MADISON, Ill. — Nextel Cup star Carl Edwards overtook Denny Hamlin with nine laps left and held on to win the Busch Silver Celebration 250 on Saturday night.
After heavy rain delayed the start by an 1 hour, 40 minutes, the race had few incidents during its 200 laps. Only two yellow flags came out for a total of 11 laps, one of several records tied or broken at Gateway International Speedway.
Maybe more importantly to NASCAR officials, the circuit’s first test run with unleaded gas went off without any noticeable changes in speed.
Edwards, a Columbia native, averaged 119.152 in his Ford, nearly 3 mph faster than the previous record set by Kevin Harvick during his 2000 victory. Only 11 laps were run under caution during the 2000 race as well.
Edwards has won two of the past three Busch Series events and has three victories overall this season. He started on the outside of the front row and looked as if he might have lost his chance for victory when he pitted for two tires with 16 laps left. But that decision turned out to be the key.
Clint Bowyer finished second, followed by Hamlin, Reed Sorenson, series leader Harvick, Scott Wimmer, David Green, Kyle Busch, St. Louis driver Kenny Wallace and Kevin Grubb.
Hamlin dominated the race after starting the night on the pole position. He led the first 111 laps and held the lead when he entered and exited pit row on the 186th lap. However, the decision to only take a splash of gas and not change any tires during that stop, likely cost him the victory. He lasted just five more laps in first before Edwards passed him on the outside and went on for the victory.