Edwards claims victory in Michigan

Carl Edwards drove a Ford to victory Saturday in the NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Michigan International Speedway.

It was Ford’s first Michigan win in the series since 2001 and Edwards third win of the season. The defending champion of the Nationwide Series, Edwards went on to win the Sprint Cup race the next day.

“I’m so happy we won this thing,” Edwards said after Saturday’s Carfax 250. “We’ve been so close before. It feels good to put a Ford here in Victory Lane.” Hear what else Edwards had to say in the post-race interview.

Edwards had a lead of more than three seconds when Danny Efland wrecked on the white-flag lap, causing the race to end under caution. Brian Vickers finished second, followed by Tony Stewart. Mark Martin was fourth and Greg Biffle came home fifth.

Edwards victory also was a victory for Roush Fenway Racing, which won its first series victory at the two-mile track since 1998.

“We always enjoy racing here in front of the home crowd,” said Jack Roush, whose team’s headquarters are in Michigan. “It’s a race track that suits our cars and our driving style.”

In winning his 16th Nationwide Series race, Edwards trimmed Clint Bowyer’s points lead to 113. Bowyer lost ground on Lap 91 and finished 10th in Saturday’s race.