"This is a big weekend for everyone involved in Pro Stock," Edwards said. "With the Challenge, it puts the class on the front stage. It puts a bit more pressure on the event because you want to perform at your best in both arenas, without losing site on making good solid runs."

For the K&N Challenge, which pays $50,000 to the winner, Edwards qualified in the No. 2 position, which is based off qualifying positions since last year's event. "By earning the second slot, it is just a huge positive to what this entire team has accomplished," he added. "I can't be any more proud of the guys at the engine shop and the group on the road; it has truly been a team effort on all fronts, and you can't ask for much more than that."

Edwards will open against Warren Johnson, who will be making his 23rd start in the event which he won on three occasions, including 2002 when he defeated Edwards in the final. "I think I have some unfinished business with Warren in this event," Edwards said. "If you add what he has done with his son, Kurt, the tandem has made more starts in this event than the other six of us combined."

The Johnson family combined will be making their 39th start, while the other six drivers (Greg Anderson, Ron Krisher, Allen Johnson, Jeg Coughlin, Jason Line, and Edwards) collectively will be the 37th start.

If Edwards can pull off the victory on Saturday and follow it with the win on Sunday, he would receive a double-up bonus of $25,000 on top of his winnings.

The event will be part of the ESPN2 coverage, Saturday from 8-10 p.m. ET.

Three Straight Runner-up Finishes Not Sitting Well
For most drivers, reaching the final at four straight events or five of the last six stops, which includes two victories, would be something they would hope for, Mike Edwards included. But now that he has lived through that and knows he should have collected a few more Wallys, Edwards wants to turn those three final-round letdowns into a summer run toward his first Pro Stock championship.

"This has been an incredible run we have been on as of late," he admitted. "I just wish it would have translated into a few more wins. We have had the car to beat at every race, so being in those shoes makes it tough when the trophy goes home with someone else."

To work on the problem, the team has tested and fills they are ready for the run toward the Chase for the Championship. "We are making sure we keep the momentum we have built over the next 6-7 races and set ourselves up to have a legitimate shot at the championship when the playoffs begin. That starts this weekend in Norwalk."

In the previous two trips to Summit Motorsports Park, Edwards did not qualify in 2007 and last year started from the No. 8 position, but lost in the opening frame.

"It is weird to say, that I just hope I win first round to say I have actually turned on the win light at the facility," Edwards joked. "The goal of everyone that shows up to compete in Pro Stock is to turn on that first round win light and go from there, so it will be a tough task just to reach that goal."

Currently, Edwards sits second place in points, his highest point at this point of his season of his career, trailing only Jeg Coughlin.

Quick Notes
Mike Edwards has qualified No. 1 at six of the first 11 events, with engine customer Ron Krisher grabbing the pole at the last stop, making it the tandem has secured the top spot at more than 63 percent of the events.

After only 11 events, Mike Edwards has compiled 25 round wins, which is only one short of his career best season of 26 that was last season.

Mike Edwards has appeared in six finals this season, surpassing his previous best of five his rookie year in 1996.

Mike Edwards has competed in 35 career final rounds, winning 17 of those finals.

Television Schedule
Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals
ESPN2
Saturday, June 27
Qualifying
8 p.m. - 10 p.m. (ET)

Sunday, June 28
NHRA Race Day Show
noon-12:30 p.m. (ET)

Sunday, June 28
Eliminations
7-10 p.m. (ET)

Friday, July 3
Repeat Eliminations
3-5 a.m. (ET)

Courtesy of Mike Edwards Motorsports