Aflac appears to have the edge on becoming Edwards' sponsor
Aflac insurance has emerged as the frontrunner in the race to be the primary sponsor of Carl Edwards' Roush Fenway Racing Ford beginning next year, according to sources.
Aflac been an associate sponsor and occasional primary sponsor for Edwards' NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Ford over the last year, and Edwards has won a race with Aflac on the hood.
The Edwards sponsorship sweepstakes began last week when Office Depot’s exclusive negotiating period to remain as primary sponsor expired, and Aflac and UPS are among the companies expected to make pitches.
“We have signed confidentiality agreements with multiple sponsor prospects,” Roush Fenway Racing President Geoff Smith said in an email Monday. “Discussions are ongoing with all of them. Hopefully the process won't last very long.”
In a statement, Aflac spokesman Laura Kane said the company is “very pleased with our relationship with Roush and the performance of Carl Edwards” but wants to keep the focus on its current sponsorship.
“Any discussions about our plans for 2009 are premature at this time given the importance of finishing the rest of 2008 strong,” she said.
