See Also: Carl Edwards Biography
July 15, 2006
Edwards Crew Chief Status: Roush says he hasn't decided whether Wally Brown will remain as Carl Edwards' crew chief. Roush moved Edwards' old crew chief, Bob Osborne, to Jamie McMurray's team and brought in Brown for a 90-day trial. A decision is expected soon on whether to make the changes permanent. (Pilot Online)
June 2, 2006:
Edwards in truck race tonight: Carl Edwards will be back where it all started for him — in a NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race. Roush Racing announced it is putting him back into a truck for tonight’s race at Dover (Del.) Raceway. “This is awesome to get back and race in the truck series again,” Edwards said. “I’ve been bugging Jack (Roush) for months to let me run a race or two. I’m glad he finally caved in and let me do this deal.” Edwards, who has six wins in 57 truck starts, will try to make his third start at Dover. (Kansas City Star)
April 15, 2006:
Edwards on Crew Chief shake-up: Edwards said Friday that he was told by Roush that if the switch did not work Osborne would be back. Another meeting was scheduled in 90 days to "discuss how it's going." "It has to do with getting Jamie going," Edwards said while practicing at the Nashville Superspeedway for Saturday's Busch Series Pepsi 300. "That's all this is. That's something I want to make real clear because Bob is doing an unbelievable job. ... This is a compliment to Bob, if anything." He said the change has "nothing to do with" either Osborne or the team's performance. Edwards is 22nd in points after seven starts this season, averaging a 24th-place finish with two top-five finishes. (AP/CNNSI)
April 13, 2006:
Edwards named an Ambassador for Youth for National PTA: National PTA has teamed up with Carl Edwards, driver of the #99 Office Depot Ford Fusion, to boost family nutrition and wellness and help kids excel in school. Edwards, a former substitute teacher, has been named an Ambassador for Youth for National PTA. He joins businesswoman and designer Kathy Ireland in encouraging parents to make time and get involved in their kid's school and PTA. Office Depot is Edwards' primary sponsor in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series and a Proud Community Partner of National PTA. Edwards is committed to helping parents create healthy lifestyles for their children both at home and in school. Leading by example, Edwards exercises everyday, doesn't drink or smoke, and eats healthy. Edwards and the National PTA note that children are more likely to excel in the classroom with meaningful parent involvement and that healthy kids consistently outperform their peers. In his new role as a National Ambassador for Youth, Edwards will join millions of parents and educators to work toward improving the lives of children, as well as urging parents and families to be more involved. Edwards follows in the footsteps of dozens of community leaders, celebrities, legislators, and U.S. Presidents, all of whom have lent their voices and support to National PTA to make a difference in the lives of children. Edwards, who is in front of millions of fans each week on the racetrack, will also lend his support by speaking directly with kids, working with National PTA to provide relevant information to parents, and being a strong advocate for public education. For more information about National PTA, visit www.pta.org.(Roush Racing PR)
Feb. 28, 2006:
Edwards to sign driver for USAC team: #99-Carl Edwards is close to signing Canadian Pete Shepherd III to drive his Sprint car in the USAC Silver Crown Series this season. The deal comes after Shepherd completed a battery of tests in the car at Homestead-Miami Speedway earlier this month. Shepherd also has signed a development deal at Roush Racing -- Edwards' Cup team -- where he will drive in a number of Auto Racing Club of America races this season. And he is coming off a successful showing in the Discovery Channel's Driver X program where he made it to the final cut of 1,400 young drivers who were competing for a ride in Roush's Craftsman Truck Series Ford F-150. (Toronto Sun)
Feb. 22, 2006:
Waltrip and Edwards to race at Nashville during Easter off-weekend: Michael Waltrip and Carl Edwards are two of four Nextel Cup drivers who have committed to racing in the sixth annual Pepsi 300 April 15 at Nashville Superspeedway. Joining Waltrip and Edwards at the NASCAR Busch Series race will be Nextel contenders Kevin Harvick and Greg Biffle. The weekend of Easter is typically an off-week on the Nextel Cup circuit. Tickets are on sale now at nashvillesuperspeedway.com or by calling (866) RACE-TIX. (Nashville City Paper)
Feb. 7, 2006:
