Indianapolis, IN – Carl Edwards over took Kyle Busch on lap 179 and cruised to a two-second victory in the NASCAR Nationwide Series Kroger 200 at O’Reilly Raceway Park.
Edwards deserved the victory as he was dominant after he took the lead on lap 120 and was pulling away convincely until Justin Allgaier lost control of his car on lap 168.
Both Busch and Edwards both pitted on lap 169, with Busch winning the race off of pit road.
Early on it appeared as though the Nationwide regulars would be the winners as they led the first 97 laps. It also helped that Edwards, Busch and eventual third place finisher Matt Kenseth needed the first 50 laps to work their way from way back in the pack as they were unable to qualify their cars and used back-up drivers.
Pole-sitter Trevor Bayne was leading for the first 37 laps, only to have a caution come out on lap 34, when Michael Annett found the turn three wall. During the caution, Bayne came in to the pits and Ron Hornaday inherited the lead.
Hornaday would only lead 16 laps as Scott Wimmer would pass him on lap 54. Wimmer appeared to have a car conducive to long runs and it showed as ended up leading until lap 90 yellow flag flew.
It would be the last time that a Nationwide Series driver would have the lead.
RESULTS – 200 LAPS
1. Carl Edwards
2. Kyle Busch
3. Matt Kenseth
4. Brad Keselowski
5. Steve Wallace
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