While several of his fellow Chase competitors had their troubles on Sunday afternoon in the Kansas Lottery 400, Roush Fenway Racing’s Carl Edwards persevered with a top-five finish.
Edwards’ No. 99 Fastenal Ford Fusion never contended for its third victory of the season, but some late-race pit strategy with two-tires by crew chief Jimmy Fenning gave the Columbia, Missouri native the track position that he needed to claim his first top-five since Atlanta (Ga.) Motor Speedway in September.
“That was an awesome finish for us,” said Edwards. “I appreciate everyone coming out here and supporting this 99 team, it means the world. We did not run very well all day but that was awesome at the end, a lot of fun. We put it on the top and ran around and it was a lot of fun. I am so proud of my guys, they did great on pit road.”
Surprisingly, all three of Roush Fenway Racing entries weren’t able to capitalize on the weekend speed that they showed in practice. Edwards’ teammate Greg Biffle started alongside in 11th, but found himself caught up in an early race incident with six-time Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson on Lap 86.
Biffle rebounded to finish 15th.
Ricky Stenhouse Jr., who flexed some early weekend speed muscle on Saturday finished 19th after starting 23rd.
Edwards’ seventh top-five finish of the season jumped him seven spot in the championship standings (even though they were tied), sitting just nine points behind Joey Logano entering Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway’s Bank of America 500 on October 11.
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