Welcome to TimersSports
Carl Edwards will make his debut with Joe Gibbs Racing at the Daytona 500. I am sure everyone is interested to see how we does with his new team. JGR is a more all-around organization then RFR. Both had a down year in 2013. Only different was JGR was much more competitive. Edwards realized that as well probably. Weather he have a stellar year like Kenseth and Harvick remains to be seens. But his production should automatically expected to be improved from 2014.
Intermediate venues always been a strong area for Edwards. He been one of the most consistent individuals in Nascar at this type track. There several excellent venues to use him like Las Vegas , Dover , Kansas and Charlotte to name a few of them. Of the 4 tracks , I think Las Vegas his top track. In 10 starts , Cousin Carl have 2 wins and 5 Top 10s. 9 of 10 races there have ended in 20th or better.
Kansas is another great place to use him. In 15 races , Edwards have 6 Top 5 and 11 Top 10s. Including 3 straight top 6 finishes over past 3 races. Only twice have he finished outside of the top 20. Another great example of his reliable finishes. As a fantasy player that something I am always looking for. At Dover , Edwards always been pretty decent option pick. JGR been as a whole actually been really good. So I am fairly high on Edwards at Dover in 2015. In 21 career races , Edwards have 1 win , 8 Top 5s , 12 Top 10s and 10.2 average finish. Only twice has he finished worst then 20th.
Flats will probably be more strength then a weakness for Edwards in 2015. JGR have shown superb potential compared to RFR. In 2014 , Usually Edwards finishing in the top 15 was a good day. JGR however had weekly top 10 cars. Expect an upstick in production. Phoenix is probably Edwards top flat track. In 21 races , Edwards have 2 wins , 7 Top 5s and 12 top 10s for 12.2 average finish. Even if RFR past two seasons , Edwards have 11.2 average finish. Which isn't terrible honestly. Expect pre-2013 like results. You know being an legit top 5 threat.
Pocono is another nice place to use Edwards. In 20 career races , Edwards have 2 wins and 8 Top 10s. Nothing stellar. But I feel like he under the radar here. Actually way under the radar. 10 Stench race from 2008 to 2012 , Edwards had 6 Top 10s. Including 3 Top 3 finishes. Only 1 finish worse then 20th. Feel like he could return to form in 2015.
New Hampshire is a place where Edwards could excel at. JGR were very competitive over past two seasons here. Edwards haven't been too bad himself. In 21 races , Edwards have finished inside 20th or better 20 times. Like I pointed out earlier he's pretty reliable. Similar to teammate Matt Kenseth. At Indy , Edwards always been good. But never great. In 10 career races , Edwards have 3 Top 10 and 9 Top 20s. Always been a teen-ish driver. With JGR that all could change. Last season , all three cars finished in the top 5.
At short tracks , Edwards always been a legit threat. One of JGR primary strengths seems to be short tracks. A win-win right there. Bristol seems to be one of Edwards favorite tracks on the schedule. In 21 career starts , Edwards have 3 wins and 15 finishes inside the top 20. Once again pretty reliable. In 2014 , Edwards have finishes of 1st and 7th.
Richmond been a decent place for him. In 21 career races , Edwards have 13.9 average finish and 1 win. Over past 10 races , Edwards have 8 Top 10s. Including his lone win. Expect JGR equipment to only make him better. If Edwards can finish inside top 10 with RFR equipment over past 2 seasons. Then he should contend for race wins or least top 5s with his new team.
Martinsville never been a great track for Edwards. But I feel like that could change in 2015. Throughout his career , Edwards been a consistent teen driver. Teammate Kenseth was before he got to JGR. Then he flipped the switch the last two season. Trust me that doesn't happen unless you have a strong short track program.
Edwards is a underrated road course racer. Trust me last season success at Sonoma and Watkins Glen were no fluke. Its was clear he was about to break out in recent seasons. Since 2011 , Edwards have 3 Top 5s at Sonoma. Outside of 2012 race , Edwards worst finish is 3rd (twice). At Watkins Genn , Edwards have 7 Top 10s in 10 career starts. Not many realize this but Watkins Glenn is Edwards best track. His 8.4 average finish backs that up. Worst finish is 19th.
Under zero circumstances would I see myself using Edwards at an plate race in 2015. Just too much risk with a guy like Edwards. Hard to trust a guy like Edwards at Daytona and Talladega. Not because he cannot finish well. But because Edwards just too darn valuable. Plus Daytona and Talladega have been very unkind to Edwards throughout his career. Hard to see that changing overnight even with a new team.
I truly believe Edwards career will re-energized with the move to JGR. All area should see a improvements. I also feel like the nascar fanbase is divided on Edwards. Half have him under the radar. Other half thing the monster under Cousin Carl's bed about to take over & wreck this series. Expect his best days to be at Intermediate tracks , shorts and road courses. Wouldn't be shocked to see him be stout at flats either though.
Twitter - @MattAleza