Carl Edwards wins AAA Texas 500, joins Johnson in the Championship 4 finale

Carl Edwards wins the AAA Texas 500 at Texas Motor Speedway and secured the Championship 4 round in the Chase for the 2016 NASCAR Sprint Cup. For Edwards, this is his 28th Cup victory in a career and third win this season. Edwards stays in a game for 2016 title. If he won at season’s finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway, it would be his maiden Sprint Cup title after he finished as the runner-up twice (2008 and 2011).

Edwards’ #19 Toyota Camry was in the lead for 36 of 293 laps in the rain-shortened race at Texas Motor Speedway. He took control on Lap 258 and remained in front until the checkered flag, crossing the finish line ahead of Joey Logano, who led for 178 laps earlier in the race. Martin Truex Jr., Chase Elliott and Kyle Busch completed the top 5. The race was postponed for six hours because of rain and it was shortened by evening rain shower to 293 of the original 334-lap distance.

Edwards’ victory promoted him to the Championship 4 finale at Homestead-Miami on November 20, along Jimmie Johnson, who secured his place with last week’s victory at Martinsville. The remaining two championship slots will be filled in next Sunday’s Round of 8 race at Phoenix International Raceway.

Check the full results of the AAA Texas 500

Photos: nascar.com,