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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Sunday, November 15, 2009

Edwards captures Able Body Labor 200


Associated Press

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Carl Edwards

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AVONDALE, Ariz. — Carl Edwards rolled to a dominating win yesterday at Phoenix International Speedway that temporarily staved off Kyle Busch's bid to clinch the Nationwide Series title.

Busch's first NASCAR championship is still a near-certainty — he's up 190 points over Edwards and only needs to start next week's race at Homestead-Miami Speedway to grab the title.

But early problems yesterday spoiled Busch's bid to get it out of the way. He spun his Toyota eight laps into the race, suffered heavy damage when he hit the wall, and had to battle to a ninth-place finish in the Able Body Labor 200. "I was driving a bucket of (junk)," Busch said when asked what happened on the accident.

It wasn't enough, though, as Edwards picked up bonuses for leading the most laps and winning the race to put a halt to the celebration.

"I know Kyle's almost clinched the championship, but that's what we came here to do, win the race," Edwards said. Still recovering from a broken foot suffered in a frisbee game in September, Edwards skipped his traditional celebratory backflip and instead did a somersault.