Slim picking’s for Ford in NASCAR

Carl Edwards is only the second Ford driver to win the NASCAR Busch Series championship, dominated usually by Chevy drivers. Greg Biffle was the first and only other Ford driver to win the title when he achieved the feat in 2002. Ironically, both drivers were behind the wheel of the No. 60 Ford.

The championship was the 11th for Ford in NASCAR’s three top series combined. In addition to a pair of Busch Series championships, Ford has one Truck Series crown and eight Nextel Cup Series titles. Compare that to Chevy who has 31 Nextel Cup titles alone on top of the numerous Busch series title. Clearly Ford is no match for Chevy and the results show on the race track and in the showroom.

Tonight’s championship is the fifth overall NASCAR crown for owner Jack Roush.

FORD NASCAR BUSCH SERIES CHAMPIONS
2002 – Greg Biffle
2007 – Carl Edwards

FORD NASCAR CRAFTSMAN TRUCK SERIES CHAMPIONS
2000 – Greg Biffle

FORD NASCAR NEXTEL CUP SERIES CHAMPIONS
1965 – Ned Jarrett
1968 – David Pearson
1969 – David Pearson
1988 – Bill Elliott
1992 – Alan Kulwicki
1999 – Dale Jarrett
2003 – Matt Kenseth
2004 – Kurt Busch

CARL EDWARDS – No. 60 Dish Network Ford Fusion – “I’m proud of my guys. We had an unbelievable first half of the season. We had some many points. These guys have been working very hard. I’m so grateful to be driving this car. To win it here at Texas, this track has a lot of memories here for me. It’s just a really good feeling." THIS IS YOUR FIRST CHAMPIONSHIP. THIS MUST BE IS PRETTY COOL. “Yeah, this is pretty cool. Hopefully, it’s one of many but we’re going to try and do it again next year and try to do even better. We’ve had a lot of really great fortune this season and we’ve had a lot of bad fortune this season. This took a little bit longer than we thought. I’m just very, very grateful for all the people who have given me opportunities and I’m so glad to be here." SO YOU WANT TO TRY IT AGAIN. “Oh, yeah, for sure. I’ll be back next year."

PIERRE KUETTEL – No. 60 crew chief – YOUR GOAL THIS YEAR WAS TO WIN THE CHAMPIONSHIP. “This race, we kind of hoped it would come out better than this. We were strong in the middle there. We tried to make adjustments like our teammate in the 16 [Greg Biffle] had because he was running really strong. The adjustments didn’t work for us. Unfortunately, we didn’t get a top-10 today, but the winning the championship is great."

DOUG HERVEY, MANAGER NORTH AMERICAN RACING OPERATIONS, FORD RACING TECHNOLOGY – “This is obviously a great day for us. Carl had a great season in the Busch Series. We are very excited for Carl and Roush Fenway Racing. This is fantastic for us. I’m very proud of the team, Roush Fenway Racing and Dish Network and all the sponsors of Carl, Pierre Kuettel and the NASCAR Busch Series. We’re very pleased to be affiliated with such a true champion." THIS ALSO MARKS THE FIRST CHAMPIONSHIP FOR THE FORD FUSION. “Yes, it is. I’m very pleased and proud to say that Ford is affiliated with Roush Fenway Racing. We look to continue the relationship and look to winning more championships."