Edwards Gets A Shot At Rare Pro Stock Double

When the weather conditions cancelled much of Pro Stock during the NHRA Stop at the Arizona Nationals, and with poor forecasts the next couple days, NHRA, with the support of the remaining eight drivers left in Pro Stock, created a rare opportunity this weekend at the Gatornationals. NHRA carried the remainder of eliminations to Gainesville Raceway to be completed during qualifying. 

It opens the door for one of eight drivers, including reigning Pro Stock champ Mike Edwards, to walk away from Florida with a pair of Pro Stock Wallys.

 “This will be a great weekend of racing in Florida,” Edwards said. “As a professional driver you do not get many opportunities to double at the same track. We will have to be on top of our game for the entire weekend to get the honor to leave with trophies in both hands.” 

If Edwards can pull off the sweep, he will open the season on a three-race win streak and on course to defending his championship.  

The twist is Edwards has never carried off a Wally when the tour hit Florida. He has reached the final in 1997 and the final four in 2007 and 2008. “We have always run fast in Gainesville because the track and conditions are usually close to perfect,” he said. “It makes for a fun and fast race for everyone involved. You can’t miss the setup at all if you want to be the last one standing.”

 The continuation of the Phoenix elimination will start with the second qualifying session for Pro Stock, with the final coinciding with the last qualifying round on Saturday. 

“We are ready for the double pressure of trying to win Phoenix, qualify strong, and then come out Sunday and take another trophy.”