Team Interstate Wrap-up for Feb. 18-19, 2012

If Saturday was any indication, the 2012 racing season will be one to remember for Team Interstate. Kyle Busch made several amazing saves en route to his victory in the Budweiser Shootout. James “Bubba” Stewart overcame an early incident to score a sixth-place finish in Supercross. And Mike Edwards took the NHRA Pro Stock pole in Arizona before exiting in round 2.

NASCAR: Busch Wins Shootout

Kyle Busch defeated Tony Stewart by a thin, candy shell at the 2012 Budweiser Shootout at Daytona.

Busch, driver of the No. 18 Toyota Camry, led Team Interstate by winning Saturday night’s Budweiser Shootout non-points NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway.

Kyle Busch flashes that familiar smile after his win.

Busch led twice for three laps and passed Tony Stewart just before the finish line on the final lap to claim his first career victory in the Budweiser Shootout. Busch defeated Stewart by .013 of a second, the closest finish in Budweiser Shootout history.

Hamlin’s Team Interstate companions – Denny Hamlin in the No. 11 Toyota Camry and Joey Logano in the No. 20 Toyota Camry – finished fifth and 18th, respectively. Hamlin scored his fourth top-10 finish in seven Budweiser Shootouts while Logano was involved in a multi-car accident on Lap 54 and was unable to finish the race.

Supercross: Stewart Climbs Back After Stumble

JGRMX teammates James Stewart and Davi Millsaps took on round seven of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship Saturday night at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Stewart and Millsaps transferred to the main from their respective heat races, with Stewart winning his fifth heat race of the season.  The teammates began the main event around mid-pack with Stewart following Millsaps toward the front. On the third lap, Millsaps was in fifth with Stewart right behind when Millsaps fell when exiting a turn. Stewart, having no place to go, ran into Millsaps’ fallen bike, stalling his motorcycle. By the time Millsaps and Stewart got back in the race, they were in 19th and 20th. Stewart rallied up to sixth place at the checkers with Millsaps 15th.

See a lap of the course from Stewart’s perspective:
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=kRhjIYOJgbk

NHRA Drag Racing: Edwards Wins Pole

Mike Edwards and the young men from Young Life Capernaum Phoenix

Mike Edwards set a track record and grabbed the pole for the fourth straight year at Firebird International Raceway in Chandler, Ariz. In the first elimination round, Warren Johnson had the starting line advantage, but Edwards chased him down by half track to take the win. In round 2, however, Edwards suffered a violent tire shake and lost to Rodger Brogdon.

Though the accolades on the track carry a special spot with Edwards, the truly best part of Saturday for him and the entire team was having the honor of hosting a group of young men in their pit area from the Young Life Capernaum Phoenix.

“These are some very special young men, that have some major challenges in their life,” Edwards said. “But when you are around them, you would never know it by the smiles on their faces and the joy they have inside and bring to everyone around them. It was truly an honor to have them with us today.

Learn more about Edwards’ Saturday with Young Life Capernaum Phoenix.

Related articles

• WIN: Sparks Fly in Shootout! (joegibbsracing.com)
• Stewart Wins Oakland in a Fitting Tribute to Mark “Tex” Adams (blogbattery.com)
• Samantha Busch on the NASCAR Off-season (blogbattery.com)