Erik Darnell's future with Roush Fenway Racing appears uncertain
Erik Darnell's future with Roush Fenway Racing isn't clear at this point. // Jeff Robinson, NASCAR Scene
CONCORD, N.C. – Erik Darnell, Roush Fenway Racing’s last “Driver X,” appears to be without a ride in the organization for 2010.
Darnell won the team’s “Gong Show” competition in 2004, earning a seat in what was is now known as the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. But after running three full seasons in Trucks, Darnell was moved to part-time duty in the Nationwide Series for 2009.
Darnell, who also has run a handful of Sprint Cup races for Roush Fenway affiliate Hall of Fame Racing this season, may not have a seat with the team next year.
“We’re open with Erik,” Roush Fenway co-owner Jack Roush said Tuesday. “We’re open to do something with Erik, and I’d very much like to. But right now, I don’t have a sponsor to stand in line that has singled out Erik. I’m just not certain.”
Darnell has two victories in the Truck series with the team after winning the competition known as “Driver X: Race for the Ride” that was broadcast on the Discovery Channel.
He has two top-five and five top-10 finishes in 13 Nationwide starts this year.
“It’ll be a great sadness if we’re not able to continue to build his career,” Roush said, “but I’m not sure it’s going to be possible.”
