Ford Racing "has gone to what officials call unprecedented measures to help Roush Fenway Racing keep Carl Edwards from going to the Toyota team of Joe Gibbs Racing," according to David Newton of ESPN.com. Ford Racing Communications Dir Kevin Kennedy before yesterday's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Brickyard 400 said, "We've helped out with an offer we have never done before for another driver." 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." Kennedy: "If he's around, it's something that will help him in terms of continuing to promote Ford products." RFR President Steve Newmark acknowledged that Ford "has gone above and beyond to help keep Edwards in the fold." Sources said that Edwards "could earn more than $40 million over three years." However, Newmark said that money "hasn't been a major factor in RFR's negotiations." Edwards "declined on Friday to say whether he has made a decision amid speculation he is headed for JGR to drive the No. 20 currently occupied by Joey Logano with Home Depot and Aflac as his sponsors" (ESPN.com, 7/30). Newmark Saturday said, "We’re waiting for Carl to make his decision. He’s told all of us that he wants to make it soon because he recognizes it’s probably best for everybody involved." He added, "We have not given him an ultimatum and don’t plan to. … (Signing him) is our hope, our intent and our goal." Edwards said Friday, "I’ve heard a lot of different ideas out there. It still remains the same -- I am going to make the decision that’s the best one I can make, and I’m going to do that outside of the media" (SCENEDAILY.com, 7/30).
ENERGY BOOST: Driver Clint Bowyer Friday said that he is "close to signing a new contract to remain at Richard Childress Racing" (SPEEDTV.com, 7/30). FOXSPORTS.com's Lee Spencer reported RCR is "one of three organizations vying for the 5hour Energy sponsorship." Sources said that the sponsor is "fond of Bowyer" (FOXSPORTS.com, 7/29). 5-Hour Energy currently sponsors Steve Wallace in the NASCAR Nationwide Series (THE DAILY).
