to a multi-year agreement starting in 2012. "Carl Edwards has achieved a level of success on and off track that would put him at the top of the list for any race team," said Roush Fenway co-owner Jack Roush. "Carl and the #99 team are having a terrific season again this year, and we're thrilled that our relationship will continue for many more."
"We saw great potential in Carl a decade ago, and it's been a thrill to watch him grow into one of the sports' premier drivers behind the wheel of the #99," added Roush. "We didn't take our past success for granted when we sat down with Carl to talk about his future. As an organization, we approach each week with an intense focus on being successful in the race to come. Carl's position atop the points is a testament to that diligence."
"I sincerely appreciate the amazing opportunity that Jack Roush has given me in this sport and am honored to race for him," said Edwards. "As an organization, Roush Fenway provides the resources I need to win, and as a driver, that's the most important thing. We're having a fun season on the race track as we're leading the points and in great position for the Chase. That's the result of a lot of hard work from the men and women at Roush Fenway, Ford Motor Company and Roush Yates Engines. I really enjoy competing with this group and looking forward to continuing that relationship into the future."
"Carl brings a tremendous amount to the table from both a marketing and competitive standpoint," said Roush Fenway president Steve Newmark. "He has one of the largest fan bases in the sport, is able accomplish so much for his sponsors and is second to none on the race track. We're proud to have Carl as part of our roster going forward, a roster that includes some of the most experienced veteran champions on the circuit, and some of the sport's most promising up-and-coming drivers."
"We are pleased with Carl's vote of confidence in Roush Fenway and Ford," said Jamie Allison, director, Ford Racing. "This signals he believes he is with the right team and the right automaker to win races and championships. Now we can continue to focus on winning the 2011 championship."(Roush Fenway Racing)(8-4-2011)

Gibbs courting Edwards? UPDATES Ford steps in to help offer to Edwards: am hearing that Carl Edwards, currently the driver of the #99 Roush Fenway Racing Ford, is being courted by Joe Gibbs Racing to take over the #20 Home Depot Toyota ride. Where would that leave current #20 driver, Joey Logano, to the long rumored 4th Joe Gibbs car, no word on who would be the sponsor, if it happens.(6-17-2011)
UPDATES see past updates and notes on the Edwards news and rumors on the #99 Team News and Links page.
Another UPDATE: #99-Carl Edwards is staying focused on winning a championship despite widespread speculation that he is leaving Roush Fenway Racing for Joe Gibbs Racing after this season. Edwards would not comment Friday on whether he has made a decision, but he was adamant that it will not hurt his chances of winning the title regardless. "I feel like no matter what happens we have a great thing going," said Edwards, who has a seven-point lead over five-time defending champion Jimmie Johnson heading into Sunday's Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. "Jack Roush and Ford and Aflac, that is our mission right now -- to win the championship. That is all of our goals. Whatever happens, happens. But I believe that is reasonable to believe that could happen no matter what." Speculation that Edwards was headed for JGR to drive the #20 Home Depot car currently driven by Joey Logano, with Aflac following him to JGR, intensified two weeks ago at New Hampshire. Logano and crew chief Greg Zipadelli told ESPN.com that they have been given no indication that their status for next season will change. Logano said the rumors haven't been a distraction for him and his team. "If anything it is making my team work harder," Logano said. "It's making us come together more as a team. It's good. The last few weeks it's paid off. The last four weeks we have scored more points than anybody. All I've heard is rumors. No one has told me anything." Edwards would not give a timetable for making an announcement, although sources say it has to be soon so plans for next season can get under way. When asked if he had made a decision, Edwards said, "I'd just rather not say. We're working hard on the contract stuff. I've heard a lot of different ideas out there. The story remains the same -- I'm going to make a decision that is the best one I can make. I'm going to do that outside the media. Right now I have a signed contract, and that is the contract I signed in 2008 to race for Jack in '09, '10 and '11. So that is my mission. That's what I'm going to honor."(ESPN). .(7-29-2011)
More on Edwards - Ford steps in: Ford Racing has gone to what officials call unprecedented measures to help Roush Fenway Racing keep #99-Carl Edwards from going to the Toyota team of Joe Gibbs Racing. "We've helped out with an offer we have never done before for another driver,'' said Kevin Kennedy, the director of Ford Racing communication, before Saturday's qualifying for the Brickyard 400. "It was important enough for us that we were trying to make it unprecedented.'' Kennedy would not give specifics into what Ford has offered other than to say top executives in the organization have been closely involved with RFR in negotiations. "If he's around, it's something that will help him in terms of continuing to promote Ford products,'' Kennedy said of Edwards, who has become the face of Ford Racing. "We've been in racing for 110 years and I don't think we've ever done this before.'' Steve Newmark, the president of RFR, acknowledged that Ford has gone above and beyond to help keep Edwards in the fold. Newmark added that the total package offered to this year's top free agent shows just how important officials believe he is to the future of the organization and manufacturer. "I hope everybody understands Roush Fenway is very intent on signing Carl,'' Newmark said. "We understand he is trying to make a decision that is best for his future.'' Edwards declined on Friday to say whether he has made a decision amidst speculation he is headed for JGR to drive the #20 currently occupied by Joey Logano with Home Depot and Aflac as his sponsors. Newmark and Kennedy said Edwards has told them no decision has been made. Newmark added that no ultimatum or deadline for a decision will be made even though RFR wants it done sooner rather than later to prepare for next year. Sources said Edwards could earn more than $40 million over three years. Newmark said money hasn't been a major factor in RFR's negotiations. Should Edwards leave, Newmark said the replacement likely would come from in house with developmental drivers Trevor Bayne or Ricky Stenhouse Jr. He said no driver outside the organization has been contacted.(ESPN)(7-30-2011)
DONE DEAL? Edwards says the only contract he's signed was his last one with Jack Roush three years ago. Whether there's a current contract or not, the latest scuttlebutt has Edwards driving the #20 Home Depot Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing in 2012 for a staggering amount of money -- $8 million as a base, plus a $10 million signing bonus.(FoxSports)(7-31-2011)

