CONCORD, N.C. – Carl Edwards won for the first time in two seasons – and the first time since joining Joe Gibbs Racing – moving in front 20 laps from the end to take the Coca-Cola 600 on Sunday night.
Edwards hadn’t won in 49 races since November 2013 at Texas Motor Speedway. He ended his long association with Roush Fenway Racing this past offseason, hoping for bigger things with JGR.
He got it at Charlotte Motor Speedway after shuffling in front as most of his competitors needed green-flag pit stops close to the end. Most figured Edwards would have to stop, too, but remained on the track and cruised to his first victory at Charlotte.
Greg Biffle was second, followed by Dale Earnhardt Jr., pole-sitter Matt Kenseth and Martin Truex Jr., who notched his 11th top-10 finish in 12 events this season.
Edwards parked his car, did his signature back flip and rushed into the waiting arms of his crew, all jumping around in celebration. He climbed into the stands to grab the checkered flag before heading to victory lane.