#60-Carl Edwards plans to run every race in NASCAR’s second-tier Nationwide Series despite not being able to contend for the championship. NASCAR is changing its rules this year, forcing drivers to select one series in which they will race for a championship. Edwards, though, plans to continue racing both series. He says Thursday that the Nationwide owners’ championship and race victories make it worthwhile. Edwards adds that his plan could change based on “whatever looks best for our Cup program.”(Associated Press/ESPN)(1-20-2011)
UPDATE: When NASCAR released the 2011 license form for drivers, it featured a section where competitors would select a single series to make a title run. Although the conclusion was drawn that current Nationwide Series champ Brad Keselowski and 2007 champ Carl Edwards would not be eligible to earn driver points and contend for the title in that series, as of Thursday afternoon there was no concrete decision by the sanctioning body, according to several sources at Daytona. It appears that Nationwide Insurance, sponsor of NASCAR’s feeder series, supports the inclusion of Keselowski and Edwards for the championship hunt. Track promoters seemed to share the sentiment. Whether or not the sanctioning body grandfathers the two drivers in should be public knowledge by noon Eastern time today.(Fox Sports)(1-21-2011)
UPDATE: NASCAR president Mike Helton confirmed Friday that drivers will be allowed to race for only one championship this season. The rule is designed to prevent Sprint Cup drivers from dominating the second-tier Nationwide Series. Full-time Cup drivers have won the last five Nationwide titles.(Associated Press/ESPN.com)(1-21-2011)