Gibbs courting Edwards? UPDATES: am hearing that Carl Edwards, currently the driver of the #99 Roush Fenway Racing Ford, is being courted by Joe Gibbs Racing to take over the #20 Home Depot Toyota ride. Where would that leave current #20 driver, Joey Logano, to the long rumored 4th Joe Gibbs car, no word on who would be the sponsor, if it happens.(6-17-2011)
UPDATE: Ford and Roush Fenway Racing are feeling a sense of urgency to re-sign Carl Edwards. For the last month, Edwards has been rumored to be headed to Joe Gibbs Racing. Earlier this season, JGR president J.D. Gibbs acknowledged that the organization would be interested in talking to Edwards if sponsorship could be acquired for a fourth team. Roush Fenway Racing president Steve Newman called the Edwards' negotiation "a slow and steady process." Both Roush and Ford have worked diligently to entice Edwards to remain in the blue-oval camp but are starting to feel the pressure from Toyota. "We have constant conversations with Carl," Newmark said. "I still remain cautiously optimistic that we'll get something done, but as we've talked about before, the process that we're going through, we want to make sure that we have everything in order going forward and Carl's main focus is on making sure he's going to a place where he can win championships. Newmark understands that Edwards is shopping the market and "has no issue with him engaging in discussions." Now the challenge for Roush comes in offering the most competitive package for Edwards and his future. At the same time, Newmark has the challenge of locking up Roush sponsors Aflac, UPS and Crown Royal. Newmark locked down both 3M and Greg Biffle for a multi-year deal in April. Newmark is not actively seeking a replacement for Edwards -- yet. With Trevor Bayne and Ricky Stenhouse in the pipeline, there's really no need to.(Fox Sports)(6-19-2011)
UPDATE 2: #99-Carl Edwards on Friday again declined comment on his contract status, as he has throughout the year. Edwards is in the final year of his contract with Roush Fenway Racing, and the team is also negotiating contract extensions with all of its primary sponsors except 3M, which has signed a multi-year deal to remain with the team and Greg Biffle. "As far as my contract status, it is the same as the beginning of the year," Edwards said Friday morning at Infineon Raceway. "We are working hard on it and we do all that stuff behind closed doors. We are making progress and hopefully we will be able to tell you guys what my plan is soon." Asked about the oft-repeated rumors that he would go to Joe Gibbs Racing next year to replace Joey Logano, Edwards added, "I have heard rumors about all different teams for the last two years. The thing I am going to do is keep working on it and working on it privately. I think that is the best way for me."(SPEED)(6-25-2011)
UPDATE 3: Speculation about #99-Carl Edwards raged through in the NASCAR garage throughout the weekend, with unconfirmed reports that the stock car racing star - now back atop the Sprint Cup standings after Sunday's New Hampshire 301 - could definitely be heading to the Joe Gibbs Toyota operation next season and leaving Jack Roush's Ford operation. No one would say much at all on the record about the Edwards situation. However, it appears something is changing, or has changed. Just what, if anything, isn't clear. And yet still there was little more than more silence Sunday. No one involved was leaping into deny or confirm anything. Part of the speculation involves sponsorship possibilities. Edwards is considered one of the sport's most attractive drivers from a sponsor's viewpoint. And it is believed that part of the driving factor in the Edwards-Gibbs possibility could be Home Depot, the home improvement giant which has 'lost' five straight NASCAR championships to arch-rival Lowe's and #48-Jimmie Johnson.(MikeMulhern.net)(7-18-2011)
UPDATE 4: Interviewed on ESPN's NASCAR Now on Monday, Edwards said he has not made a decision on where to drive next year and he continues to want to keep contract negotiations private.(7-18-2011)

Edwards named 2nd Quarter Driver of the Year: #99-Carl Edwards was hot while it was still cool in the spring. As a result Edwards was voted the 2d quarter Driver of the Year 2011. Edwards who led the NASCAR Sprint Cup series, in the quarter ending June 26, was victorious in the All-Star race at Charlotte Motor Speedway, and won three races in NASCAR's Nationwide series. In the voting Edwards took eight first-place ballots and totaled 98- points according to the Driver of the Year points system. The panel voted across the broad spectrum of professional racing with the NHRA's Del Worsham taking second place with 88 points and five first place votes. IndyCar's Scotland-born, Dario Franchitti, was third in the voting with 80 points and two first-place votes. Anyone driving on four wheels in US-based series or any American racing, globally on four wheels, is eligible, a total of 21 drivers scored points in the first quarter voting. In its' 45th year, the Driver of the Year title is unique. A panel of 21 leading journalists from across the U.S. determines the winner. In quarterly voting, points are awarded on a declining 9, 6, 4,3,2,1 basis. Edwards will receive a trophy and a Tissot wristwatch later this year.(DOTY)(7-8-2011)

Carl Edwards honored by Little Leaguers: #99-Carl Edwards received the Orange City, Fla., Little League All-Star team's best pitch Friday at Daytona International Speedway. The squad, which is comprised of 11 and 12-year old boys and girls, presented Edwards with a baseball autographed by the entire team and, along with Subway Guy Jared Fogle, posed for photos as part of activities leading up to the evening's Subway Jalapeno 250, where the All-Star team was serving as race grand marshals. Edwards also showcased his autograph baseball that is part of the "Subway Baseball DeSIGNS tour," a unique charitable travel exhibit of baseballs designed by kids and autographed by celebrities. Each baseball will be auctioned off at the end of the tour in August with all proceeds benefitting the Little League Baseball Urban Initiative. Fans can see all of the baseball designs at subwaykids.com.(Catalyst)(7-2-2011)

Different look for Edwards at Daytona: The #99 Ford of Carl Edwards will have Subway as the primary sponsor at Daytona for the second of three races this season (Roush Fenway Racing), see images of the scheme on the #99 Team Schemes Page.(6-30-2011)

Edwards and McDowell doing double duty: Carl Edwards will leave his #60 Nationwide Mustang to Roush performance Continental Tire Challenge Series driver Billy Johnson on Friday for all its Road America practice, while Edwards practices and qualifies his #99 at Infineon Raceway. Edwards' Cup car will sit silent on Saturday and he's told his team no one else can drive it while he goes to Wisconsin for his qualifying, sponsor appearances and the Bucyrus 200. Michael McDowell will first go to Road America for the opportunity to win the Nationwide race driving JGR's #18 typically wielded by Kyle Busch. While he's there, Cup owner Phil Parsons said K&N Pro Series West driver David Mayhew -- who's had some opportunities with Kevin Harvick Inc., will practice and qualify Parsons' #66, which McDowell will race on Sunday.(NASCAR.com)(6-24-2011)

Roush supportive of Childress: Jack Roush drew a few laughs after his team's NASCAR Nationwide victory, when he was asked his view of the fine handed down to fellow owner Richard Childress. Childress was fined $150,000 earlier this month for an altercation with Kyle Busch at Kansas Speedway. Childress was upset that Busch bumped into Joey Coulter on the cool-down lap after a race. "It was pretty high," Roush said about the fine. "I guess that pretty much puts the nail in the coffin of, 'Have at it, guys.' Maybe that was a boy and a man. I am not sure. Maybe that is different than the boys having at it. Kyle has been pretty rough on my cars over a period of time and for Richard to stand up for himself was OK," Roush said.(Associated Press)(6-19-2011)

