NASCAR: Carl Edwards replaces crew chief

Charlotte, NC, United States (4E Sports) – With no victories and just two top-five finishes to show during first half of the season, Carl Edwards has decided to part ways with long-time crew chief Bob Osborne.

Edwards announced that Chad Norris will be the new crew chief for his No. 99 Ford for the second half of the Sprint Cup season.

Edwards and Osborne parted ways in the second half of the 2006 season but joined forces one again for the rest of his career in NASCAR’s premier series. Osborne will remain with the team as a senior member of the organization’s management team and steering committee.

“I cannot say enough good things about Bob Osborne,” Edwards said. “I’m so thankful for what he’s done for me as a driver, and he is without a doubt one of the smartest guys in the sport. I’m also appreciative of the fact that he’ll continue to be a resource for me and our team as we focus on these final races.”

With Osborne leading the crew, Edwards has scored 18 victories. He finished runner-up in the standings in 2008 and last season when he finished tied with Tony Stewart in points but lost on a tiebreaker.

He has only two top five finishes this season through 19 of 36 races and is ranked 11th in points, 46 points out of the guaranteed top 10 spots in the Chase for the Sprint Cup.

“I have had the pleasure of working with Carl Edwards for the past nine years and, during that time, my focus has been building a championship-caliber program,” Osborne said in a statement. “I’m proud of the 18 wins we’ve had together in Sprint Cup Series competition and our two second-place points finishes.”

“This transition is not an easy one, but I’m thankful to have the full support of Jack, Carl and the entire organization. I also have every confidence in Chad Norris, and I look forward to working with him as we continue to pursue a championship in 2012,” he added.

Norris has worked for Roush since 2005, primarily as a crew chief in the truck and Nationwide series, leading the research and development team. He had three Nationwide wins with Matt Kenseth in 2005 and also was victorious last year with Marcos Ambrose and Trevor Bayne.

“We’re very fortunate to have Chad Norris as part of our organization to take over for the No. 99. I’ve known Chad for a long time and he is a fierce competitor. We’ve got our work cut out for us over the next seven races, and I’ve got every confidence Chad can lead our team to where we need to be,” Edwards said.

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