NASCAR driver Carl Edwards yesterday said of a rumor that he will join Penske Racing next season, "There's been a lot of talk about me driving the 22 car. That's impossible. First of all, I haven't discussed that with anyone ever. And, two, I am contracted to drive the 99 car." Edwards added that he addressed the issue "because sponsors had heard the talk and asked the driver about his plans." The AP's Jenna Fryer wrote Edwards is a "centerpiece of Ford's marketing campaign," and it has "made sense that there could be interest in the No. 22 seat that opened when AJ Allmendinger was released after a failed drug test." However, it is "believed team owner Roger Penske is close to announcing a deal with Joey Logano" (AP, 8/29).
BY THE BOOTSTRAPS: ESPN.com's Darren Rovell noted there is a "humungous painting" of Patriots QB Tom Brady on a building across from N.Y.'s Penn Station, "commissioned by his sponsor" UGG shoe and apparel brand. Workers started painting the ad on Aug. 22 and it will "be completed by Saturday." UGG will be "rolling out a broader ad campaign next week" that will feature Brady in TV and magazine ads (ESPN.com, 8/29).
STAND BY YOUR MAN: In Milwaukee, Don Walker noted Waterloo, Wis.,-based Trek Bicycle Corp. "is standing behind" cyclist Lance Armstrong. Trek in a statement said, "Trek has had a long-standing relationship with Lance Armstrong and the Livestrong Foundation; as an individual he has made remarkable contributions to the sport of cycling and the fight against cancer. We are hopeful that Lance will continue to compete and make a positive contribution to the sport. Trek plans to continue to support Lance’s athletic endeavors and his efforts to combat cancer" (JSONLINE.com, 8/29).
