Concord, NC – (May, 24, 2014) – It was announced on Saturday at Charlotte Motor Speedway, that Trevor Bayne will compete full-time in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in 2015. Bayne will drive the No. 6 AdvoCare Ford for Roush-Fenway Racing (RFR).
This announcement signifies the return of the No. 6 to full-time competition for Roush-Fenway. It was the number of RFR’s first entry in NASCAR Sprint Cup competition in 1988, with driver Mark Martin, who assisted in the announcement Saturday via video in the media center. Martin drove to 35 wins in the No. 6 during his years with RFR.
Bayne, who currently competes full-time in the NASCAR Nationwide Series for RFR and part-time on the Sprint Cup Series for Wood Brothers Racing, commented about today’s announcement saying, “I’m both excited and humbled to be a part of bringing the No. 6 back to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.” He continued with comments about the primary sponsor, “And to be able to make that move with AdvoCare makes it that much more special. They are a true partner that aligns with my foundation and core values in every way.”
Team owner, Jack Roush, was also on hand for the announcement. When asked about the significance of the No. 6, Roush replied, “It’s been a goal of the organization to put the No. 6 back out there on track in the Sprint Cup Series and I’m pleased to have AdvoCare behind us as we make the move with Trevor to full-time Cup racing.”
The addition of Bayne to the full-time Sprint Cup line-up for 2015 also triggered questions about the rest of the RFR drivers. Rumors have been swirling around the garage area over the past several weeks regarding Carl Edwards. Edwards’ contract is up for renewal, and in similar fashion to the last renewal date, Edwards is the topic of many in the sport.
In a, not so subtle attempt to ask about Edwards without asking about Edwards, one reporter ask if this announcement means the team is a expanding to four cars or is somebody not going to be with the team next year. Roush replied, “Our plans for 2015 are still in a state of flux. Certainly the fact we’ve taken the No. 6 indicates that we have our plans open for a fourth car, but it’s still in a state of flux. We’ll have more to announce on that later.”
Currently, one of the strongest rumors in the garage area are that Edwards may go to Joe Gibbs Racing and join his former RFR teammate, Matt Kenseth. Kenseth left the organization at the end of the 2012 season and had arguably his best season on record in 2013. Though he did not win the championship, he did compile seven wins, and 20 top-10 finishes leading to a second place finish in the final standings.
Given the team’s recent lackluster performance, today’s announcement with Bayne indicates that the future is still strong for the team, regardless of Edwards’ status. The question remains however – can they provide their drivers with the equipment they need to compete for the wins and championships.