UPS On The Move? Now that Kasey Kahne has Farmers Insurance as his primary sponsor for the majority of races next season, it eliminates one of the potential candidates for the UPS sponsorship. UPS is one of the top sponsors in the sport left to make its decision on where it will be in 2012. Its contract ends this year with Roush Fenway Racing and driver #6-David Ragan. Roush Fenway still needs to sign #99-Carl Edwards, and that could result in him wearing the UPS colors next season along with Aflac, depending on how much money each company wants to fork over for the current series points leader. That wouldn't be the preferable scenario for Roush Fenway but might be the only way it can keep Edwards in the organization. Another possibility for UPS would be #33-Clint Bowyer, whose personality would be a good fit with the company. General Mills has yet to re-sign with Richard Childress Racing and Bowyer, whose contract also is up at the end of this year.(Scene Daily)(6-15-2011)

IEG will measure ROO for new Roush sponsors: Roush Fenway Racing [#'s 6,16,17,99] has hired IEG's sponsorship measurement division to provide independent, third-party return-on-objective analysis to new sponsors. The race team and sponsorship analysis company are labeling the new service RoushFenwayOnTrack. IEG has never partnered with a team or property to do similar research in the past. Roush executives hope the service enables sponsors to better evaluate the value of their sponsorships with the race team. Roush will pay for the service from IEG and include it in its sponsorship packages alongside assets such as driver appearances, production days and show car programs. Sponsors will be able to hold independent meetings with IEG to define their objectives and develop measurement tools to track their sponsorship's performance. IEG will share the results with the partner. Four of Roush's major NASCAR Sprint Cup partners were up for renewal this season. 3M [#16 ]is the only one to renew to date, and IEG measurement services weren't included in the deal. The team remains in negotiations with Diageo's Crown Royal [#17], Aflac [#99] and UPS [#6].(Sports Business Journal)(6-13-2011)

Latest on Edwards contract status: Sprint All-Star Race winner, #99-Carl Edwards, contract expires at the end of the season. After Saturday's victory, both the driver and his boss said little about where talks stand for 2012 and beyond.
"All I'll say about that is we're running really well right now and it's because of Jack Roush and Ford and all these people's hard work, and those talks are going on behind closed doors," said Edwards. "We'll hopefully get something done, but right now we're running well and that is fun and what I'm trying to do is focus on that because we have a championship to win this year. That's the number one goal."
"We're trying to maintain the focus on keeping our season together," said Roush Fenway Racing founder and co-owner Jack Roush. "We want to put ourselves in the best situation we can to make a championship run, to be in the top 10 and then to make a championship run in the closing months of the year. It's going on behind closed doors. With some accuracy I say I really don't do the money and I try to stay out of the money part of it, but I will have to pay attention to this deal as it gets closer, but it's not something we're gonna debate or discuss in the public. It's not a media issue, it's a private business issue that's ongoing."(SPEED)(5-23-2011)

Carl Edwards wins the All Star Race: #99-Carl Edwards won the Sprint All-Star race at Charlotte Motor Speedway, winning over $1 million. It is Edward's 1st All-Star race win and Roush Fenway Racing's 5th win. #18-Busch finished second followed by #00-Reutimann, #14-Stewart, #16-Biffle, #17-Kenseth, #11-Hamlin, #6-Ragan (who won the Sprint Showdown), #29-Harvick, and #39-Newman. Biffle won the first segment of the race, but Edwards won the final 3. The final 10 lap segment went green the whole way. There were 5 cautions for 6 laps and 8 lead changes among 4 leaders. The announced attendance was 130,000.
See race results, awards and notes on my All-Star / Sprint Showdown Results page.(5-21-2011)

Edwards Nashville guitar raises $20k: After winning the Nationwide race at Nashville Superspeedway last month, Carl Edwards decided to auction off his Sam Bass-painted Gibson guitar trophy with the funds raised going to benefit the family of Roush Fenway employee Jonathan Bunting, who passed away in an automobile accident. When the auction closed late Sunday [May 8th] night the guitar and one of a kind Sam Bass sketch sold for $20,400. The winning bid came from Sedalia, Mo., which is located approximately 70 miles from Edwards' hometown of Columbia, Mo. In addition to the auction proceeds, Roush Fenway employees, drivers and sponsors contributed over $30,000 to the Bunting family. "Jonathan was a hard working young man with a young family and all of us together are going to use the money we raised to help out his family; that includes his wife and two young children," Edward said. "Nothing we do can bring back Jonathan, but we want his family to know that we are thinking of them and that we want to help - if even in a small way - during this difficult time."(Roush Fenway Racing)(5-15-2011)

Roush Fenway to Host Annual Spring Fan Day Event: Matt Kenseth, Carl Edwards, Greg Biffle, David Ragan, Trevor Bayne, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. & Jack Roush are scheduled to sign autographs as part of Roush Fenway Racing's 2011 Fan Day event on Thursday, May 26, 2011 at its corporate headquarters in Concord, North Carolina. Fans are invited to participate in an array of activities that kick off with autograph sessions by all seven Roush Fenway drivers and legendary team owner Jack Roush. In addition, Sirius NASCAR Radio will broadcast live on site and Roush Fenway will host its second annual fan tweet up at the event, featuring RickyvsTrevor.com. Autograph sessions are as follows:
11:30am -- Trevor Bayne, Carl Edwards, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Jack Roush
12:30pm -- Matt Kenseth, Greg Biffle and David Ragan
Tickets for both autograph sessions are limited and will be distributed on a first come, first serve basis beginning at 8:00am/et on the day of the event. In addition to the above activities, fans will be able to tour the Roush Fenway museum, shop in the store and peruse a variety of displays from Aflac, Scotts, Kellogg's, Avon and Blackwell Angus. There will also be live music performed by Luke Kauffman, as well as food and drink vendors so fans are encouraged to make a day of the festivities. Roush Fenway Racing address is; 4600 Roush Place, Concord, NC. For more information, visit the Roush Fenway Racing website.(5-14-2011)

Congrats: Carl Edwards' wife Kate gave birth Wednesday to their second child, a son named Michael. He weighed 8 pounds, 6 ounces. Mother and baby are doing well.(5-6-2011)

