Carl Edwards pre-race review

Edwards is all smiles after climbing from his car and claiming the pole award.
Credit: Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images for NASCAR

Heading into today’s Ford 400, Carl Edwards has an ever so slight point advantage in challenging for the Sprint Cup championship - just 3 points separate Edwards from Tony Stewart.

Homestead-Miami Speedway could not be a better track for Edwards to finish the season. With a series-best average finish of 5.7 and wins in two of the past three races here, Edwards needs a victory to clinch the title.

So far this weekend, the No. 99 has been strong in practice and qualifying. After rain cancelled Friday’s practices, NASCAR shuffled the schedule and added an extra session on Saturday morning.

Strong off of the truck, Edwards jumped to second place on the board just behind Dale Earnhardt Jr. in the first practice. Running a session-high 49 laps, Edwards had the 2^nd fastest 10-lap average, again behind Earnhardt Jr. This session determined his draw for qualifying, where he would go out 47^th.

Edwards led the way in the second practice, running only three laps total and pacing practice with a lap of 31.556 seconds.

Claiming his second career pole award and third of the season, Edwards is in a great position at the drop on the green flag today. In addition, having the No. 1 pit stall will be another advantage to Edwards and his crew throughout the race. Pitting directly behind Edwards is J.J. Yeley, a start-and-park car, giving the No. 99 a clear in and out to their box.

What’s this all mean? Honestly … I don’t know! Carl Edwards and Tony Stewart are going to put on a heck of a show down to the wire, so sit back and enjoy the race.