Edwards’ Crew: “We always knew this was a danger, we just didn’t get a tarp on her in time.”

Behind-the-wall crew member Ruff Dunderman has only one responsibility on the crew of Carl Edwards 99 Ford team.

“I know, I know…. don’t let her get wet.”

But disaster struck when yesterday’s race was stopped for rain. Edwards and the Scotts Ford were halted far from where Dunderman and his car cover waited to spring into action.

In a matter of moments, grass and daffodils began to sprout from the car, creating a visibility and aero problem for which Dunderman must take the blame.

The tarp man is especially important to the success of the 99 because of the quantity of Scott’s fertilizing agents located on the hood of Edwards’ car. Basically, any exposure to water dilutes the potent product and causes vegetation to grow at an alarming rate.

Bob Osborne, crew chief for the 99 was on vacation and watched from home as the snafu unfolded. Osborne ordinarily sits at his post on pit road with a pair of garden shears by his side, but his replacements were ill-prepared to handle the onslaught of vegetation. Mrs. Osborne told blackflaggedonline that husband Bob had spent a nice Sunday morning working on his lush lawn and landscaping, courtesy of Scotts. “Poor Bob — he loves to see things grow, but watching that car sprout up just sent him into orbit.”

A late 2007 sponsorship advertisement for winterizer at the close of last season reportedly only accelerated the growth of bulbs and grass on Edwards’ ride.

Dunderman feels sorry for his role in the incident. “I know I screwed up, and I feel mighty bad.” As tears trickled down Dunderman’s face and plopped onto his chest, tiny streaks of grass and rosebuds began to emerge from the fabric of the last firesuit he’ll wear as a member of Edwards’ crew.