Clint Bowyer returned Friday to New Hampshire Motor Speedway, site of his first Cup victory last September, and chose that opportunity to confirm he has signed a contract extension with Richard Childress Racing through 2011.

“I’ve signed with RCR for three more years,” acknowledged Bowyer, who says there’s more pressure on him this week as the winner of the last race at NHMS. “You’ve got to live up to what you did last time, and there is a little bit more pressure – but it is what it is.”

With three drivers solidly in place – Bowyer, Jeff Burton and Kevin Harvick – Childress still must fill the seat of the fourth full-time Cup car he will field next season. Casey Mears, who has been told he won’t return to the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet next year, reportedly is a leading candidate for the job.