With just two events remaining in the 2009 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series before the
"Countdown to 1" playoffs begin for the final six races, Mike Edwards knows how important these
stops are in his quest to steal his second place spot back and hopefully the Pro Stock points lead
before the tour hits Charlotte.
Edwards is just 34 points behind leader Jeg Coughlin and a mere seven points back of Jason Line for
second. An early exit by Coughlin and a victory at this weekend's 25th annual Toyo Tires NHRA
Nationals at Maple Grove Raceway could place Edwards on top for the first time in his career, and
put him in position to earn the 20 bonus points given to the points leader when the tour leaves
Indianapolis Labor Day weekend.
For Edwards and his Young Life/A.R.T. Pontiac-backed team, they have reached the most finals in Pro
Stock in 2009 with nine (Line has made eight finals, while Coughlin seven), and has had his share
of good fortune in Reading, with a pair of runners-up in 1998 and 2002. But none of that has turned
into a victory and a trip to the coveted winner's circle. This weekend all thoughts are set on
changing that statistic.
"We're still fighting as hard as we ever in this class of reaching the top," Edwards said. "We have
been trying to get our edge back and have been testing real hard in achieving that. We had a good
showing in Brainerd, but not exactly what we were hoping for only reaching the semifinals. For the
rest of the season, our goal is reaching the final at every event and hope that leads us to a
championship.
Reading is such a pivotal race according to Edwards, being the last stop prior to the U.S.
Nationals, which is everybody's last chance. "Maple Grove has created a lot of excitement over the
years and we have come close a few times, but never able to grab the trophy there. I know every
single member of this team is focused on performing at our best in Reading.
"In the past, you could always throw your best at the Maple Grove track and it usually would
stick," he added, referring to the performance potential. "If God is willing, I hope this is the
start of some great runs for this team that will include a victory and maybe start us down a path
to the ultimate prize at the end of the season. All I know is I'm looking forward to it!"
Quick Notes
Has advanced to the final at nine events in 2009, the most in Pro Stock.
In 2009, has captured eight No. 1 Qualifier awards, the most in Pro Stock.
Captured three wins thus far in 2009 in Atlanta, Bristol and the latest in Seattle.
Has qualified in the top five positions in all 16 NHRA events in 2009, with four times earning the
No. 2 spot, and three times in the No. 4 position to go with his eight poles and a single No. 5
qualifying effort.
Recorded his 18th career victory in Seattle.
Currently third in the 2009 NHRA Full Throttle Pro Stock point standings, only 34 points behind
leader Jeg Coughlin and seven points in rear of Jason Line.
Mike Edwards has grabbed either low e.t. or top speed at 13 of the first 16 events. He scored both
the low e.t. and top speed of the event at seven races (Gainesville, Bristol, Topeka, Chicago,
Englishtown, Denver, Seattle, and Brainerd), and has left with low e.t. two other events (Phoenix
and Las Vegas), while garnering top speed at three others (Houston, Atlanta, and Norwalk).
Television Schedule Toyo Tires NHRA Nationals
ESPN2
Saturday, August 22
Qualifying
1-3 a.m. (ET)
Sunday, August 23
NHRA Race Day Show
11:30 a.m. - noon (ET)
Sunday, August 23
Eliminations
10 p.m. - 1 a.m. (ET)
Wednesday, August 26
Repeat Eliminations
3 - 5 a.m. (ET)
