Associated Press
The NASCAR notebook …
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. ó Even though he wonít be running for a championship, Carl Edwards has other reasons to keep racing in the Nationwide Series.
Edwards said he plans to run every race in NASCARís second-tier series despite not being able to contend for the title this season.
ěWe still have the ownersí championship to go for, still have all those wins to race for,î Edwards said during a test at newly repaved Daytona International Speedway. ěThatís fun. Thatís what makes the Nationwide Series fun.î
Edwards plans to continue racing both series.
ěI would really love to be able to have another championship battle with Brad, especially ëcause of how well he ran last year and try to race him again for it,î Edwards said.
STEVE WALLACE DEBUT
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. ó Steve Wallace, son of former NASCAR champion Rusty Wallace, will make his Sprint Cup debut in the season-opening Daytona 500.
The 23-year-old Wallace will drive the No. 77 Toyota for his father’s team, Rusty Wallace Racing. The entry is guaranteed a starting spot in the 43-car field because Rusty Wallace is taking over ownership points from Penske Racing.
Larry Carter, general manager for RWR, will serve as the team’s crew chief.
Rusty Wallace believes the new pavement around Daytona International Speedway will eliminate handling issues and level the playing field in NASCAR’s premier event.
The younger Wallace has four top-15 finishes at Daytona in the Nationwide Series. His father failed to win the Daytona 500 in 22 attempts.
BAYNE GETS RIDE
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. ó NASCAR’s oldest team is going with a young driver.
Trevor Bayne, a 19-year-old up-and-comer who drove in the Nationwide Series last season, is scheduled to drive at least 17 Sprint Cup races for the Wood brothers in 2011.
Bayne will drive the first five races, beginning with the Daytona 500 on Feb. 20, then make selected appearances over the rest of the season. He will be paired with veteran crew chief Donnie Wingo.
Bayne made his Cup debut with Wood Brothers Racing last year at Texas and finished 17th. His performance earned him a ride in 2011.