CONCORD, N.C. (AP) – Carl Edwards was as much relieved as he was excited to win at Charlotte Motor Speedway. After all, joining Joe Gibbs Racing means big expectations that he hadn’t met this season before the Coca-Cola 600.
Edwards outlasted Greg Biffle to win NASCAR’s longest race, getting his 24th career victory, but first time since leaving Roush Fenway Racing to become JGR’s fourth entry.
“This does not feel like one of 24 wins. This one feels pretty big to me,” Edwards said. “I just cannot thank Joe Gibbs and everyone at Joe Gibbs Racing enough. Everyone took a big chance.”
It’s a gamble that’s paying off, much like crew chief Darian Grubb’s decision to fuel up earlier than most and stick out on the track at the end after his competitors had pitted for topped-off tanks and fresher tires.
“We were not going to win this race on pure speed. That was obvious the first 550 miles or so,” Edwards said. “So (Grubb) put us in a position to win. Those guys were definitely fast and Darian beat them to it.”