C. Edwards on Fox's "24": Carl Edwards, driver of the No. 99 Office Depot Ford Fusion, traveled to Chatsworth, Calif. to appear in his first role in a primetime drama. Edwards, who was in town to promote the upcoming race at California Speedway on February 26, took part in the filming of FOX's hit show "24" that is set to air Monday, April 3 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT). This wasn't Edwards' first foray into acting as he made a guest appearance as himself on the hit soap opera "The Guiding Light" back in October of 2005. (Roush Racing)
Jan. 24, 2006:
Edwards conflict of schedule removes himself from IROC series: Crown Royal International Race of Champions (IROC) officials announced today a change in the 2006 driver roster. Ryan Newman will replace Carl Edwards representing the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series. A scheduling conflict remains unresolved involving Crown Royal IROC Race Four at Atlanta Motor Speedway and the NASCAR Busch Series race in Memphis, both taking place on Saturday, October 28. Edwards will be competing full-time in the NASCAR Busch Series in 2006. (Alan Taylor Communications)
Jan. 11, 2006:
Busch, Edwards to tire test: Kurt Busch sported new colors today at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Dressed in a brand new blue firesuit, Busch took his first laps in the historic #2 Miller Lite car. Busch and three-time Atlanta Motor Speedway winner, #99-Carl Edwards, were at the track today to assist Goodyear Racing Tires with the first of a two-day test session. Busch's new crew chief, Roy McCauley said, "Today, Goodyear is looking at wear, heat, overall lap times, grip level and load. Based on all the data taken during the test, they will choose the tire that will not generate too much heat, but provide enough grip to make the driver comfortable." Edwards posted the fastest unofficial time of the day with a lap of 189.993 mph (29.18 seconds), while Busch's fastest lap was 187.869 mph (29.51 seconds). Both times were comparable to race speeds. "Atlanta...man, this place is fast," said Busch. "I enjoy coming here. I think all the drivers enjoy coming to this race track. With the new testing rules, this test is beneficial for our team," said Busch. "Goodyear gets to use our resources to test their tires, but the biggest thing is we get track time." Tickets are on sale now for all three days of racing excitement during the March 17-19 Golden Corral 500 race weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway, with ticket prices starting at $30. For fans who want to attend all three days or racing action, including the NASCAR Craftsman Truck, Busch and NEXTEL Cup races, three-day tickets start at $70 (quantities are limited). For more information, call the Atlanta Motor Speedway ticket office at (770) 946-4211, 1-877-9AMSTIX or visit www.atlantamotorspeedway.com. (AMS PR
Dec. 5, 2005
Rookie Edward's Speed Channels Driver of the Quarter: In a tight race Carl Edwards, a breakout driver NASCAR Nextel Cup series, was voted Speed Channel Driver of the Year presented by Gillette M3 Power Nitro fourth quarter 2005 by a panel of experts and one combined fan ballot. "The neatest thing about the Speed Channel Driver of the Year is that I've been nominated twice," said Edwards in New York for the Annual NASCAR Awards Banquet. "Just to see those commercials, seeing my name on the television with all those drivers from all different series, it's so amazing to be considered for it." In his first full season in the #99 Office Depot Ford Edwards scored one pole and two straight victories, in the final quarter, during the intense Chase for the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series and included a win from the pole in the #60 World Financial Ford in the Busch Series. Edwards took four first-place votes and tallied 81 points. While NHRA's Tony Schumacher earned five first-place votes, including and totaled 79 points. Tony Stewart also scored five first-place votes and finished third with 69 points. Schumacher, "Sarge" had a perfect quarter winning all five of his events, resulting in his second-straight POWERade Series title driving U.S, Army Top Fuel dragster. Third place Stewart, winner of the third quarter 2005 Driver of the Year, wrapped up his second Nextel Cup title with consistent finishes in the top ten. Also taking first place votes France's Sebastien Bourdais in the Champ Car World Series, Greg Biffle in NASCAR, and World of Outlaws Steve Kinser. Bourdais clinched his second-straight title and totaled 51 points fourth in the ballot. Biffle was runner-up in the Chase to the Cup and was fifth in the vote with 31 points. A total of 20 drivers scored points in the fourth quarter voting. Noteworthy, NASCAR's Mark Martin took third place in the fan vote behind Stewart and Edwards on the www.speedtv.com website. In its' 39th year, the Speed Channel Driver of the Year presented by Gillette M# Power Nitro title is unique because it is the only award that encompasses all of the racing series in the United States and fan participation. A panel of 18 leading journalists and broadcasters from across the U.S. and a fan vote on Speedtv.com determine the winner. In quarterly voting, points are awarded on a declining 9,6,4,3,2,1 basis. Edwaards will receive a trophy and a Maurice Lacroix, wristwatch at a date to be announced. (SPEED PR)
