Edwards to Make 200th Career NASCAR Nationwide Series Start at Bristol

CONCORD, N.C. (August 19, 2010) – Carl Edwards, 2007 NASCAR Nationwide Series Champion, is set to make his 200th Nationwide Series start at Bristol Motor Speedway Friday, August 20 in the Food City 250.

“I’ve had an amazing opportunity to drive for Jack Roush for the past six years,” Edwards said. “We’ve had 27 wins in those 199 races. I consider myself lucky that I have had such great equipment and crews to work with. I didn’t realize that I had already run that many Nationwide races. It sure has gone by in a flash. I’m looking forward to strapping in at Bristol for my 200th start and I can’t think of a better place for such a milestone. I plan on running a lot more and hope to continue to have a lot of fun and success.”

Edwards’s first Nationwide start was in 2002 at Gateway International Raceway where he started 36th and finished 38th after experiencing mechanical issues. In 2005 Edwards ran his first season for legendary team owner Jack Roush. Edwards amassed five wins, 15 top-five finishes and 21 top-10 finishes in this first full season and would ultimately finish third in the series’ points standings.

In 199 starts Edwards has earned 27 wins, 99 top-fives, 137 top-10 finishes and 21 poles. He has completed 36,254 laps and led 3,836. Currently, Edwards is tied with Jeff Burton for the fifth-most wins in the series.

In addition to earning his 200th career Nationwide Series start driving the No. 60 Fastenal/Copart Ford Fusion Friday night, with a strong finish Edwards can also clinch his 100th top-five finish and potentially his 50th career NASCAR victory