Carl Edwards: The 'Prom King' of NASCAR
NASCAR driver never slows down on or off the track.
Indianpolis, Indiana, September 20, 2009— -- It's eleven o'clock at night, and Carl Edwards has yet to find time to slow down. And that's just the way he likes it. The fiercely competitive Edwards is in Indianapolis for two races, and has spent the majority of his day in the driver's seat.
Edwards, 30, a Columbia, Mo. native, started his racing career as a Craftsman Truck Series driver. He soon transitioned to NASCAR's elite Sprint Cup Series, winning 17 races since 2004. His trademark back flips in victory lane, along with his movie star good looks and down-home manner, have made Edwards a fan favorite. The only time Edwards slows down is when he returns home to Columbia. In fact, it was there that he recently fractured his right foot playing Frisbee with friends.
When "Good Morning America Weekend" caught up with Edwards earlier this summer, he needed to qualify for the Sprint Cup race at the Brickyard, before competing in the Nationwide Series race at O'Reilly Raceway. In fact, time was so tight between the two events that he had to travel between them by helicopter. Considering he's used to life moving by at 200 mph, it is no wonder he doesn't want to waste a single second. And it proved to be worth it, Edwards ended the night in victory lane. ABC News' Sharyn Alfonsi caught up with him after his big win.
Alfonsi: So it's 11 o'clock, you are finally sitting down. Are you exhausted?
Edwards: No, this is really good. It's really nice to be the last one to leave the race track.
Alfonsi: You said you liked this race track, is it because your pictures are up on the billboard, by turn #2 there?
Edwards: I noticed, Vitamin water was nice enough to put my picture up. That's a lot of pressure. You got your picture up there with a slogan on it that makes me sound like a really good driver. You have to win at that point I guess.
Alfonsi: You really seem to enjoy it
Edwards: That's what life's about, enjoying things. About eight or nine years ago, I hitchhiked home from here because I didn't have a ride. I just came out here and hung out and passed out business cards. Just came out here looking to make contacts in the industry and try to have a job in racing. It's amazing to sit here and to just have won the Nationwide Series race.
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