Nov. 19, 2005:
Edwards wins the Pole: Carl Edwards keeps doing things nobody expects. Edwards, nearing the end of his first full season in NASCAR Nextel Cup with a mathematical chance to overtake veterans Tony Stewart and Jimmie Johnson for the championship, won the pole for Sunday's season-ending Ford 400. Edwards edged qualifying ace Ryan Newman for his second career pole with a lap of 176.051 mph. Newman, who led all drivers in poles for the fourth straight season, turned a lap of 176.039. The time differential between the two was 0.002-seconds. "It's a great way to start the weekend," said Edwards, who trails leader Stewart by 87 points and is 35 behind Johnson for the runner-up spot. (ABC News - Starting Lineup)
Nov. 7, 2005:
Osborne Wins WYPALL® Wipers Crew Chief of the Race Award: Bob Osborne, crew chief of the #99 Office Depot Ford, and Carl Edwards teamed up to capture their second win in a row this weekend at Texas Motor Speedway. Much like his win in Atlanta, Edwards only got stronger as the race went on. He led five times for 82 laps, most importantly, the final two. For bringing Edwards his fourth win of the season, Osborne was voted the WYPALL® Wipers Crew Chief of the Race. Edwards had the car to beat in the final stages of the Dickies 500, but an untimely caution with 15 laps left in the event forced him to work twice as hard for the victory. Osborne called Edwards into the pits under the yellow for a two-tire stop, which moved the #99 Taurus from first-place to sixth. With only 11 green flag laps in the event, Edwards gunned down the five drivers ahead of him and captured his first-ever win at Texas Motor Speedway. The panel of voters, including Dave Wellham of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, a WYPALL® Wipers representative and Tony Eury Sr., all voted for Osborne as the crew chief that did the best job. “Bob and Carl can’t do anything wrong,” said Eury Sr. “Everybody though that he was a sitting duck on the final caution, but he made the right call. If he didn’t pit for tires, someone with fresh tires probably would have passed him. If he took four tires, he would have been too far back in the field to win. Bob’s two tire call won the race.” Doug Richert leads the WYPALL® Wipers Crew Chief of the Year standings with five wins. This weekend marked Osborne’s fourth win, which moved him to second-place. Alan Gustafson and Greg Zipadelli are tied for third-place with three wins. Jimmy Fennig, Robbie Reiser, Chad Knaus, Steve Addington and Robbie Loomis are tied for foruth-place with two wins. Tommy Baldwin, Scott Miller, Fatback McSwain, Steve Hmiel, Greg Erwin, Slugger Labbe, Pat Tryson and Pete Rondeau are tied for fifth-place, each with one win. At the end of the season, the crew chief with the most weekly wins will receive $20,000. (SMC 500)
Nov. 6, 2005:
Edwards wins in TEXAS: In a flashing finish under the lights, Carl Edwards blazed to his second consecutive Nextel Cup win Sunday at the Dickies 500, edging veteran Mark Martin. The crowd roared as Martin took the lead late in the race at an illuminated Texas Motor Speedway. But Edwards, Martin's teammate who celebrates victories with back flips, drew his share of the cheers when he passed Martin with two laps left and held on to take the checkered flag. Edwards' dramatic fourth victory this season seemed to surprise the 26-year-old, who admitted he woke up in the middle of the night with nerves. "This whole deal is a dream come true," he said. "This is not supposed to happen." The top three finishers were Roush Racing drivers. Matt Kenseth finished third. Jimmie Johnson finished fifth, with points leader Tony Stewart in sixth. The two drivers are tussling for the season lead with two races to go. For TMS fans, it was their first chance to witness a second Nextel Cup race in the same season at the mammoth track. An estimated 195,400 spectators turned out for the rare late afternoon start. (Dallas Morning News)
Oct. 31, 2005:
