Roush Fenway Facing Possible Sprint Cup, Nationwide Cutbacks

Jack Roush admitted this week that there is no 2012 sponsorship in place for David Ragan’s #6 Sprint Cup Series Ford, raising the possibility that Roush Fenway Racing could trim its roster from four Sprint Cup entries to three.

Roush told SiriusXM NASCAR Radio’s Claire B. Lang, "We're looking for a sponsor for David, but right now I can't tell you who that's going to be. I'll say that I'm not real close on it.” He said Ragan has been told he is free to look for a new ride for next season, adding, “Right now, I don't see how I'm going to run the fourth car unless things turn dramatically."

Sources close to the team say the hunt for sponsorship on Matt Kenseth’s #17 Ford is presently the top priority at RFR, with the team devoting most of its marketing resources to that effort. Despite that, Ragan said he remains optimistic that an 11th-hour agreement can be made to keep him in the #6 Ford.

"I am not focused on 2012 just yet," said Ragan this week. “I think it's important for us to finish this season strong. (Running well for the remainder of the season) will only help our chances of finding a sponsor and a package to go racing next year. Everyone at Roush Fenway is working hard at selling sponsors for us and for Matt. Even though it's come to the last minute, we have confidence we'll be out on the track racing (next year).”

Unconfirmed reports have Ragan talking with TRG Motorsports owner Kevin Buckler about a seat in the team’s #71 Ford next year. Former road racer Andy Lally has driven for TRG this season, and is currently ranked 33rd in Sprint Cup Series championship points.

Cutbacks at Roush Fenway Racing may not be limited to the Sprint Cup ranks. Sources tell Sirius-Speedway.com that the team’s three-car NASCAR Nationwide Series effort could also be trimmed next season, if additional sponsorship cannot be found. RFR has fielded full-time Ford Mustangs for Carl Edwards, Ricky Stenhouse, Jr., and Trevor Bayne this season. Only Edwards’ #60 Ford has carried significant sponsorship, with Stenhouse – the series point leader -- and Bayne frequently competing with empty quarterpanels.

Edwards has already announced plans to scale-back to a part-time Nationwide schedule in 2012, and Bayne is expected to return to the Wood Brothers Racing Sprint Cup Series Ford for at least 13 races next season. But sources say at least one of the three RFR Nationwide cars could be sidelined if additional backing cannot be found. Ford Motor Company contributes significant support to Roush’s Nationwide operation, and will reportedly contribute sufficient underwriting to keep two of the RFR Mustangs running full-time. However, with three drivers and only two guaranteed slots, someone could find himself on the outside, looking in.