Edwards to Penske?
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| Carl Edwards denies he is Penske bound |
This rumor is downgraded to 'false' today. Carl Edwards put to rest the rumors he would bolt Roush Fenway Racing to take the wheel of Penske Racing's No. 22 Sprint Cup Series ride next season.
During a national media teleconference on Wednesday, Edwards addresses reports that had him moving from Roush to Penske in 2013.
"To clear the air, I guess no one has asked me specifically about it, but there's a lot of talk about me driving the 22 car next year," said Edwards. "I just want everybody on the call in the media to know that's impossible.
"First of all I haven't discussed that ever with anyone at Penske. Two, I'm contracted to drive the 99 car. I'm very excited about next season. That's what's happening in case anybody wants to know. I wouldn't mention it except that it's gotten bad enough that sponsors and folks are asking me about it. I guess I have to try to address that now and make sure you know I'll be driving the 99 car next year for sure."
But then he leaves the door open….
Q. Suppose Shell would come over to you and ask you to drive their car?
CARL EDWARDS: "That's a good question. I don't know. I don't think so. I've never spoken with anyone at Shell. No one has brought that up. So that would be a good question for Steve. But right now the way I understand it, full disclosure, I know nothing more than I am driving the Fastenal Ford Fusion for Jack Roush next year, the #99. I'm excited about it. If there's any other things like that going on, I do not know about them, which is probably better. Is there any other part?"
08/24/12 In a rumor first broke by AR1.com, Mike Mulhern says – A bit of speculation that bears watching in the next few weeks concerns Carl Edwards. There is one unconfirmed report that Ford executives — who remember played a key financial role in keeping Edwards from jumping to Toyota last summer — may want to put Edwards in a Shell-Pennzoil sponsored car in 2013. How that might play out is unclear, since Shell-Pennzoil is a Roger Penske sponsor. However Penske has been dragging his feet on picking a new driver for that team for next season, letting veteran Sam Hornish fill out the time for departed AJ Allmendinger. And Penske says the ultimate call on that driver would be Shell-Pennzoil officials. Penske would like to bring Hornish back to the Cup tour next season, as part of a three-car operation, if he can resolve the Shell-Pennzoil situation. Joey Logano is rumored to be angling for the Penske ride. mikemulhern.net
07/17/12 This just in, RFR R&D crew chief Chad Norris will replace Bob Osborne on the Carl Edwards 99 car for the remainder of the year. Could Osborne be headed to Penske with Edwards or is he being pushed aside because Edwards is on the verge of missing the Chase?
07/16/12 With Carl Edwards on the verge of not qualifying for the Chase and Allmendinger's suspension, the road is clear for Carl to go to the 22 car for 2013. Expect to see Carl in a Penske Ford for next year according to AR1.com sources.
07/01/12 According to sources, soon to be Ford powered Penske Racing may have an option on Ford Driver Carl Edwards, who currently drives for Roush Racing. Word is that Edwards contract may be with Ford directly, not with Roush, and there may be a performance clause in his contract that if he doesn't win enough he could be free to leave the team.
So, according to this source, Edwards needs to decide whether to accept an offer to go to Penske for next tear. Whether that's to replace someone or to be an extra third car is unknown.