No points for Bayne leaves Edwards on top

Can Carl Edwards pick up where he left off? It sure looks that way.

Edwards closed the 2010 Sprint Cup Series season with consecutive victories in the final two races at Phoenix and Homestead, Fla.

Because a change in date in Phoenix’s spring race this season, Edwards’ return to Phoenix International Raceway for Sunday’s Subway 500 comes just three months since he exited its Victory Lane.

“I am really excited about getting out of Daytona with a good finish and then coming to Phoenix; we could not be going to a better track for us right off the bat,” Edwards said.

“Vegas should also be great. I don’t know about you guys, but there is something about this season that feels different to me.

“There is a lot of positive energy, and coming off last season I am really excited about this one.”

Edwards’ good vibe certainly continued after Sunday’s Daytona 500, where he finished second to upset winner Trevor Bayne.

Under NASCAR’s new rules this season forcing driver to pick in which series they want to win championship points, Bayne got 0 points for Sunday’s win leaving Edwards as the series leader.

Bayne chose to compete for the Nationwide title in 2011.

“When I roll into Phoenix next week I will look at those points and know that this is okay. There is a very bright side to our day (at Daytona),” Edwards said.

“We are going to have bad days. It is nice to get out of this one considering the chaos that was going on.”

Edwards was one of a few drivers who never got up front to lead but managed to stay within striking distance of the win in a chaotic victory featuring a record 74 lead changes and 16 cautions.

The recently repaved surface increased speeds and forced drivers to team with partners in two-car drafts to go the fastest.

Edwards’ last chance in the 500 came when he teamed with fellow Ford driver David Gilliland in a two-car tandem in the final two laps, rocketed to the front, and nearly came away with the win.

“Our performances have been great.

“We have a win, a win and a second (dating back to last season). That is a pretty good streak to be on, and we are going to a couple tracks where you never know what is going to happen, but historically they are really good for us,” he said.

“I feel like we are in a great spot.”

At least for now, Edwards is. Come November’s race at Phoenix he may be less enthusiastic.

Phoenix track officials recently announced a plan to repave the 1-mile oval and slightly alter its unique configuration.

As a recent winner at the track that was not welcome news to Edwards.

“I will be out there laying in front of the excavating equipment trying to get them to leave it,” he joked. “I really like that surface a lot.

“Everything they have done out there through the years has been better.

“No matter how hard you try, I don’t think you can mess that racetrack up. It is the right size, the sun beats down and it gets slippery.

“It will be neat with the new pavement as well.”

Daytona certainly turned out okay.