Nextel Cup star treated for injuries after I-80 crash

BY TODD HENRICHS / Lincoln Journal Star
Monday, Jul 23, 2007 - 12:30:13 am CDT
GREENWOOD — What began as a fun night for the Edwards family at the local
dirt track turned frightening Sunday when NASCAR Nextel Cup star Carl
Edwards was involved in a multi-car accident during the A feature at I-80
Speedway.

Edwards, who raced at I-80 as part of a promotional visit, was taken by
ambulance to a west Omaha hospital, where he walked into the emergency room,
still wearing his racing suit late Sunday evening.

There was no immediate word on the nature of his injuries, but indications
were he suffered no broken bones in the incident.

Edwards started 16th in Sunday's Super Late Model feature event and had
moved up five spots before the caution flag waved. On the restart, a car
appeared to slow ahead of Edwards' machine. Another car got into the
backstretch wall, and Edwards was unable to avoid it, setting off the
incident that also involved Carl's brother Kenny.

As many as 11 of the 28 starters suffered damage in the crash. None of the
other drivers appeared to be injured.

Carl Edwards walked from his car on the backstretch to the infield where he
lay in his car's hauler, and was treated by track paramedics. He emerged
after several minutes with ice covering his left hand. Edwards walked to the
ambulance and later to another ambulance, which transported him to Alegent
Health Lakeside Hospital, presumably to have X-rays on his wrist and hand.

Edwards, who is currently fifth in the Nextel Cup standings and leads the
NASCAR Busch Series points, is next scheduled to race this weekend at
Indianapolis. He is scheduled to take part in a test today at Milwaukee.

Sunday's race, which coincided with an off-weekend for the Nextel Cup
circuit, featured his brother Kenny and father Carl Sr.

Reach Todd Henrichs at 473-7320 or thenrichs@journalstar.com.