Edwards gains 80 points in Memphis win

 Carl Edwards edged closer to his second straight title in the NASCAR Nationwide Series by claiming victory Saturday at Memphis Motorsports Park.

The defending champion claimed his fifth win of the season in the Kroger on Track for the Cure 250 and cut 80 points off Clint Bowyer’s lead in the championship standings. He now trails Bowyer by 116 points with three races remaining.

It was Edwards’ first win on the three-quarter-mile oval, where he ran his first NASCAR event in the Truck Series.

Last year’s race winner David Reutimann challenged Edwards in the final two laps and stayed locked on Edwards’ bumper. Edwards later praised Reutimann for taking a pass on nudging him.

“To be honest, I’m not sure how I would have reacted before today if I were in his position,” he said. “But from now on, he’s got the free pass from me. David really earned my respect.” Hear what else Edwards had to say in his post-race interview.

Reutimann was followed by Kenny Wallace and Austin Dillon, in only his second NASCAR Nationwide Series race. Joey Logano finished fifth.