Roush-Edwards contract discussions continue: Roush Fenway Racing president Steve Newmark said discussions also continue with Carl Edwards, who is the only Roush driver not signed beyond 2011. The team's deal with AFLAC, the primary sponsor of Edwards' #99 Ford, also is up after this season. Roush recently announced extensions concurrently with Greg Biffle and sponsor 3M. It's expected the contract for Edwards would be done the same way. "The way NASCAR has evolved a little bit is sponsor and driver contracts aren't done in isolation," Newmark said. "They're connected. The driver salary is directly dependent on the sponsor dollars coming in, so that dictates all of it. We've had discussions with AFLAC as well, similar to what we did with 3M and Greg. You try to match everything up; it's putting the pieces of a puzzle together. We continue to have continuous discussions and remain cautiously optimistic about getting a deal done."(USA Today)(5-1-2011)

The Aflac Duck gets a new voice: Following a month-long search that included celebrities, actors, professional voice over artists and individuals from the general public, Aflac today introduced 36 year-old Dan McKeague of Hugo, Minnesota, a suburb of Minneapolis, as the new voice of the Aflac Duck. The married father of three submitted his audition online and was informed that he had been selected after a review of more than 12,500 live and online auditions. McKeague will make his vocal debut immediately in Aflac's latest commercial titled Pigeon, wherein the Aflac Duck represents insurance coverage that includes major medical and Aflac, while a pigeon represents coverage that includes only major medical coverage without the financial protection of Aflac. Aflac is a primary sponsor for Carl Edwards in the #99 Roush Fenway Racing Ford.(Roush Racing)(4-30-2011)

With Biffle signed, Roush will now focus on Edwards: With #16-Greg Biffle now signed to a new three-year contract, Roush Fenway Racing will turn its focus to retaining Sprint Cup points leader #99-Carl Edwards. Roush Fenway president Steve Newmark said on Sunday he is cautiously optimistic a deal can be reached with Edwards, the biggest free agent on the NASCAR market. He hopes the deal can be reached before mid-summer. Edwards is free to talk to other teams. Sources said he has visited with Joe Gibbs Racing, which would have to expand to a fourth team to accommodate such an addition. But most in the garage believe Edwards will re-sign with Roush Fenway, the team he has driven for since his Sprint Cup career began in 2004. Biffle is among those who are confident that Edwards will remain his teammate.(ESPN.com)(4-18-2011)

Stenhouse on standby for Edwards: Babies don't always wait for races to finish. #99- Carl Edwards' wife is pregnant with the couple's second child and is due this month. Not wanting to miss the moment, Edwards has a plan in place so he could leave Sunday's NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Talladega at a moment's notice. Roush Fenway Racing has Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. on standby to take over in case the driver of the 99 car splits to be at his wife's side. (Fox Sports)(4-17-2011)

Drivers to star in A&E's "The Glades": On April 11-12, Homestead-Miami Speedway hosted Arts & Entertainment Television Network for filming of its police-drama "The Glades" and the episode will air later this summer. A cast and crew of more than 250 turned Homestead-Miami Speedway into an outdoor TV studio for a taping of "The Glades" second season. Homestead-Miami Speedway played itself as the host of NASCAR's series-crowning finales during Ford Championship Weekend featuring Carl Edwards, Tony Stewart, Brian Vickers and Joey Logano. The garage area and the 1.5 mile Homestead-Miami Speedway functioned as a movie set for this summer's "Moonlighting" episode. A&E Network summarizes its TV hit this way: "THE GLADES" is a one-hour drama featuring actor Matt Passmore who plays "Jim Longworth," a sly Chicago cop who relocates to a slower-paced small town in Florida where the sun shines, the golf is plentiful, and the crime less ubiquitous, so he thinks. In this episode, when Longworth investigates a NASCAR-related murder, he goes head to head with NASCAR's top drivers, and takes a few laps around the track.(HMS)(4-14-2011)

Edwards in no hurry for new contract: #99-Carl Edwards isn't in a hurry to negotiate a new contract with Roush Fenway Racing or any other Sprint Cup organization. You can't blame him. Edwards is leading the Cup standings after Sunday's sixth-place finish at Auto Club Speedway. He's won three of the past seven races dating back to last season, and with a little luck could have won six. "The biggest thing I don't want to do is mess anything up by focusing too much on that," Edwards said. "We all work very hard to be in the exact position we are in right now. I don't want to mess that up by focusing on the contract right now. I am leaving it alone for right now," Edwards said. "We will just see what happens." As long as Edwards continues on this run he will maintain a huge bargaining edge. He's by far the most sought-after free agent, and in tough economic times when most drivers with new deals are taking huge cuts he is in position to perhaps maintain.(ESPN.com)(3-28-2011)

Part owner of Roush Fenway changes name: The parent company that owned the Boston Red Sox, Liverpool FC and half of Roush Fenway Racing has changed its name to Fenway Sports Group. The umbrella group owned primarily by John W. Henry and Tom Werner was formerly known as New England Sports Ventures. Company officials said it was assuming a new corporate name to better reflect its reach into NASCAR and English Premier League soccer. Fenway Sports Group had been the name of NESV's marketing arm. It will now go by Fenway Sports Management.(Associated Press)(3-23-2011)

Edwards wins at Las Vegas: #99-Carl won the Kobalt Tools 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway for his 1st win of 2011 and the 19th win of his career. He took the lead by taking two tires during green flag pit stops near the end of the race. #14-Stewart, who dominated most of the race and lost the lead by taking 4 tires during his final pit, finished 2nd, followed by #42-Montoya, #9-Ambrose, #39-Newman, #56-Truex, Jr., #11-Hamlin, #88-Earnhardt, Jr., #22-Busch, and #83-Vickers. Pole sitter #17-Kenseth cut a tire early and battled back to finish 11th. Point leader coming into the race, #18-Kurt Busch lost an engine. He finished 38th.
Stewart and Kurt Busch now share the points lead with 113 points. They are 7 points ahead of #14-Stewart & #42-Montoya.
There were 21 lead changes among 14 leaders with 7 cautions for 35 laps.
See race results, awards and more on the Las Vegas Race Results page.
For points standings, see the Drivers Points Standings page and the Owners Points Standings page.(3-6-2011)

