Publicists: Cogs that make drivers well-oiled machines (cont'd)

Operating in Stewart's world, Arning has to be proactive and anticipate possible situations. Stewart especially, as he is the driver most likely to disregard traffic laws -- he doesn't like to yield and most often feels he has the right of way.

After the 2007 spring race at Texas Motor Speedway, Stewart, visibly ticked off in light of a crash between him and Juan Montoya, vented his frustration in front of the cameras and at the time said, "I'm ready to retire. As soon as I get enough money saved to where I can retire, I'd be more than happy to retire."

Knowing every word and action Stewart makes in front of the media solicits a reaction, Arning, in a discreet manner tapped his driver on the shoulder during the live TV interview indicating he may want to "call it a day."

"I thought I'd try and make his life a little easier, because he would end up having to explain the interview weeks after," Arning said.

Stewart wasn't having any of it, snapped at Arning, and finished his diatribe.

Sure enough, the next week Stewart was fielding questions from the media regarding the driver's idea to step away from NASCAR.

This is one of the many layers of responsibility publicists handle, but Arning's job isn't to buff out Stewart's rough edges or attempt to install a filter between the driver brain and mouth. He knows that Stewart will be who he wants to be and has learned to appreciate that virtue during the course of their nearly decade-long relationship.

"My job is not to change Tony, but to be there as a sounding board for him," he said.

He can't change the driver but Arning has certainly learned to read him, a talent any good publicist is quick to learn. Through Stewart's mannerisms and idiosyncrasies, Arning can almost predict his next move.

"That's the toughest part ... knowing how to read is idiosyncrasies," Arning said. "One way of knowing is when he pulls into the pits after a race. How quickly or gently he places the steering wheel on the dashboard is a good indication of whether or not he's up for talking."

One driver who is always up for talking is Carl Edwards, mostly because of his gregarious personality.

The man guiding the driver is the aforementioned smiley, white-haired gentleman Randy Fuller, senior media relations manager at Roush Fenway Racing and Edwards' right-hand man.

His iconic white hair is Edwards' lighthouse so to speak.

"A couple years ago, Carl and I were going from his RV to the Cup garage and he always walks behind me so he can sign autographs. One day I wore a hat. I had sunburn on my nose or something. Well, he looked up and yelled my name, he couldn't find me, but I was standing right next to him. He told me 'don't ever wear that hat again, I couldn't find you,'" Fuller laughed.

Their relationship has spanned Edwards' four-year Cup career and a handful of people have stood in for Fuller, but only for a short time as Edwards' is particular about who handles his NASCAR life and understandably so.

Both men are military-minded; sticklers for promptness and require an abundance of information and research before any final decisions are made.

"Before Carl does an interview, he wants to know who else has been interviewed and the whole background of the article, most drivers don't care about that stuff but Carl just likes to know everything. He wants to make sure he is doing the right thing for his brand," said Fuller, who prints out a "hot list" each week of media and sponsor request Edwards' then dissects and prioritizes.

It's a system that works for the two men who see each other as much as their respective significant others. Fuller even has his own room at Edwards' home in Columbia, Mo., the same home the driver grew up in as a boy. (Continued)