Carl Edwards is at a crossroads as the NASCAR Sprint Cup series takes a break before next week’s Brickyard 400.
While he’s running in championship contender form, leading the series’ points, his contract with Roush Fenway Racing runs out at the end of the year.
At last week’s New Hampshire International Speedway not only media but fans at a hospitality tent appearance asked the friendly driver where he’s going next year. Edwards told a fan “I don’t know yet.”
In these times of economic downturn where Edwards lands isn’t just a matter of driver’s salary, but, as one month shy of being 32-years old realizes there’s a limited time to run for championships.
At the moment rumors flew in the garage that Edwards was talking to or signed to be the driver of a future fourth team at Joe Gibbs Racing. Of course, Edwards has consistently said that he has not made up his mind yet.
Both RFR and JGR have produced champions, but, that was before Jimmie Johnson’s five-year stranglehold on the Cup. Last year JGR’s Denny Hamlin faded in the closing races of the Chase and Edwards himself was runner up in 2008, but closed out in 11th in 2009, bouncing back to fourth last year.
Both RFR and JGR run in the Nationwide Series so Edwards wouldn’t have to change his desire to race twice on some weekends.
If Edwards leaves RFR that opens up a seat for Brian Vickers who is likely out of a ride if Jay Fry, at Red Bull, cannot put a deal together to keep the team in play after owner Red Bull announced that it was leaving NASCAR.
In the case of the next few drivers, it’s much like Edwards. The decision to go to a new team depends on the likelihood of a Championship run.
Juan Pablo Montoya is in the last year of a deal with Earnhardt Ganassi Racing, and although he gets a new crew chief for the Brickyard, he might be tempted to leave his only NASCAR ride for another team which could get him in the Chase.
Clint Bowyer is still in negotiations with Richard Childress Racing, but, empty seats might have him look around. Bowyer, who coincidentally a mid-westerner like Edwards has a similar personality on and off the track.
Finally, back at RFR, word around the garage is that UPS might not renew unless it sponsors a winning driver. David Ragan’s failure to win the Daytona 500 didn’t help. But, when he came back and won the Coca-Cola 400 at Daytona earlier this month that might be providing him with some job security.
And don’t forget ageless Mark Martin. His contract with Hendrick Motorsports ends this year. Who knows if he desires a full-time or part-time ride for 2012?
While he’s running in championship contender form, leading the series’ points, his contract with Roush Fenway Racing runs out at the end of the year.
At last week’s New Hampshire International Speedway not only media but fans at a hospitality tent appearance asked the friendly driver where he’s going next year. Edwards told a fan “I don’t know yet.”
In these times of economic downturn where Edwards lands isn’t just a matter of driver’s salary, but, as one month shy of being 32-years old realizes there’s a limited time to run for championships.
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| Carl Edwards (Photo: Getty Images for NASCAR) |
At the moment rumors flew in the garage that Edwards was talking to or signed to be the driver of a future fourth team at Joe Gibbs Racing. Of course, Edwards has consistently said that he has not made up his mind yet.
Both RFR and JGR have produced champions, but, that was before Jimmie Johnson’s five-year stranglehold on the Cup. Last year JGR’s Denny Hamlin faded in the closing races of the Chase and Edwards himself was runner up in 2008, but closed out in 11th in 2009, bouncing back to fourth last year.
Both RFR and JGR run in the Nationwide Series so Edwards wouldn’t have to change his desire to race twice on some weekends.
If Edwards leaves RFR that opens up a seat for Brian Vickers who is likely out of a ride if Jay Fry, at Red Bull, cannot put a deal together to keep the team in play after owner Red Bull announced that it was leaving NASCAR.
In the case of the next few drivers, it’s much like Edwards. The decision to go to a new team depends on the likelihood of a Championship run.
Juan Pablo Montoya is in the last year of a deal with Earnhardt Ganassi Racing, and although he gets a new crew chief for the Brickyard, he might be tempted to leave his only NASCAR ride for another team which could get him in the Chase.
Clint Bowyer is still in negotiations with Richard Childress Racing, but, empty seats might have him look around. Bowyer, who coincidentally a mid-westerner like Edwards has a similar personality on and off the track.
Finally, back at RFR, word around the garage is that UPS might not renew unless it sponsors a winning driver. David Ragan’s failure to win the Daytona 500 didn’t help. But, when he came back and won the Coca-Cola 400 at Daytona earlier this month that might be providing him with some job security.
And don’t forget ageless Mark Martin. His contract with Hendrick Motorsports ends this year. Who knows if he desires a full-time or part-time ride for 2012?