Should drivers communicate with each other during races? UPDATE: Drivers were able to communicate with non-teammates for the first time during the Daytona 500, which added an intriguing element to NASCAR's biggest race. Because there was a need for two-car tandems to work together while the race was going on, many drivers set their radios up so they could speak with their competitors. But some drivers believe the practice should be banned. "I think NASCAR should step in on drivers getting on other teams' radios," #22-Kurt Busch said. "... We shouldn't be able to communicate with radios." #5-Mark Martin had only four drivers among his options for chatting: His three teammates and #43-AJ Allmendinger. But the veteran agreed with Busch, saying he hopes his competitors "clean the radios up." #27-Paul Menard said he had 12 different drivers on his radio during the Daytona 500 - and was just fine with continuing the practice for future restrictor-plate races if NASCAR doesn't pass a rule against it. #99-Carl Edwards backed the open radio communication between drivers based on safety reasons, calling it "necessary."(SB Nation)(2-26-2011)
UPDATE: According to Mike Mulhern, "NASCAR's Robin Pemberton says no changes planned for radio rules for Talladega April 17th.(3-6-2011)

Edwards, Busch talk about Phoenix accident: #99-Carl Edwards said Friday he's over his anger toward #18-Kyle Busch for the accident that wrecked Edwards' car at Phoenix. Edwards started from the pole last week and believed he had a car capable of winning the race until early contact from Busch wrecked his Ford. Edwards fell to a 28th-place finish, while Busch went on to finish second. The two talked about the incident in Las Vegas, Edwards said. "I give him a lot of credit for coming over and talking to me and I think we will be fine," Edwards said, adding that Busch claimed he tried several times to call Edwards during the week, but had an old number. Busch has apologized repeatedly for causing the accident.(Associated Press/ESPN.com)(3-5-2011)

Valvoline renews oil partnership with Roush Fenway: Roush Fenway Racing and Valvoline, two organizations with long histories of excellence in automotive performance, announced an extension of their NASCAR partnership. Valvoline, the leading innovator and supplier of quality, high-performing automotive products, will continue to be the exclusive motor oil provider for Roush Fenway Racing and all of its NASCAR entries. Valvoline and Roush Fenway Racing are used to finding victory lane in NASCAR competition. In 14 seasons as the team's official motor oil, Valvoline has played an integral role in 46 Roush Fenway Sprint Cup Series victories. In 2011, the relationship continues into its 15th season.(Roush Fenway)(3-3-2011)

Raybestos signs on with Roush Fenway Racing: Roush Fenway Racing announced a multi-year marketing partnership with Raybestos that will see its four NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams run Raybestos brake packages, beginning with short track and road course events in 2011. While Raybestos has provided Roush Fenway with brakes for many of its 291 NASCAR wins and five NASCAR championships, 2011 marks the beginning of a larger technical and marketing partnership. "We had a very successful test with the Raybestos brakes last year, and the feedback from all of our drivers was very positive," said team owner Jack Roush. "This is the first time as an organization that we've designated a single supplier to meet all of our needs - and I think that speaks volumes about the quality products that Raybestos is producing." Roush Fenway will run Raybestos Sprint Cup short track and road course brake packages, including Raybestos legendary high-friction racing brake pads. The ultra-lightweight aluminum alloy Raybestos six-piston calipers are the stiffest and lightest calipers available in NASCAR.(RFR)(3-2-2011)

Forbes names most valuable NASCAR teams & highest paid drivers: The weak economy has pummeled NASCAR over the past three years, with sponsorships, merchandise sales, race winnings and subsidies from automakers falling. Fans have tuned out, sending TV ratings down 24% since 2006 and leaving more than 40,000 empty seats at some races last year. One of its longest-tenured teams, Richard Petty Motorsports, was scrambling for cash on a week-to-week basis so it could race on weekends last fall. Is NASCAR headed for a full-blown meltdown? Hardly. Yes, the value of the top 10 teams slid 5% in 2010, on average, to $136 million by [Forbes] count, as prize money dropped and sponsors dialed back their commitment, but a rebound in 2011 for the sport is a strong possibility. NASCAR's strongest and most valuable team remains Hendrick Motorsports. With a valuation of $350 million on revenues of $177 million in 2010, Hendrick is worth 56% more than the next-highest-grossing team, Roush Fenway Racing, which [Forbes] value at $224 million on revenues of $140 million last year. Hendrick earned a NASCAR-high $18 million in operating income (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) in 2010. Richard Childress Racing was third on the list, followed by Joe Gibbs Racing and Penske Racing. Rounding out the top 10: Stewart-Haas, Michael Waltrip Racing, Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing, Richard Petty Motorsports, and Red Bull Racing.
AND: Despite his lack of success in recent years on the track, Dale Earnhardt Jr. remains NASCAR's highest-paid driver, earning $29 million in 2010 thanks to merchandise sales that are the best in the sport and reportedly account for one-third of all NASCAR licensed merchandise sales. Other income streams include an annual salary from Hendrick and a 50% share of his $4.9 million in winnings and bonuses in 2010 from Sprint Cup races. Earnhardt also has a bevy of personal endorsements, including Chevrolet, Nationwide and Wrangler. Hendrick teammate Jeff Gordon follows Earnhardt in the NASCAR money standings with earnings of $25 million last year. It is a clean sweep for Hendrick at the top with five-time Sprint Cup champion Jimmie Johnson, the third-highest-paid driver at $24 million. The rest of the top 10: Tony Stewart, Kevin Harvick, Carl Edwards, Kyle Busch, Kasey Kahne, Denny Hamlin, and Matt Kenseth.(Forbes)(2-24-2011)

Edward to jump off the Stratosphere: #99-Carl Edwards, winner of Las Vegas Motor Speedway's 2008 Sprint Cup race, will be in Las Vegas on Thursday for appearances in advance of the Kobalt Tools 400. Part of his schedule during the afternoon includes a jump at Sky Jump Las Vegas. The skyjump is best described as a "controlled freefall." Lucky adrenaline junkies and average Joes alike, will have the opportunity to plummet 855 feet at a scream-inducing speed of up to 40 mph - all while enjoying breathtaking views of the world famous Las Vegas Strip. SkyJump Las Vegas will offer a way to experience thrills similar to skydiving and base jumping - with the added benefit of doing it over the Las Vegas Strip - day or night.(Las Vegas Motor Speedway)(2-24-2011)

