Clint Bowyer Still ‘Working On’ Future As NASCAR Free Agent Class Is Trimmed

With Carl Edwards off the NASCAR free agent market following his decision to re-sign with Roush Fenway Racing, the highest-profile driver still available is Clint Bowyer.

Bowyer has yet to extend his contract with Richard Childress Racing – though publicly, he’s said he wants to do so.

When will he make a decision?

“We’re working on it,” Bowyer said Friday at Pocono Raceway. “That’s the biggest thing as far as contract stuff. I feel like we’re getting close and we’re working on it, and hopefully we’ll have that done.”

Because of the limited amount of opportunities at other teams, it’s been speculated Bowyer will remain at Childress. There are no seats at Hendrick Motorsports, Stewart-Haas Racing appears to be waiting for Danica Patrick’s arrival to expand to three cars and Joe Gibbs Racing will likely remain at three teams now that Edwards stayed with Roush.

It seems unlikely that Roush would have a place for Bowyer now that Edwards has re-signed, and most of Bowyer’s other opportunities would be a step down from his current ride.

That Edwards, Jeff Burton and Greg Biffle have all decided to remain with their current teams is indicative of an owner’s market. Drivers simply don’t have that many options due to the economic climate, so their best option is to stay put if they can.

Bowyer was rumored to have been flirting with Red Bull Racing before the team announced it would shut down if a new owner wasn’t found, but that’s obviously no longer an option.

Because the team might not exist, it’s likely not an option for current Red Bull driver Brian Vickers, either. It’s unclear where Vickers may end up, because there are so few good rides available.

Another free agent is Juan Pablo Montoya. The Colombian still hasn’t re-signed with Earnhardt Ganassi Racing, even though that seemed like a foregone conclusion months ago.

And then there’s Mark Martin. The veteran has kept his future plans close to the vest, but has said repeatedly that he plans to drive again somewhere next season.

Of course, the picture could get much clearer after Bowyer makes his decision.