Las Vegas: Carl Edwards pre-event notes

BIG WEEK...BIGGER SEASON FOR CARL EDWARDS AND NO. 60 TEAM

Las Vegas, N.V. (Feb. 26, 2010) -- Baby questions; Carl Edwards and wife Kate have their first baby. A Crew Chief change; Drew Blickensderfer has been named as the new crew chief for No. 60 Nationwide team. These topics have consumed the media that surrounds the NASCAR Nationwide Series and Roush Fenway Racing this week. Hidden behind these headlines is a stronger story for Roush Fenway Racing and their leading Nationwide Series program.

First, Carl Edwards has started his 2010 Nationwide Series season in true championship form. He left Daytona second in series' points; exactly where he ended the 2009 season. He took the point lead in California and currently leads second ranked Joey Logano by 24 points. Edward's goal heading into Vegas Saturday is to widen the gap between first and second place.

"We're going into Vegas leading the points, and as a team we are right where we want to be," stated Edwards. "We hope to have a really solid run and hope that we can come out of Vegas with a bigger points lead than we came in with."

The goal of every driver and team is to win. However, for Edwards this year winning, is about something more. For 2010 Edwards and the entire No. 60 team have a lot to show. Not only to themselves and Jack Roush, but more importantly two new sponsors Copart and Fastenal. Edwards will be driving the Copart colors in Saturday's Nationwide race as their entire executive team will be watching from the pits. As Copart's company tag line says; "Winning is Awesome."

For 2010 Edwards will be featured in Copart marketing materials, on Copart.com and in two commercials slated to air in the coming weeks. Their strategies are to open doors to consumers and educate them on the value proposition Copart offers. What better spokesperson than Carl Edwards, who growing up purchased vehicles from Copart with his dad.

"It will be fun to help them grow their business and make people aware of how many cars they sell through their online auctions," stated Edwards. "My dad and I used to fix the cars up and get them re-inspected and sold. We bought 10 to 15 cars from Copart and I didn't realize at the time I was learning Copart's business. It will be fun to get the word out on what they do and how many vehicles are out there and available at really great prices."

In Copart's world, the highest bidder wins. Heading into this weekend the No. 60 team feels strong and racing in Las Vegas...you've got to feel lucky. Winning is Awesome!

-source: rfr