Edwards wants to move forward with contract renewal: UPDATE: Name your price. That's what Carl Edwards is in position to do as the highest-profile free agent in Sprint Cup racing. That notion, however, runs contrary to Edwards' desire to wrap up contract talks quickly and decisively, the way he did in 2008 when he announced an agreement with owner Jack Roush on May 2, put contract questions to rest and concentrated on driving the #99 Ford. "I'd like to be able to get it done, so that we can just keep focused on winning, and that's the most important thing," Edwards told Sporting News on Wednesday during a Sprint Cup media tour stop at the Roush Fenway hangar at Concord airport. Doubtless Edwards will test the market, and he'll choose his next ride - or decide to stay at Roush Fenway - based on the situation he believes will provide the best opportunity for success.(Sporting News)(1-28-2011)
UPDATE: Team co-owner Jack Roush did not mince words when it came his driver lineup beyond 2011. Carl Edwards, Greg Biffle and David Ragan are all up for renewal. Roush "expects" all three drivers to return. "Preliminary discussions are underway with David, with Carl and with Greg and last year we made a decision going forward with Matt," Roush said. "But Jack Roush is not front-line when negotiating with the drivers. I try to keep my focus and my attention on the drivers not based on competitive, commercial interest but on the things that we can do cooperatively to improve our competition prospects on the racetrack. "The fact is I don't know what the windows are for negotiations for our drivers, I don't need to know because Steve Newman and the other people in his area are looking into that. When I need to sign something or make an approval for an agreement that's on the table, they'll bring it to me. Until then I'm blissfully ignorant of what's going (on)." With mediocre results, Ragan's future will be predicated on performance.(Fox Sports)(1-28-2011)

Roush adjusting to life with one eye: Jack Roush took a good ribbing at the end of last season about being "one-eyed Jack." Well, now he in a way is back to two eyes. Roush lost the vision in his left eye in a July 27 plane crash. He had a prosthetic eye put in around Thanksgiving. "My prosthetic eye is doing very well," Roush said Thursday during the Sprint Media Tour. "I haven't had any infection from it, I haven't had any problem of any kind with it. Nine days ago, I had some cosmetic surgery so I've still got a little swelling for that," Roush said. "I've had no complication at all from any of the surgeries I had. I sleep well. My corrected vision with my reading glasses is 20/15 and I've adjusted to having one eye as well as [I could]."(Scene Daily)(1-28-2011)

Congrats: Jack Roush announced Thursday during the Charlotte Media Tour that the wives of #99-Carl Edwards, #16-Greg Biffle, and #17-Matt Kenseth are all expecting babies this year.(1-27-2011)
UPDATE: Greg Biffle tweeted Thursday: "Its a girl!!!! Barbie doll not a fishing rod"
AND: Edwards' is due around Darlington week in May.
AND: Kenseth's baby is due in late April, Biffle's on July 10.(Scene Daily)(1-27-2010)

Roush Fenway partners with Navistar: Roush Fenway Racing has announced a multi-year organization-wide partnership with Navistar. The agreement will see all Roush Fenway haulers transported to all tests and races behind Navistar's International LoneStar Series Diesel Trucks.(Roush Fenway Racing)(1-27-2011)

Edwards to appear in HBO mini-series: #99-Carl Edwards has been cast in HBO's forthcoming Civil War mini-series, "To Appomattox", as General John B. Gordon, a Confederate General selected by Robert E. Lee to surrender the Army of Northern Virginia. The real Gordon became one of the two authors of "Honor Answering Honor" and, by this gesture, returned the private Southern soldier to the Union with respect and dignity. The series centers around the final battle of the Civil War and stars Michael C. Hall (Dexter) as General Ulysses S. Grant, William Petersen (CSI) as General William Tecumseh Sherman, Paul Giamatti (John Adams) as James "Pete" Longstreet and Bill Paxton (Big Love) as Stonewall Jackson (NASCAR Examiner), the series is in discussions with additional NASCAR affiliated drivers to play other featured roles.(12-20-2010)

Roush Fenway Racing names new President: Roush Fenway Racing has announced that Steve Newmark has been named president of its multi-car racing organization. Newmark will succeed Geoff Smith in the position; Smith is retiring at the end of December after serving in the role for the previous 13 years. Newmark, who previously was a shareholder at the law firm of Robinson, Bradshaw and Hinson, joined the organization as senior vice president of business operations in April. He brings an innovative skill set and fresh approach, highlighted by extensive NASCAR and outside sports and entertainment experience, to the position. "We are excited about Steve coming on board as our president," said Roush Fenway owner Jack Roush. "Steve has a solid background working in all areas of sports and brings new ideas and insight into our organization. Importantly, he has been part of the Roush Fenway family for many years, beginning as outside counsel and then as head of our business operations this year. Geoff Smith did an outstanding job of running the business affairs of our company for the past 20 years and we could not have done this without him. Geoff's leadership has set the bar high and we believe that Steve is the right person to ensure that we remain a leader in the marketplace and in the garage. Since his arrival, I've been extremely pleased with his business acumen, work ethic and his desire to engage in all aspects of our business. We are certainly excited to move forward with Steve at the helm."(Roush Fenway Racing)(12-20-2010)

Kyle Busch the dirtiest competitor in NASCAR history?: the website Complex Media listed the 50 dirtiest athletes in sports history. And two NASCAR drivers are on the list. #18-Kyle Busch ranked 38th (ahead of Mike Tyson who was 40th) and highest among NASCAR competitors. The website noted Busch's recent episode where he flipped off an official during a race, the guitar-smashing episode after winning the Nashville Nationwide race and other things. One other competitor from NASCAR made the list. #99-Carl Edwards was #48. He earned the ranking for wrecking Brad Keselowski at Atlanta in the spring. With no other NASCAR drivers listed, that would make Edwards the second dirtiest competitor in NASCAR history, according to this list.(Virginian Pilot)(12-16-2010)

Roush cuts jobs: ith its Nationwide program contracting and the need for fabricators shrinking, Roush Fenway Racing has decided to lay off as many as 60 employees, a source close to the situation told Sporting News. Roush will run three Nationwide teams next year, full-time entries for #60-Carl Edwards and #16-Trevor Bayne and what the company hopes will be a full-time ride for 2010 series rookie of the year #6-Ricky Stenhouse Jr., pending sponsorship. Roush ran four full-time Nationwide cars in 2010. In addition, with Roush affiliate Richard Petty Motorsports contracting from four teams to two next year, Roush is overstaffed when it comes to building the cars it supplies to RPM.(Sporting News), other teams that have laid off employee's recently include Richard Petty Motorsports and Penske Racing.(12-4-2010)

