Carl Edwards will have a new primary sponsor in the Sprint Cup Series, but not one that is new to the driver of the No. 99 Ford.

Fastenal, which has supported Edwards' racing efforts throughout his career, will move up to the Cup series in 2012 as Edwards' primary sponsor for 17 races, starting with the Daytona 500, Roush Fenway Racing announced Thursday.

Fastenal, North America's largest fastener distributor and a source for a wide array of construction supplies, has been a frequent primary sponsor on Edwards' No. 60 Ford in the Nationwide Series since 2010.

"I've appreciated the long relationship that I've had with Fastenal," Edwards said "I'm proud that they believe so strongly in our team and program that they are making the commitment to sponsor us in the Sprint Cup Series.

"My partnership with Fastenal started in 1999 at my local dirt track. I would have never imagined that we would be going to the 2012 Daytona 500 together."

Fastenal's move to the Cup series confirms de facto reports that Aflac, Edwards' current primary sponsor, would reduce its commitment next year. Whether Aflac will return to the car in 2012 -- and what other sponsors might also participate in Edwards' program -- remains an open question.

"We are in active discussions with all of our current partners, and it is our hope they will all remain on board, but nothing has been finalized at this time," said Kevin Woods, RFR spokesperson.

Edwards, 32, has 19 Cup wins. He is fourth in career Nationwide Series victory with 34 and won the Nationwide championship in 2007.

Fastenal has been a NASCAR sponsor since 2006, debuting in the Truck Series, but the company didn't get its first NASCAR win until 2010, when it hooked up with Edwards. Cory Jansen, the company's executive vice president of operations, says Edwards has done wonders for the brand.

"Because of the phenomenal season Carl is having, we've probably had more brand exposure this year than we've had in the previous five years combined," Jansen said. "We're looking forward to taking another huge step forward next season by presenting our brand to the tens of millions of fans who follow the Cup Series."