Nextel Cup sophomore Carl Edwards has had a lively start to the 2006 season following his run in with NASCAR at the conclusion of Sunday’s Bud Shootout. Here he discusses NASCAR’s latest rule changes and his feelings on the Chad Knaus situation.
Q
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT BUMP-DRAFTING?
CARL EDWARDS
“I was just talking to the guys at NASCAR about it. It’s a tough call on their part. You know, cars running into each other at 190 miles an hour is inherently dangerous. I think anything they can do to limit it and still keep subjective rulings out of the equation will be awesome and they’re trying to do their best. I think they’ll do a good job.”
Q
SPOTTERS IN THE CORNER IS WHERE YOU NEED THEM, RIGHT?
CARL EDWARDS
“Yeah. Man, this is a tough place. I had the chance to spot the other day for Jason Hedlesky, who is my spotter in the Busch Series. He ran the ARCA race and I’m telling you after standing in that spotter’s stand and watching, I don’t believe a word those spotters say. It’s hard to see those racecars. My point is, there are so many variables here. A spotter can say you’re clear and accidentally be clearing you for the wrong car. There are a million ways to cause a wreck. I think that if the drivers just take it in their hands to be a little bit calm, everything will be fine.”
Q
WHAT WAS YOUR REACTION TO THE CHAD KNAUS SITUATION?
CARL EDWARDS
“I’m not certain but I think the ruling and the penalty was pretty much in line with what NASCAR has done in the past. I don’t think it’s out of line. Chad is a great guy and the 48 team is doing their very best. They got caught with something. I’m sure it’s no more than anyone expected.”
Q
WILL IT HAVE A RIPPLE EFFECT?
CARL EDWARDS
“All of these crew chiefs and teams know what they’re doing. They take risks in all different ways, but I don’t know if it really effects anyone else. I can only speak for our team and say that it’s unfortunate it happened to him, but we’re gonna keep doing the same job we’re doing.”
Q
ANY THOUGHTS ON WHETHER OR NOT YOU WOULD VARY FROM THE BACKFLIP IF YOU WON SUNDAY? THIS IS A BIG RACE.
CARL EDWARDS
“I don’t even know what I’d do if I won the
Daytona 500. I don’t know. It might deserve more than a backflip, but I’m not calling that right now. I’m not saying I’m gonna do that. We’ve got to win the race first. That will be the toughest part.”
