NASCAR Cup

Michigan II: Round 23 preview

Biffle and Edwards need to repeat Michigan success to stay in Chase hunt DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Aug. 15, 2006) -- After their success in the 2005 Chase for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup, Greg Biffle (No. 16 National Guard Ford) and Carl Edwards (No. 99 ...

Published: Aug 17, 2006, 7:19 AM

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Biffle and Edwards need to repeat Michigan success to stay in Chase hunt

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Aug. 15, 2006) -- After their success in the 2005 Chase for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup, Greg Biffle (No. 16 National Guard Ford) and Carl Edwards (No. 99 Office Depot Ford) were both mentioned as preseason title favorites. The drivers combined to win three of the final four races and both finished the season 35 points behind champion Tony Stewart (No. 20 Home Depot Chevrolet). Their momentum failed to carry into 2006, however, as both drivers are currently outside the top 10 in the standings. With only four races remaining before the cutoff for the Chase for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup, the Roush Racing duo are hoping a trip to Michigan International Speedway can help cure their woes.

Michigan has always been a successful track for Roush drivers. Team owner Jack Roush has won four of the last nine races at the track and consistently puts his cars in the top 10. Biffle and Edwards are no exception. Both drivers have scored top-10 finishes in each of the last four races, including back-to-back wins for Biffle in August 2004 and June 2005. Biffle also has two NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series wins at the track.

"I always say that Michigan is one of my favorite race tracks," Biffle said. "I've had a lot of success at that track in all three series and I enjoy the racing there. There's plenty of room for good side-by-side racing and passing."

Although he has yet to win a Michigan race, Edwards has always run well there. He finished 10th in his NASCAR NEXTEL Cup debut there in 2004 and has improved each race since, finishing fifth, fourth and second. He leads all drivers, averaging a 5.25 finish.

Sunday's race could help boost each driver's chances at making the Chase. Biffle leads all drivers with a 116.2 Driver Rating in the next four races and Edwards is eighth with a 92.1.

But both drivers know that time is running out for their title hopes.

"We're going back in the direction of the body style we've run so well with there and I think that is the right move for us," Biffle said. "We've got to do everything we can to make up as many points as we can over the next four weeks."

-credit: nascar

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