In the final race at Homestead Miami Speedway, Carl Edwards gave it his all.
He drove his car hard, knowing that he had to win the race in order to even have a breath of hope of snatching the Sprint Cup trophy from the clutches of Jimmie Johnson.
And win the race he did, ending the race with no fuel and barely coasting across the finish line. And once again, for the ninth time in the 2008 season, Carl backflipped off his window across the finish line.
As Edwards accepted the checkered flag from the NASCAR official, he had to make a brief, but important stop. He hopped out ever so briefly to run up to the No. 48 car of Jimmie Johnson to congratulate him on winning his third consecutive championship in a row.
- B/R Ticket Guide
Carl then coasted his car into Victory Lane to celebrate his own race win. He had done everything that he possibly could have done to have had the opportunity to win the championship, and yet come up just short.
It was not meant to be for Edwards this year. But as he greeted reporters and his team in Victory Lane, he was most gracious even in defeat, clutching his "courage" necklace around his neck.
Edwards thanked all who had been involved in his effort, especially Office Depot, his sponsor for the very last time. He said he and his team could hold their heads high, urging everyone who ever strives for something “to give it all you've got," as he had done today.
And to quote a very successful race car driver, even one who was ultimately defeated for the final prize, "you can't lose if you give it 100 percent."
Congratulations, Carl Edwards, on your race win.
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about 1 month ago
Carl was a good story all year long , i was happy for him and his team..
from about 1 month ago
Agreed Al. Had it not been for a few problems for Carl, it might have been him. But he was most gracious in defeat - good for him. He will be back next season for sure. Hope you enjoyed the final race of the season!
about 1 month ago
Carl and Jimmie spent alot of time off the track, and Carl learned that you have to get every point in every race in the chase to win it all. This knowledge will be a help to him in next years chase...next season will be even more competitive, the 18 the 24 the 88 the 99 the 48, the 26, 17 will all be there to contend and i cant wait...
from about 1 month ago
Hope you're right on all counts - should be exciting in 2009!
about 1 month ago
Although Carl had a few bumps in the road this year & acted like a bit of a horse's ass after Talladega, I must say that he held his own against Jimmie & showed true sportsmanship. He turned out to be a real class act in the end.
from about 1 month ago
Agreed - he has had his ups and downs - but he ended on a classy note.
about 1 month ago
He really got lucky, running out of gas on coming across the start/finish, if he didn't listen to his crew chief Bob Osbourne and conserve fuel he wouldn't have won this one. Happy looked good, Scott Speed finished 16th, but Brian Vickers didn't get him into the Top 35, guess they need to make the 84 like the 83. The 84 really is junk, only Mike Skinner had a few decent runs in and hope Owners realize it for AJ sake.
from about 1 month ago
Yep, he did get lucky - not sure how they do that fuel thing....Harvick was happy as was Jeff Gordon. I thought Vickers did get that last 35th spot??
from about 1 month ago
I checked last night, they had the No. 84 in 36th, so I could be wrong and didn't give them time to update it.
from about 1 month ago
Your right he did, beat out Ambrose for the 35th spot.
about 1 month ago
I was really pulling for him yesterday... I think he was the best driver overall this year. the most consistent and throughout. It was tough to see, but he was so gracious in defeat. he is one to look out for the next couple years. I know the season just ended but I can't wait for Daytona...
from about 1 month ago
I haven't always been a fan but I was most impressed with him all weekend - he did everything he needed to do to position himself to be there at the end - but just came up short. Agreed, can't wait until Daytona - let the countdown begin!!
from about 1 month ago
I know it was pretty cool to see, winning is so hard in this series just ask Kenseth, Gordon, and Harvick all who are fairly competitve. But Edwards was a class act this weekend. I know .. the moment I ended I was like 84 more days.. haha...
about 1 month ago
Carl had to be runner up twice this past weekend and he has shown much more maturity then he did last year. Even if he does drive a " FORD " he is a class act !
Carol
from about 1 month ago
Good point Carol - twice in a row coming up short is hard to take - Carl showed great maturity in both!
about 1 month ago
I think Carl will be a force in next year's chase. He learned a lot from Jimmie this year. I just hope Jimmie did not teach all of his tricks to Carl. I like Carl but my heart belongs to the 48.
from about 1 month ago
Elaine, if your heart belongs to to the 48, you must be a mighty happy gal! Congrats on your driver's championship. But agree - Carl will be a force next year. Thanks for you comment.
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