Edwards returns to form

'07 champ cruises to Nationwide win

BROOKLYN, MICH. -- Carl Edwards is winning his way right back into the championship picture in NASCAR's Nationwide Series.

Edwards, who won the series title last season in dominating fashion, put in a performance much like last season in winning Saturday's Carfax 250 at Michigan International Speedway, his second victory in the past five races. He has moved to within 113 points of series points leader Clint Bowyer, who finished 10th.

The win is also the first for Edwards at Michigan, located near the headquarters of Roush Fenway Racing team owner Jack Roush.

Edwards had built up a sizable margin on Tony Stewart as the race wound down, and his victory was ensured when a caution was displayed on the last of the 125 laps, freezing the field.

While Edwards was safely in the lead, behind him drivers were battling hard in the final laps. Brian Vickers ended up second, Stewart was third, Mark Martin was fourth, and Greg Biffle fifth.

GIBBS TEAMS FACE PENALTIES: The Nos. 18 and 20 Nationwide Series teams of Joe Gibbs Racing -- which have dominated the series most of the season -- face serious penalties after NASCAR officials say the team attempted to alter the outcome of a chassis dynometer test on Saturday.

Following the Nationwide race, NASCAR tested several cars on the chassis dyno, which registers rear-wheel horsepower.

During the test, NASCAR officials discovered magnets on the throttle pedals of each car which, in theory, would not allow the pedals to hit the floor and provide an accurate horsepower reading, according to several sources.

"This was an attempt to interfere with NASCAR's post-race inspection process and we are taking it very seriously," said Jim Hunter, NASCAR's vice president of corporate communications.

Hunter said both teams faced penalties, which would not be announced until early next week. He said no action would be taken at the track this weekend.

Reached Saturday night, JGR team spokesman Mike Arning said team officials feel they were adhering to the rules laid out by NASCAR in its rulebook with the cars they entered Saturday.