Roush Racing to stay in Truck Series through '03

CONCORD, N.C. -- Roush Racing announced Monday that it will continue to field Jon Wood and Carl Edwards in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series for the remainder of 2003.

	Carl Edwards

"We have two winners in Jon and Carl, a program with momentum and confidence, and a very real chance to win another championship," said Roush Racing president Geoff Smith. "With the additional attention that the series is attracting through its excellent broadcast coverage, and the increased fan attendance that has been augmented by tying into more Winston Cup events, we think that the best way to highlight the talents of Jon and Carl, and capture the interest of corporate America and the NASCAR fan base is to keep them in the Craftsman Truck Series for the remainder of the year.

"Besides, the racer in all of us at Roush Racing cannot turn its back on the very real

possibility that one of our guys could emerge the winner in this very tight championship race."

"We particularly thank Senator Bob Graham for stepping up to extend his sponsorship of the Jon Wood truck for the remainder of the year. His participation made a significant impact on our decision to continue," said Smith. "We will continue our search for additional sponsorship for the remainder of the year."

Edwards was thrilled by the news.

	Jon Wood

"This is great news for everyone on the team," says Edwards. "We just won our first race last weekend in Kentucky and I couldn't imagine having to stop now. This is the opportunity of a lifetime for me and I'm glad we can go on to St. Louis this weekend and only have to worry about winning."

Wood says the decision to stay takes a load off of his team.

"With this decision behind us, now we can keep the team focused on winning and set out sights on the championship," said Wood.

"We've had an incredible season so far with two poles and my first win in the last month. We've got so much momentum going right now. I can't wait to see how this season plays out. My hat's off to everyone at Roush for keeping our team together."

Owner Jack Roush said the decision to stay makes sense.

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"Both of these young men are extremely talented," said Roush. "Our organization believes that their career development, and the development of the sponsors that are needed to support them, can be equally achieved through participation in the Craftsman Truck or Busch Series. We have proved that with Kurt Busch and Greg Biffle.

"Accordingly, as we look to 2004, we will race them in the environment where the combination of manufacturer and sponsor support makes the best business sense for Roush Racing."