Burton joins RCR

Burton, who will join Kevin Harvick and Robbie Gordon at RCR, brings veteran experience and winning pedigree to to the team. Team owner Childress admitted he has had an eye on Burton, 1994 rookie of the year, for some time.

"Jeff will bring a great deal of experience and knowledge to the America Online team and all of RCR," the owner said. "I know back in 1998 and 1999, Dale Earnhardt talked to Jeff quite a bit about driving the No 3 car when he retired. Then Kevin [Harvick] came along and the plan shifted toward him, but Jeff was one of the few people we kept an eye on to be in our organisation."

Childress also discussed the No. 30 ride with Jeff's older brother, Ward, toward the end of last season. Ward instead ended up in the Gene Haas No 00 car.

"Since 1996, I have enjoyed some of the greatest days of my life with the No. 99 Roush Racing team," said Burton. "I will forever be grateful to Jack Roush, my driving team-mates and my crew. I wish only the best for the entire organisation."

For Edwards a promotion to Roush's Nextel Cup team is his big break and Jack Roush is known to be grooming the rookie to assume Mark Martin's role when the veteran eventually retires. "This is the opportunity of a lifetime," said Edwards. "I've been watching the team, and it's obvious they have turned a corner, and I'm excited to have the chance to help continue that momentum."