That’s Odd: Smoke vs. Edwards

NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES

 

That’s Odd: Smoke vs. Edwards

With a come-from-behind victory at Martinsville Speedway, Tony Stewart cut the deficit between he and points leader Carl Edwards to eight points.

 

This budding feud has some juice behind it. Consider these two marquee drivers “The Odd Couple Of NASCAR.” Tony’s Burger King. Carl’s Subway. Tony’s outspoken, with little worry about being politically correct. Carl’s a sponsor’s dream, always quick to flash a smile. Last week at Martinsville, when asked what NASCAR personality he’d be for Halloween, Tony said anyone sponsored by a beer company, so it could match what he’s drinking. Carl’s probably in a gym as you read this.

 

This will get interesting.

 

Stewart Aims For Third Title, History

If Stewart can overcome  his eight-point deficit, he would become first owner/driver since Alan Kulwicki in 1992 to win a NASCAR Sprint Cup title. Maybe more impressively, he would join Cale Yarborough, Lee Petty, Darrell Waltrip and David Pearson with three championships. Everyone on that list is either a NASCAR Hall of Famer or a NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee.

 

Stewart won at Texas in 2006, and finished 12th there earlier this season.

 

Stewart has a better average finish at Texas than Edwards with a 13.2 compared to Edwards 16.5

 

Edwards’ Chase: Lemons Into Lemonade

Martinsville was the second consecutive race where Carl Edwards viewed a subpar finish as a victory. After a safe effort at Talladega led to an 11th-place finish, Edwards finished ninth after an adventurous Martinsville race. He breathed a sigh of relief after both.

 

Good news for him: He leads by eight. Better news: Two of his best tracks await: Texas and Homestead.

 

Edwards started second and finished third at Texas earlier this season. With a series-leading three wins, Texas joins Atlanta as Edwards most prolific track.

 

Cream of the Crop: Chase Drivers Successful At Texas

Nine of the 12 Chase drivers have wins at Texas. The three drivers without a win: Brad Keselowski (fourth in points), Kevin Harvick (third) and Kyle Busch (seventh).

 

Keselowski’s best finish at Texas is 14th and he finished 18th there earlier this season; Harvick’s best finish is third, and he finished 20th earlier this season; Busch’s best finish is second, and he finished 16th earlier this season.

 

Denny Hamlin swept both races last season, and Matt Kenseth won at Texas earlier this season.

 

Full Circle? Dale Earnhardt Jr. Hopes To End Drought At Scene Of First Win

Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s win drought stands at 126, but Texas offers a storybook opportunity for its end.

 

On April 2, 2000 at Texas Motor Speedway, Earnhardt nabbed his first NASCAR Sprint Cup victory. He’s been strong there throughout his career, with an average finish of 14.5. He finished ninth at Texas earlier this season