AFLAC Becomes New Frontrunner for Edwards Deal

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The period for exclusive negotiation powers for Office Depot to resign as the primary sponsor for the no. 99 Roush-Fenway Ford Fushion driven by Carl Edwards has officially expired. The original deal that Office Depot had with the team was a four-year deal that ended at the same time as Edwards’ contract with Roush Racing was to come to a close, which was at the end of this year. Edwards recently renewed his contract with Roush for another three years, but a sponsor for 2009 has yet to be named.

The initial speculation was that UPS would make a bid for Edwards, as their contract with Michael Waltrip Racing comes to an end at the conclusion of this year as well. They are certainly not out of contention to put their logo on the hood on one of racing’s hottest young stars, but several sources are now reporting that AFLAC may be emerging as the new frontrunner in the deal. AFLAC currently sponsors Edwards’ car in 13 of the 36 points races throughout the year, and the company appears to have an outstanding working relationship with Jack Roush and his affiliates. AFLAC spokesmen are currently not acknowledging the recent rumors, stating that they are very pleased with their current deal, but right now they want to stay focused on the current program they have in place.

Mindy Kramer, Public Director for Office Depot, on the other hand claims that they are still pursuing a renegotiation in their bid for Edwards and has cited a few reasons why a deal has not yet been made. “When you’re talking about a significant investment, it’s difficult to get those things done in a short period of time,” she said. “Carl was not signed until almost the very end of our period of exclusive talks, so that was a hinderance to us being able to have some meaninful discussions with the team when he may have ended up somewhere else.”

Office Depot is rumored to be looking at several other race teams as well, as they have gone on record by stating that they do not wish to exit the car sponsorship aspect of the sport. One of the teams heavily rumored includes the no. 44 car at MWR driven by David Reutimann – the car currently sponsored by UPS.