Edwards named 2nd Quarter Driver of the Year

Carl Edwards was hot while it was still cool in the spring. As a result Edwards was voted the 2d quarter Driver of the Year 2011. Edwards who led the NASCAR Sprint Cup series, in the quarter ending June 26, was victorious in the All-Star race at Charlotte Motor Speedway, and won three races in NASCAR's Nationwide series. In the voting Edwards took eight first-place ballots and totaled 98- points according to the Driver of the Year points system. The panel voted across the broad spectrum of professional racing with the NHRA's Del Worsham taking second place with 88 points and five first place votes. IndyCar's Scotland-born, Dario Franchitti, was third in the voting with 80 points and two first-place votes. Anyone driving on four wheels in US-based series or any American racing, globally on four wheels, is eligible, a total of 21 drivers scored points in the first quarter voting. In its' 45th year, the Driver of the Year title is unique. A panel of 21 leading journalists from across the U.S. determines the winner. In quarterly voting, points are awarded on a declining 9, 6, 4,3,2,1 basis. Edwards will receive a trophy and a Tissot wristwatch later this year. DOTY