With Roush Fenway Racing looking for a sponsor for Greg Biffle and the #16 team next season, the team might end up negotiating more than just a sponsor contract. Biffle’s contract ends in 2008, and Ameriquest has asked to be released from its sponsorship agreement at the end of the season. Team president Geoff Smith said April 1 that he would like to couple a new sponsor agreement with a contract extension for Biffle.

“Greg and I, we’ve talked and we’re going to try to make a better opportunity out of this,” Smith said. “It’s in all of our best interests to be able to make a longer-term offering. We’ve got some sponsor interest from some real high-quality companies. That would be the best scenario for both of us.”

Smith said the market for sponsors is good because the economy is on the upswing and many teams are solid in their deals for 2008. “Most of the big programs are sold out for next year,” Smith said.

“It’s not like you’re sitting here and all top-10 quality drivers are looking for sponsorship next year.” This also will be the first Cup sponsorship that will be negotiated by Smith under the new Roush Fenway banner as Fenway Sports Group (operated by Red Sox owner John Henry) bought half the team in January. Smith said that the Fenway Sports Group has people who can make a run at prospective sponsors.

“Fenway Sports Group has the capacity to double and triple our marketing network in short bursts,” Smith said.

Scene Daily