By Brian Bielanski
(RacingWire) - Roush-Fenway Racing has re-signed NASCAR Sprint Cup Series points leader Carl Edwards to a mult-season deal beginning in 2012.

The deal was annouced Thursday via a news release.

Edwards was signed following what reports describe as a bidding war between Roush-Fenway and Joe Gibbs Racing.

“I sincerely appreciate the amazing opportunity that Jack Roush has given me in this sport and am honored to race for him,” said Edwards. “As an organization, Roush Fenway provides the resources I need to win, and as a driver, that’s the most important thing. We’re having a fun season on the race track as we’re leading the points and in great position for the Chase. That’s the result of a lot of hard work from the men and women at Roush Fenway, Ford Motor Company and Roush Yates Engines. I really enjoy competing with this group and looking forward to continuing that relationship into the future.”

“Carl Edwards has achieved a level of success on and off track that would put him at the top of the list for any race team,” said Roush Fenway co-owner Jack Roush. “Carl and the No. 99 team are having a terrific season again this year, and we’re thrilled that our relationship will continue for many more.”

“We saw great potential in Carl a decade ago, and it’s been a thrill to watch him grow into one of the sports’ premier drivers behind the wheel of the No. 99,” added Roush. “We didn’t take our past success for granted when we sat down with Carl to talk about his future. As an organization, we approach each week with an intense focus on being successful in the race to come. Carl’s position atop the points is a testament to that diligence.”

The terms of the deal were not released.

Edwards is in the midst of one of the best seasons of his career which put him in a negotating position with a lot of leverage.

He has said his interest was to sign with a team that would give him the best opportunity to win championships.

Edwards is the first high profile signing of the 2012 silly season.

Among the other notable drivers looking to secure a deal for 2012 are Mark Martin and Brian Vickers.