2007 Preseason No. 8: Carl Edwards

No. 99 Office Depot Ford

2007 Spin
Carl Edwards experienced one of the worst sophomore slumps in recent history. Coming off a four-win season in which he finished third in the point standings, Edwards fought aero issues and a revolving door of crew chiefs to finish 12th in the season’s standings.

The team has a boatload of momentum heading into 2007, though. Edwards set the circuit ablaze during the Chase in ’06. Although he did not record a win, it was obvious he was hitting on all cylinders. If that drive carries into ’07, he could be strong out of the gate.

Having crew chief Bob Osborne back should help Edwards’ effort as well. These two hit on a chemistry that carried them within 35 points of a Nextel Cup title in 2005. Why Jack Roush separated the two in the first place last season was somewhat of a mystery (even to Edwards himself). The smart money says Roush figured Osborne could work his magic with another company newcomer (Jamie McMurray). Although the Office Depot team was down, it certainly had plenty of time to rebound from its shaky start. This decision may ultimately have been the one that sunk Edwards’ season.

With the Edwards-Osborne duo together again, expect a year akin to 2005. The team is capable of three or four wins and repeating the 10 top 5s and 20 top 10s it earned in ’06. Edwards can get it done on most any type of track — even the road courses — although he’s still getting a handle on the shorts.

The Car of Tomorrow should not throw this bunch too wicked a curve. While Edwards will most likely grab his wins in non-COT races, he has proven very adaptable and should use his strong relationship with Osborne and the crew to get the piece figured out.

Fantasy Stall
Looking at Checkers: He’s been a great intermediate track guy, and we don’t see the COT changing that.
Pretty Solid Pick: Edwards has blossomed into quite a road course guy.
Good Sleeper Pick: Bristol, although the COT may throw him a curve.
Runs on Seven Cylinders: He’s been unable to avoid trouble at Daytona for some reason.
Insider Tip: If they start the season out with a bang, pick him up and let the good times roll.

2006 Performance Rankings
Flat Track Ranking: 12th — Best Finish: 2nd, New Hampshire
Intermediate Track Ranking: 8th — Best Finish: 2nd, Dover and Michigan
Plate Track Ranking: 25th — Best Finish: 8th, Talladega
Road Course Ranking: 3rd — Best Finish: 5th, Watkins Glen
Short Track Ranking: 4th — Best Finish: 4th, Bristol

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