Carl Edwards: The 'Prom King' of NASCAR

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.

NASCAR's Prom King

Alfonsi: Have you always been drawn to speed ?

Edwards: I just like the challenge. I think there's a lot that I've learned about myself through trying to do something new. Trying to do something well. And for me auto racing is like this giant magnet because it's physically and mentally very challenging. And it's a little bit scary.

Alfonsi: Do you get scared?

Edwards: The first time I drove a racecar I couldn't believe how fast it was. I'd watch a lot of racing and my dad let me drive at this tiny track in Illinois... the whole track would fit here on this front straight away. And I came off the corner and I'm trying to look over the steering wheel and I'm like 14 years old. And I lifted off the throttle way before the flag stand. And I thought "oh this is fast." Right then, I realized it wasn't going to be that easy.

Alfonsi: Do you ever get scared now?

Edwards: I don't get scared anymore of the speed or of the wreck, I'm just scared to make a mistake that could cost us a win or points. I don't like that feeling of making a mistake and having to live with it.

Alfonsi: You ever slow down?

Edwards: Yeah I slow down. That's why I live in Columbia, Missouri. On my days off I try to spend as much time as I can just doing something noncompetitive.

Alfonsi: Who's the guy in the race car?

Edwards: Once I get in the race car, it's time for business. It's really fun to see all these people and get to meet the fans. When I first started this I was always really anxious before the races, but now I try to enjoy it because when you get this many people together who love the sport as much as me and my guys… its really cool.

Alfonsi: Everybody says you are so squeaky clean. Where is the flaw? Someone said you are like the prom king of NASCAR.

Edwards: I'm just like anybody else where I'm frustrated over trivial things I shouldn't be mad about. I get frustrated with myself that sometimes I don't do a better job of focusing on what I need to focus on. Prioritizing what's important in life and I've been working on that a lot lately. But to me it's about challenges. I try really hard not to go for that Ben and Jerry's in the frig but that's really easy. The tough things are just having perspective

Alfonsi: It's right before the race, you've just helicoptered in, everyone is in your face. And you signed everything and you were talking to people, you were asking them questions. Does it ever feel like too much?

Edwards: There are times when I don't want to talk to anyone, I don't want to talk to any fans. I don't want to sign anything. But if I am having a good day and I have my head on straight and I have time, the fans are what make this happen. We can talk about the fact that television ratings are down 8 or 9 percent, or that the tickets sales are down 9 percent, but out of that our sport, like a lot of our economy and a lot of our advertising, will become more efficient and will be a little more grateful for the fans that do come out here. I know I am and I know I see it out of the other drivers. So I'm not the only one that takes the time for the fans.

Alfonsi: How many autographs did you sign today?

Edwards: I don't know how many autographs I signed today. More than normal. I was in a really good mood after the race.

Alfonsi: What's next for you? What goals have you set for yourself?

Edwards: I have some goals. And in racing, my goals are to win the Sprint Cup Championship. To me it would be such an accomplishment considering that 6 or 8 years ago this was a one in a million chance to even be a part of this. So that would be my number one goal. Outside of racing, I'd want to be a good husband and hopefully someday a good father.