Osborne Wins Crew Chief of the Race Award: Bob Osborne, crew chief of the #99 Office Depot Ford, and Carl Edwards notched their third victory of 2005 this weekend at the Atlanta Motor Speedway. This was the duo's second Nextel Cup win of the year at Atlanta, giving them a clean sweep of the season's action at the track. Edwards led the race eight times for 115 laps, including the final 36, before taking the checkered flag of the Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500. For bringing Edwards the win, Osborne was voted the Wypall Wipers Crew Chief of the Race. In the early stages of the event, Edwards didn't appear to be as stout as the other cars in the top-five. But as the race went on, the #99 Taurus only got stronger and stronger. "There were a lot of good cars in the race today," said Osborne after the event. "We started out loose. Most of the cars running up front were neutral at first and we couldn't get up to them, but they started to tighten up through the race. We did too, but that's what we needed. The car was its best at the end. This team has worked so hard and this weekend is a real testament to that." The panel of voters, including a Wypall Wipers representative, Robbie Reiser and Tony Eury Sr., all voted for Osborne as the crew chief that did the best job. Doug Richert leads the Wypall Wipers Crew Chief of the Year standings with five wins. Alan Gustafson, Bob Osborne and Greg Zipadelli are tied for second-place with three wins. Jimmy Fennig, Robbie Reiser, Chad Knaus, Steve Addington and Robbie Loomis are tied for third-place with two wins. Tommy Baldwin, Scott Miller, Fatback McSwain, Steve Hmiel, Greg Erwin, Slugger Labbe, Pat Tryson and Pete Rondeau are tied for fourth place, each with one win. At the end of the season, the crew chief with the most weekly wins will receive $20,000. Fans can also vote for their choice at wypall.com. (SMC 500)
Oct. 30, 2005:
Edwards Sweeps at Atlanta: Carl Edwards completed a sweep of the NASCAR Nextel Cup races at Atlanta Motor Speedway, and made up some ground in the Chase for the championship. Edwards, who barely held off veteran Jimmie Johnson for his first Cup victory on the Georgia track in March, had a dominating car through the second half of the 325-lap Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500. Edwards, in his first full season in NASCAR's top stock car series, lost a lead of more than 6 seconds when the last of nine caution flags waved for debris on lap 283. But he was able to regain control and pulled away to earn his third victory of the season, beating four-time Cup champion Jeff Gordon to the finish line by 2.713-seconds, half the front straightaway on the 1.5-mile oval. Tony Stewart, the hottest driver in the series since June, finished ninth and increased his lead atop the standings from 15 points to 43 points over Johnson, who finished 16th the last driver on the lead lap. (ABC News - Results - Points)
Sep. 13, 2005:
Schrader and Edwards racing: The third annual American Short Track Nationals, with special appearances by NASCAR Nextel Cup Drivers Carl Edwards and Ken Schrader, is Tuesday at Lee County Speedway. Special guests include Kenny Edwards, who will be competing in the 4-cylinder Wild Things and Ramo Stott, the 1976 Daytona 500 pole sitter. Hospitality tickets are available. The price of the hospitality ticket includes a meet and greet with Edwards and Scrader, dinner, drinks, race ticket, pit tour, autographs and photo session and more. Racing includes Late Models, Hobby Stocks and Wild Things. Tickets are $15 general admission and $13 for seniors and students. Children 10-and-under get in free. VIP tickets are $55, and a pit pass is $25. (Daily Gate)
July 26, 2005
Osbourne Wins WYPALL Crew Chief of the Race Award at Pocono: Bob Osborne, crew chief of the #99 Taurus, had the unenviable task of bringing Carl Edwards from the back of the pack to the front this Sunday at Pocono Raceway. Knowing it would take more than just a fast race car, Osborne executed a risky pit strategy that landed his driver a top-five finish in the Pennsylvania 500. For moving Edwards through the field, Osborne was voted the Wypall Wipers Crew Chief of the Race. Edwards' double duty obligations made Osborne's day double tough. Edwards' Busch Series responsibilities had him racing in Fountain, Co on Saturday, forcing the team to use a substitute driver for time trials at Pocono. The team was penalized for the driver switch and had to start the Office Depot/Scotts Ford from the rear of the field. Track position comes at a premium at Pocono Raceway and Osborne knew that he had a tough chore ahead. Osborne overcame his team's track position deficit by making a two-tire pit stop, not just once, but twice over the course of the race. Osborne's strategy moved Edwards into position to end the day with a fourth-place finish. The panel of voters; including Chuck Givler of the Easton Express-Times, a Wypall Wipers representative and Tony Eury Sr.; all gave Osborne the nod as the WYPALL Wipers Crew Chief of the Race.
