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Carl Edwards wins Southern 500: 5 takeaways from Darlington

By Charles Rahrig V

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Carl Edwards survived a demolition derby to win the Southern 500 at Darlington.

On a night where NASCAR paid tribute to their heritage, real racing took place on the track as drivers navigated through wrecks and challenges for the right to call themselves winner of the Southern 500.

However at the end of the night, it was three drivers that ultimately battled for the win. Brad Keselowski, Carl Edwards and Kevin Harvick pulled away from the rest of the pack as they fought for the win. Keselowski who won the pole, had the fastest car, but as is the case with Darlington, no lead is too safe as Edwards would pass him with 22 laps to go, but Keselowski would hold firm and regain postion.

Kevin Harvick would make a late push, but Keselowski would hold serve. Then a caution would come out and Carl Edwards would be the fastest car on pit road and took advantage of a great stop and rode his first place position to the very end.

With Edwards big win, here’s five takeaways from Darlington.

1. Carl Edwards is ready for “The Chase”

Joe Gibbs Racing has a lot of wins this season. Now they have another as Carl Edwards picked up his second win of the season at Darlington. Edwards who had won earlier at Charlotte this season, had a quiet summer as his teammates did all the winning.

However, strategy and great driving paid off at the Southern 500 as Edwards worked his way to the front to take down Brad Keselowski, who looked like he would be unstoppable on the track. Edwards navigated the corners of Darlington with precision and there was no chance at the end anyone was going to catch him.

For Edwards, it’s some much needed momentum before the postseason.

2. Welcome to Caution City

There wasn’t really too many big wrecks at the Southern 500, but there were a lot of wrecks, cautions and stops to the race that made it the longest of the season. A demolition derby at the Southern 500 is to be expected, but it was an absolute calamity of errors as a record 18 cautions occurred.

https://twitter.com/NASCARonNBC/status/640720508422635520

There was probably about 10 or so instances just like that. Fortunately, many cars were able to save their vehicles, others weren’t as lucky. The track that is too tough to tame, was indeed too tough to tame.

3. Throwback Week was awesome

With the race at Darlington returning to Labor Day Weekend, NASCAR decided to throwback to the days of old with old school paint jobs, television coverage and facial hair. Honoring those that drove before them, drivers paid homage to NASCAR’s legends of old.

From NBC’s coverage to NASCAR’s presentation, it was one of the greatest spectacles of the season. The original 500-mile race had a big time feel to it and everyone did their part to make it the success that it was.

4. If for one last time, thank you Ken Squier and Ned Jarrett

The most special moment of the evening came when NASCAR threw their coverage to former and legendary NASCAR announcers Ken Squier and Ned Jarret, who were accompanied by Ned’s son and NASCAR legend Dale Jarrett. The duo of Squier and the eldest Jarrett called the race just like they did for decades.

They didn’t even miss a beat either as they told a story of what was unfolding on the track that made for truly compelling television. If this is the last time we get to see the greatest announcers call a race, well then what a farewell it truly was.

5. One race left before “The Chase” begins

The time for talking is over. With Richmond next week, there is just one more race before the postseason of NASCAR begins. That means for guys like Kasey Kahne and Aric Almirola, it’s win or go home. For all intents and purposes, the final spots to get in “The Chase” are locked up.

Next week at Richmond, the final bell tolls on the season of those who have yet to qualify. After that, the heavyweights begin a three month battle for the right to become a member of NASCAR history. The best of racing of the season is about to arrive.

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