First of the season for Edwards

Carl Edwards (Roush Fenway Racing) took his first victory of the season in Phoenix. The Ford driver took first place from Denny Hamlin (Joe Gibbs Racing), forced to stop for a quick refueling in the final laps.

Published on 15/11/2010 à 12:34

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The driver of the No. 99 Ford scored a double victory this weekend, winning in the Nationwide and the Sprint Cup. Author of a solid race, Carl Edwards snatched victory in the final laps of the race, after leader Denny Hamlin returned to the pits just a few laps before the finish line.

« I felt like I was a little faster than Danny, then I thought maybe he was trying to conserve gas. “, declared the winner of the race. “ So I tried to save more. Then Kyle (Busch) came back behind me and I thought the other drivers were saving fuel. »

Hamlin returned to the pits, Carl Edwards won ahead of Ryan Newman (Stewart-Haas Racing), Joey Logano (Joe Gibbs Racing), Greg Biffle (Roush Fenway Racing), Jimmie Johnson (Hendrick Motorsports) and Kevin Harvick (Richard Childress Racing).

Denny Hamlin, who led 190 laps, only finished in 12th place. He retains the lead in the Chase, but is only 15 points ahead of Jimmie Johnson and 48 points ahead of Kevin Harvick. “ I only thought about saving fuel during my last laps of the race. I'm quite satisfied to finish in front of n°11 (Denny Hamlin),” commented the four-time Sprint Cup Champion.

The gaps have narrowed further before the last race which will take place next week in Miami. The statistics nevertheless give Denny Hamlin favorite for the title, the leader of the last two races having always been titled. But with such reduced margins, could destiny take another path?