The AP's Jenna Fryer noted Roush Fenway Racing "can do very little until management knows" if driver Carl Edwards will return next season, creating an "unsettling waiting game considering the organization only has one full-time sponsor signed up for its four cars next season." But how can RFR officials "shop for funding not knowing who the driver of the No. 99 will be?" Joe Gibbs Racing driver Joey Logano is "left twisting in the wind, unsure if Edwards is going to take his No. 20 Toyota from him at JGR." Should that happen, and "that’s believed to be the offer on the table for Edwards, what does JGR plan to do with Logano?" There is "no indication JGR has that piece figured out, as speculation mounts the organization will either shop him for a new fourth team, drop him down to a full-time Nationwide ride or ship him over on loan to another Toyota program" (AP, 8/1).
KING ME: YAHOO SPORTS' Steve Cofield reported UFC fighter Anderson Silva has "signed a deal with Burger King" in his native Brazil. Burger King Brazil Marketing Manager Paul Davis said, "Anderson has a great identity with the brand, is an idol of many audiences, especially young people, our main customers. We believe he has much to contribute to make the new campaign more fun and impacting." Silva's manager, Ed Soares, said, "This is great for Anderson but even better for the sport to show that these sort of companies are starting to come around and see the value of our sport. Everyday we're getting closer to breaking down the barriers" (SPORTS.YAHOO.com, 8/1).
FEET DON'T FAIL ME NOW: In Pennsylvania, Mandy Housenick reported Phillies RF Hunter Pence "didn't have red Reebok spikes (he's paid to wear that brand) when he arrived in town Saturday" following his trade from the Astros, and he was "forced to wear red Nike spikes that he found in the clubhouse that were a half-size too small." Pence said, "They're the only ones I felt a little bit of traction with. (And since) I'm supposed to be wearing Reebok, they're doubly uncomfortable." Before Sunday's game, Phillies assistant trainer Mark Andersen "spent nearly 45 minutes spray-painting his black Reebok spikes red, putting tape over the Reebok emblem as to not ruin it." Pence expects to have a "red pair of spikes sent to him in time" for tonight's game (Allentown MORNING CALL, 8/1).
EDGE OF GLORY: In Melbourne, Ron Reed reported local businessman Gerry Ryan is the "driving force behind the formation of the GreenEDGE team, which intends to become the first Australian pro outfit to fly the flag at the Tour de France next year." Ryan, a "long-time sponsor of cycling and many other sports," still is looking for a "major sponsor to help foot the bill" for his GreenEDGE team. But there does not appear to be "any danger of the project falling for lack of funds," and the timing of Australian cyclist Cadel Evans winning the Tour de France "has been perfect" (Melbourne HERALD SUN, 7/30).