Edwards competing in Race of Champions UPDATE: #99-Carl Edwards is in Dusseldorf, Germany this weekend driving in the Race of Champions, a competition matching drivers from an assortment of countries and disciplines. Edwards and extreme/action sports driver Travis Pastrana, 11 times a gold medalist in the X Games, will team to represent the United States against such drivers as Formula One champion Sebastian Vettel, former F1 champ Michael Schumacher, World Rally king Sebastien Loeb and Le Mans winner Tom Kristensen. Competition is scheduled Saturday and Sunday on a purpose-built stadium course in Dusseldorf. The drivers will race on parallel tracks with a crossover bridge that results in each driver traveling the same distance after two laps. Pastrana has signed a deal with Michael Waltrip Racing to run several Nationwide Series races next year. "I'm going with Travis Pastrana, so I'll be curious to talk to him a little bit about that," Edwards said. "He's a wild man. I think that will be good for him to come here. Hopefully, he does well. We go over there, and I get to see a country I've never seen. I get to race against guys like Michael Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel and Sebastien Loeb  he's amazing. That'll be fun." Edwards left the U.S. Thursday after enjoying Thanksgiving with his family and is scheduled to return Tuesday so he can be in Las Vegas for next week's Champion's Week activities. In Dusseldorf, the drivers will compete in a variety of cars, including the Porsche 911, the Audi R8 LMS and the Volkswagen Scirocco. Edwards also raced in the ROC in 2008 in London. Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon also have represented the U.S. in the event, which crowns individual and team champions.(SPEED)(11-27-2010)
UPDATE: World champion Sebastian Vettel was stunned by former Red Bull young driver Filipe Albuquerque, who emerged a surprise winner of the Race of Champions in Dusseldorf. The annual event, which pits stars from across the world of motorsport, has never been won by a current F1 driver, and that trend continued when Vettel was beaten by the former GP2 driver in the semi-finals. Vettel had won the battle of the F1 drivers, knocking out Michael Schumacher in the quarter-finals in front of their home crowd. The pair had raced together to claim victory for Germany in the Nations Cup on Saturday, but Vettel took the bragging rights when he progressed to the last four (ESPNF1)
AND Spins in heats helped Alain Prost, Travis Pastrana, Tanner Foust and Mick Doohan to early exits. Also eliminated before the quarter finals were Carl Edwards, Jason Plato and Jeroen Bleekemolen (Racer)
QUOTES Carl Edwards: "I did the best I could. Thanks to all the fans for coming out here; it has been a fun event and I have enjoyed it. I just needed to win something! The issue is I race on lots bigger tracks than this but I should still be able to pick it up. I got a good run in my second race but had a bit of trouble on the last lap and lost against Filipe Albuquerque. This event is a challenge because these drivers are very good and everyone is a champion. They are very competitive - everyone is smiling but they are still very competitive."
Travis Pastrana: "In my first race the car stalled, I have no idea why, so I had no chance. I just choked on the last bend of my race against Tom Kristensen, my second race. I took it a bit too easy on the last lap and then pushed too hard on the last turn. Tom's a great driver and I got knocked out but that's the way it goes."(Race of Champions)(11-28-2010)

No major changes planned at Roush: While only two of his four teams made it to victory lane in 2010 and accounted for just four of the season's 36 race wins, team co-owner Jack Roush says he doesn't anticipate wholesale changes within the Roush Fenway Racing organization during the offseason. That doesn't mean there won't be movement, but it's unlikely there will be major changes involving all four of the organization's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams. "We're re-evaluating everybody's job, from crew chiefs to engineers to tire changers for all four of our programs," Roush said Tuesday while attending the Raybestos Rookie of the Year awards luncheon at Charlotte Motor Speedway. "We'll certainly build on the strength we have had, but if we have a weakness or see an opportunity & again, promoting from within whenever possible and generally that is our trademark. We will be looking for ways to improve ourselves." Roush Fenway Racing fields Sprint Cup teams for four drivers  #16-Greg Biffle, #99-Carl Edwards, #17-Matt Kenseth and #6-David Ragan. Biffle, Edwards and Kenseth qualified for NASCAR's Chase For The Sprint Cup while Ragan finished 24th in points.
Kenseth's team was one of two for Roush Fenway that had notable personnel changes take place during the season. After starting the year with crew chief Drew Blickensderfer, Todd Parrott was named crew chief following the Daytona 500. In June, veteran Jimmy Fennig replaced Parrott. Ragan finished outside the top 20 in points for the second consecutive year after finishing 13th in 2008. His team also saw a change in crew chiefs during the year as Blickensderfer returned to the top of the pit box in September, replacing Donnie Wingo. There could be changes to members of the pit crews. As for his organization's Nationwide Series program, Roush said he hopes to field three teams in 2011  for Edwards, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Trevor Bayne.(SceneDaily)(11-28-2010)

Edwards' #99 Team Scores Twice in Season Finale: It was a double win for the #99 team with Carl Edwards winning Sunday's (Nov. 21) Ford 400 Sprint Cup race and his crew capturing the Tissot Pit Road Precision Award win in the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Edwards' #99 Aflac Ford Fusion spent the least amount of time on pit road during the 400-lap race  278.260 seconds. The quick work on pit road helped Edwards win his second consecutive Cup race. The #99 pit crew consists of: Kale Uphoff (front-tire changer), Jeremy Dyer (front-tire carrier), Dwayne Ogles (rear-tire changer), Jody Fortson (rear-tire carrier), Dennis Killian (jackman), Joe Karasinski (gasman) and Norm Lowe (catch can). The team's crew chief is Bob Osborne and the pit crew coach is Andy Ward.(Tissot), see standings and race-by-race winners on the 2010 Pit Crew News page.(11-24-2010)

Edwards wins at Homestead; Johnson wins the Championship: #99-Carl Edwards won the FORD 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Homestead-Miami Speedway for his 2nd win of 2010 and 18th win of his career. #48-Jimmie Johnson won the 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Championship by 36 points over #29-Kevin Harvick. It is Johnson FIFTH Championship, only the third driver in NASCAR Sprint Cup Series history to do so.
#48-Johnson finished second followed by #29-Harvick, #9-Almirola [his 1st career top 5), $43-Allmendinger, #83-Kahne, #39-Newman, #14-Stewart, #17-Kenseth and #16-Biffle. Points leader going in to the race, #11-Hamlin finished 14th and fell to 3rd in the points standings.
There were 22 lead changes among 8; 10 cautions for 41 yellow flag laps. The attendance was reported at 67,000 down a tad from last year's 70,000.
Scheduled Race Re-Airs are on ESPN2, Monday, November 22 at 2:30am/et and on SPEED, Wednesday, November 17 at 2:30pm/et.
See race results, awards, laps led and more on Jayski's Homestead Race Results/Awards page.(11-21-2010)

