The exclusive negotiating period between Office Depot and Roush Fenway Racing in regards to sponsorship of Carl Edwards beyond his season has expired, Office Depot Public Relations Director Mindy Kramer confirmed Friday afternoon.

“We’re looking at options for 2009, including Carl and other things at Roush ­ nothing to report yet,” Kramer said at Lowe’s Motor Speedway.

Edwards signed an extension, believed to be three years, with Roush Fenway Racing a couple of weeks ago.

“When you’re talking about a significant investment, it’s difficult to get those things done in a short period of time,” said Kramer, who declined to say whether Office Depot had started talking to other teams
besides Roush Fenway. “Carl was not signed until almost the very end of our period of exclusive talks, so that was a hindrance to us being able to have some meaningful discussions.

“How do you have meaningful discussions with a team when he may have ended up somewhere else?”

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