HPU MBB Guard Derrell Edwards ’14 to make NASCAR Nationwide Series debut

HIGH POINT, N.C. – Former High Point University guard Derrell Edwards ’14 will make his NASCAR Nationwide Series debut as part of the pit crew for Cale Conley this weekend in Sparta, Ky.

Edwards Interview

Conley’s No. 33 car will be in action at the VisitMyrtleBeach.com 300 Saturday at the Kentucky Speedway. The race will air live on ESPN News beginning at 7:30 p.m.

After interning for Richard Childress Racing in the summer of 2013, Edwards joined RCR full-time after graduating from High Point University in May. He’s begun his pit career as a jack man and is responsible for raising and lowering the car as it pulls into and leaves the pit stop.

The Baltimore, Md., native started out this summer working for Arca Racing Series points leader Mason Mitchell, before receiving his Nationwide opportunity this week.

“I’m looking forward to this Nationwide race, taking it head on and doing my best,” Edwards said. “I want to take it all in, look around and make sure I enjoy the experience. RCR having that confidence in me to send me out there to the Nationwide Series is great.”

Edwards first got involved with RCR after visiting the organization’s headquarters in Charlotte as part of an HPU men’s basketball trip in 2012. He stayed in touch with RCR chaplain and Panther Club member Richard Payne, who noticed Edwards’ interest in pit crew work, and the relationship blossomed from there.

In addition to Payne, High Point University ties run deep at Richard Childress Racing, as drivers Austin and Ty Dillon both attended HPU.

“It’s been a surreal experience so far,” Edwards said. “I take it in everyday and learn new things everyday as far as cars, pit stops in general or working out. It’s just like here at High Point – it’s a family atmosphere.”

Edwards suited up in 62 career games for the High Point University men’s basketball team from 2012-14. He averaged 4.2 points, 2.0 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game while leading the Panthers to back-to-back Big South regular season championships.