Carl Edwards expecting a wild ride tonight; so are the fans

                                          Credit: Carol D'Agostino/Skirts and Scuffs

Tonight's Federated Auto Parts 400 will answer many questions -- primarily who's in and who's out of the coveted Chase for the Sprint Cup. But how will it specifically unfold? Carl Edwards is expecting a pretty wild race, and so are the fans.

During a weekend press conference Carl Edwards discussed his thoughts on tonight's season closing race and the upcoming Chase. Edwards, last year's race winner, expects a no holds barred race. "I expect some pretty ruthless racing if a guy has an opportunity. I think you are going to see that not just tonight but at the third race of the Chase, sixth race and ninth race, and definitely in Homestead," Edwards said.

"NASCAR has done a good job of putting us in a position where a lot can depend on one pass, one lap, one restart. Everything can depend on that and I think for us drivers sometimes that is frustrating, but it will definitely create some excitement," he added.

Fans like Todd Bennett of Edinboro, Pa, and Ali Ruscitto of Roanoke, Va., enjoy the excitement of not knowing what can happen, though Bennett is hoping for some rubbin' and racing. "I think the new Chase format has created an element of unpredictability," Bennett, a Dale Earnhardt, Jr. fan said. "I hope Junior takes it all, but I think Newman is going to make it in tonight," he added.

For Ali, admittedly a fair weather fan who enjoyed her first race along with Todd last spring in Richmond, the dark horse potential is an added plus. "When winning and getting to the playoffs is unpredictable, it is more exciting. There's always an off chance that someone you didn't expect will make the playoffs, and that makes it more attractive," she said.

                                          Credit: Carol D'Agostino/Skirts and Scuffs

Richmond is also setting the stage for first-time race fans like the Ramirez/Rosas family who came to Richmond from Chico, Calif., to spend time with brother Julian who just finished basic training.

                                          Credit: Carol D'Agostino/Skirts and Scuffs

In the back is Natalie Rosas. Front row from left, are Yolanda Ramirez, Jessica Rosas, Julian Rosas, and girlfriend Julia Romo.

No matter what the results, tonight's race will be eventful from the race track to the grandstands and in living rooms across the nation. Enjoy!