Edwards wins at Phoenix: #99-Carl Edwards won the Kobalt Tools 500k Sprint Cup Series race at Phoenix International Raceway from the pole for his 1st win of 2010, 1st win in 70 races and 17th win of his career. #39-Newman finished second followed by #20-Logano, #16-Biffle, #48-Johnson, #29-Harvick, #17-Kenseth, #5-Martin, #2-Busch and #1-McMurray (who was the Lucky Dog twice). Points leader, #11-Hamlin, led the most laps but had to pit for gas late in the race and finished 12th and holds on to the points lead by 15 points over four-time champ #48-Johnson.
There were 13 lead changes among 6 drivers and 5 cautions for 25 yellow flag laps. The attendance was reported at 75,000 down from last year's 90,000. The purse was $4,998,285 down from $5,136,375 in 2009
Scheduled Race Re-Airs are on ESPN2, Monday, November 15 at 2:30am/et and on SPEED, Wednesday, November 17 at 12:00pm/et
See race results, awards, laps led and more on Jayski's Phoenix Race Results/Awards page.
See drivers championship points standings on Jayski's Drivers Points Standings page.(11-14-2010)

Edwards wins with FR9 Engine, will run all races in 2011: Carl Edwards' Ford Fusion has been on an impressive winning streak, earning front row starting positions and capturing the win in the last two Nationwide Series races. Edward's also qualified on the pole during this week's Sprint Cup Series race at Phoenix International Raceway and swept the weekend by winning the Kobalt Tools 500. Edwards drives the #99 Aflac Ford Fusion powered by Roush Yates' new FR9 engine. The FR9 is the first Ford purpose-built race engine ever engineered and produced at Roush Yates Engines in Mooresville, NC. The new Ford engine has been integrated slowly into the Sprint Cup Series throughout the second half of the 2010 season with help from Roush Fenway Racing and Richard Petty Motorsports' cars racing the engine intermittently. It has been a remarkable learning period for the FR9, with a total of 5 poles and 3 wins, including Edwards' win this weekend that required both horsepower and efficient fuel mileage to beat Championship contenders Jimmie Johnson and Denny Hamlin. "The new FR9 engine that Ford helped us with certainly was a factor today," said Jack Roush, owner of Roush Fenway Racing. "The fact that we were able to save gas and still have enough speed to maintain position on the race track was all very good. I'm thrilled to be in Victory Lane this weekend." Even though a Championship is out of reach for Ford this year, the FR9 engine has shown an impressive increase in performance and reliability throughout the second half of the 2010 Sprint Cup season. These improvements bring enthusiasm to the Ford Racing and Roush Yates Engines camps, as they plan to run the FR9 in all Ford cars for the full 2011 Sprint Cup Season.
"I'm excited to be running the FR9 in all Fords for the entire 2011 Sprint Cup Season and soon to come for the Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series," said Doug Yates, CEO of Roush Yates Engines. "Carl's win at Phoenix is just another testament to the power Roush Yates' FR9 engine is capable of. Everyone at the engine shop has been working hard to get this engine just right, and we are extremely proud of Roush Fenway Racing and their accomplishments with it this year. I look forward to watching the FR9 race at Ford Championship weekend next week at Homestead, as well as the 2011 Sprint Cup Season."(Roush Yates Engines)(11-15-2010)

Edwards wins at Phoenix: #99-Carl Edwards won the Kobalt Tools 500k Sprint Cup Series race at Phoenix International Raceway from the pole for his 1st win of 2010, 1st win in 70 races and 17th win of his career. #39-Newman finished second followed by #20-Logano, #16-Biffle, #48-Johnson, #29-Harvick, #17-Kenseth, #5-Martin, #2-Busch and #1-McMurray (who was the Lucky Dog twice). Points leader, #11-Hamlin, led the most laps but had to pit for gas late in the race and finished 12th and holds on to the points lead by 15 points over four-time champ #48-Johnson.
There were 13 lead changes among 6 drivers and 5 cautions for 25 yellow flag laps. The attendance was reported at 75,000 down from last year's 90,000. The purse was $4,998,285 down from $5,136,375 in 2009
Scheduled Race Re-Airs are on ESPN2, Monday, November 15 at 2:30am/et and on SPEED, Wednesday, November 17 at 12:00pm/et
See race results, awards, laps led and more on Jayski's Phoenix Race Results/Awards page.
See drivers championship points standings on Jayski's Drivers Points Standings page.(11-14-2010)

Edwards & Crew Help Unveil New Aflac Wingman Bead of Courage: This Sunday, October 10, #99-Carl Edwards and his crew will unveil a special new Aflac Duck Wingman Bead of Courage to show kids with serious illnesses like cancer that they are not alone in their fight against the disease. The new bead is part of the Aflac Duck's 10th birthday celebration. At a press conference scheduled for Friday, October 8, at Auto Club Speedway, Carl will be joined by the Aflac Duck and seven year-old Nolan Blake of Griffin, Ga., a cancer survivor and avid NASCAR fan and recipient of hundreds of courage beads. Race fans will also be treated to a special visit from the Aflac Duck on October 10th, the first time the Aflac Duck has attended a NASCAR race. Edwards and his pit crew will also wear a special Beads of Courage necklace like the ones worn by Nolan at the Aflac Cancer Center in Atlanta. The Aflac Ford Fusion will sport the Beads of Courage logo during the Sprint Cup race at Auto Club Speedway on Sunday.(RFR), for more info on the program and how to donate, see Jayski's NASCAR Racing Charity News and Links page.(10-8-2010)

Roush Fenway Remains a Leader in Sustainablity: Its no secret that Roush Fenway Racing recycles 96 percent of every race car but it's their continued efforts to become more sustainable that is really paying off for the environment. In 2009 the team recycled 65 tons of plastics, metal and paper and implemented small but impactful changes across all its facilities. These efforts helped the team meet its goal of an overall 10 percent improvement in indoor air quality; reduction of water consumption; increase in waste reduction and recycling; and improvement in energy usage over the last year.
In total the team recycled 26,660 pounds of plastic in 2009, up from 12,427 pounds in 2008. The increased number reflects a company-wide education and an increase in the number of items that were recycled beyond drink bottles. The team also recycled 11,335 pounds of paper, down from 19,628 pounds the year before in part because of the efforts to either not print documents or use auto-duplexing.
Additionally, the team has switched to biodegradable soy-based products where practical (instead of harmful chemical degreasers); eliminated Styrofoam cups; switched from 400w bulbs to 360w bulbs; mandated a managed forestry content for all paper, envelopes, etc.; and added additional occupancy sensors in the race and fabrication shops to reduce energy consumption. The effort doesn't stop at the shop though, Roush Fenway is extending its efforts beyond the race team as well.
Roush Fenway is a participant in the Cabarrus Sustainability Council, a joint effort between the Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce and Cabarrus Economic Development that works to promote sustainability through public and private collaborations. Just this week, the Council announced a partnership between local school systems, the business community and local government to bring a comprehensive recycling program to local schools beginning this school year.(RFR)(8-29-2010)