The galvanized Carl Edwards
This time last year, Carl Edwards was mired in one of his worst NASCAR seasons. He was winless, out of Chase contention and struggling to finish races. This coming on the heels of a season in which he qualified for the Chase, won four races and finished third in the Cup standings.
Edwards is back to his winning ways. He has already earned a Chase berth and has won two races this year. He narrowly missed winning his third at California Speedway, finishing second to Jimmie Johnson.
"I feel a lot different, but I've learned a lot," said Edwards, driver of the No. 99 Ford for Roush Fenway Racing. "They say you learn the most through your toughest times. Last year wasn't a disaster by any means, but we didn't live up to the expectations that we all set."
Edwards said this year is "definitely different" than last and he knows he is smiling a lot more than he did last year.
"That's all you can ask for is to enjoy it, but any of the drivers can tell you that you live and die by this stuff," Edwards said. "It's tough. One week you can be a hero and the next week you're nothing. It's a really tough sport on you mentally and I think that having that bad year right off the bat kind of galvanized me a little bit and made me a little bit stronger person and better competitor."