Atlanta Motor Speedway spotlights Carl Edwards

Carl Edwards Prepares for a Big Weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway

HAMPTON, Ga. (February 3, 2006) -- With the 2005 season in his rearview mirror, Carl Edwards, driver of the No. 99 Office Depot car for Roush Racing, is already gearing up for 2006, where he hopes to build on the success of his strong campaign last year.

Edwards left Atlanta Motor Speedway with a broom in his hand after sweeping both NEXTEL Cup races and winning the lone Busch Series event at AMS in 2005. Edwards will be going for his third straight NEXTEL Cup win and has the chance to win his fourth and fifth straight races at AMS if he takes the checkered flag in both the Busch and NEXTEL Cup Series races.

"We had great luck at Atlanta in the spring race. If I tried a hundred times it probably wouldn't happen like that again," Edwards said of his March victory. "The second race we just had our act together really well and we are going to try and do the same thing again in Atlanta this year."

Edwards amassed impressive numbers in 2005 for a seasoned veteran, but with last season being just his first full year of NEXTEL Cup competition, 17 top-10 finishes and 12 top five finishes, including four wins seem even more impressive. Edwards has an average finish of 1.6 in his three NEXTEL Cup starts at AMS.

"I'm pretty excited about racing in Atlanta to say the least," Edwards said about the fastest track on the NEXTEL Cup circuit. "When we went there to test tires earlier this year, even the crew was excited to be there."

Trying to capture two championships in 2006, running a full schedule in both the NEXTEL Cup and Busch Series, Edwards knows the importance of starting both championship runs on a high note.

"Last year we had a great run, and this year we are hoping to improve on that," Edwards said. "Atlanta is a fast track that has multiple grooves which makes it easy to pass and a lot of fun."

To see Carl Edwards try and defend his crown at AMS March 17-19 during the Golden Corral 500 race weekend, call 877-9-AMS-TIX (877-926-7849), 770-946-4211, or visit www.atlantamotorspeedway.com for ticket information.

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