Doug Richert leads the Wypall Wipers Crew Chief of the Year standings with five wins. Alan Gustafson, Bob Osborne and Robbie Loomis are tied for second place with two wins. Tommy Baldwin, Scott Miller, Fatback McSwain, Greg Zipadelli, Steve Hmiel, Jimmy Fennig and Pete Rondeau are in a tie for third place, each with one win. At the end of the season, the crew chief with the most weekly wins will receive $20,000.Fans can also vote for their choice at wypall.com. (SMC 500)
July 22, 2005
Edwards getting Flyer Frequent Miles: For the second time this summer, Carl Edwards has weekend plans to log some significant flight time. He'll race in a NASCAR Busch Race on Saturday at Pikes Peak, Colo., before heading back to Pocono Raceway for Sunday's Nextel Cup Pennsylvania 500. It'll take some fancy footwork, plus the help of ARCA stock car champion Frank Kimmel and former Busch driver, now TV commentator, Hank Parker Jr. Edwards, who six weeks ago became only the second driver in the 32-year history of NASCAR at Pocono to win there in his first outing, starts the weekend practicing his Ford on the 2(-mile tri-oval. Then he heads west to race in the Saturday Busch race where Parker will qualify Edwards' car in Colorado. Meanwhile back at Pocono on Saturday, Kimmel will run qualifying for the 500 in Edwards' Roush Ford. If all goes well, an about face from Pike's Peak will get Edwards to Pocono in time to start the 500. Per NASCAR driver change rules, he will have to start at the rear of both fields. "Our last trip to Pocono was awesome," said Edwards, who made up the most ground of any Pocono winner after starting 29th in the 500. (Penn Live)
July 8, 2005
Office Depot signs with Roush's Edwards as Exclusive Sponsor: In the midst of its inaugural season in NASCAR, Office Depot (NYSE:ODP), the "Official Office Products Partner of NASCAR" and Roush Racing announced today that Office Depot has signed a new multi-year deal to be the primary sponsor of the No. 99 Roush Racing Ford, driven by Carl Edwards beginning in the 2006 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup season. "I'm really excited to have Office Depot on board as the primary sponsor of the No. 99 Ford in 2006 and beyond," said Edwards. "I'm proud to represent Office Depot and all of their employees and customers across the country. There is an obvious cross-over between the NASCAR fan base and Office Depot's customers and I'm excited that they've chosen me, Roush Racing and the No. 99 team as their vehicle to communicate their messaging. I know I speak for my entire team when I say we look forward to having Office Depot as a part of our team in the future." The new sponsorship deal catapults Office Depot to the forefront of the promising career of Edwards, whose early success in NASCAR's NEXTEL Cup Series has earned him recognition as one of NASCAR's hottest young drivers and the sport's newest rising star. Office Depot's foray into NASCAR began this February when the Company announced its sponsorship of Roush Racing's No. 99 Ford that ultimately extended to a total of 17 races for the 2005 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup season. "We've only been in the sport a few months but we have already seen our relationships with Carl Edwards, Roush Racing and NASCAR drive sales for Office Depot and raise our brand awareness in markets where we have conducted promotional activities and events," said Chuck Rubin, Executive Vice President and Chief Merchandising/Marketing Officer for Office Depot." (Roush Racing PR)
July 6, 2005
Brickyard testing Edwards fastest; Confidence in tires: The first of six days of NASCAR testing at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Tuesday bore a striking resemblance to a Formula One race as just four teams put cars on the racetrack. Just two cars are testing today because Carl Edwards has another commitment and Jimmy Spencer damaged his car beyond quick repair Tuesday by hitting the wall in turn one. "The track is taking care of the cars really well. It's just a matter of getting the setup right so you can take care of your tires," said reigning Nextel Cup champion Kurt Busch, who shared the track with Roush Racing teammate Edwards, Ricky Rudd and Spencer. "What a fiasco that was. There's just no excuse," said Rudd, the 1997 Indy champion. "Because we've got one tire manufacturer, that keeps it under control." Goodyear supplies tires to all NASCAR teams and attempts to tailor them to specific tracks. The tire for Indianapolis was specially developed for the resurfaced 21/2-mile flat oval. Rudd described it as a harder compound "slightly on the conservative side" but said the grip in the track has the capability to produce times a full second per lap faster than last year. Edwards turned the fastest lap Tuesday at 179.165 mph, just ahead of Busch's 179.151. That's well off Casey Mears' 2004 pole speed of 186.293. Next week will provide a better indication of what to expect when about 25 drivers, including Dale Earnhardt Jr., Mark Martin and Rusty Wallace, come directly from this weekend's race at Chicagoland Speedway to test July 11-12. A final session featuring four-time winner Jeff Gordon is scheduled July 18-19. (Indy Star)
