Sox' Henry, Roush near deal

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- While an official announcement has not been made, word spread yesterday at Daytona International Speedway that Fenway Sports Group, led by Red Sox owner John Henry, had completed a deal to purchase a 50 percent stake in the Roush Racing NASCAR team.

The Associated Press cited a source familiar with the negotiations that the deal had been finalized, allowing car owner Jack Roush to sell half of his racing team and remain in control of its competitive operations.

Roush, who operates one of the largest teams on the Nextel Cup circuit, will field cars this season for drivers Matt Kenseth, Greg Biffle, Jamie McMurray, Carl Edwards, and rookie David Ragan.

Reached last night, Mike Dee, president of Fenway Sports Group and chief operating officer of the Sox, declined to confirm or deny the report.

"Our plan has been to make an announcement on Feb. 14 and I think we're on track to keep that date for the announcement," Dee said.

An avid racing fan, Henry had engaged Roush in talks for several years about forming a partnership. The deal represents a financial windfall for Roush, who entered NASCAR in 1988 with driver Mark Martin.

Material from the Associated Press was used in this report.