Story by: Mark Rogers, Jr. ~ [email protected]
Ridgeway, VA(October 2, 2012) — After knocking off Langley Speedways three-time consecutive Late Model track champion CE Falk, Greg Edwards and the nine seven crew are back on top. Edwards, a house name around the flat banked 4/10s mile track is no stranger to winning track championships as he has done it twice before back in 1998 and 2006. So with a new number, new sponsorship and an attitude to succeed, Greg Edwards once again becomes track champion at Langley Speedway in 2012.
Wasn’t but moments later, after lifting high the champion’s trophy and tipping the champagne that talk of the Virginia is for Racing Lovers 300 at Martinsville Speedway was spoken of and why not? Greg Edwards shocked the late model racing community earlier this year with a very impressive run at the 2012 Denny Hamlin Showdown at Richmond International Raceway that resulted in a second place finish. Earning the respect of Cup regulars like race winner Tony Stewart, Jeff Burton and Joey Lagano with that performance and a fresh track championship in his name, this year’s Martinsville 300 could be big.
However, just days after winning it all at Langley and yet to celebrate the title together as a team off the track, sad news spread of Greg Edwards’ car owner James Long, who was involved in a tractor accident while at home. With multiple injuries, Long has since begun recovering and is back home resting. But as a result, he would not be with Greg and the race team for Martinsville. After several conversations with the car owner and his driver, Greg Edwards made the decision that he and the nine seven crew will not participate and compete in this year’s Virginia is for Racing Lovers 300.
“If ones not going to be there, well, were all there or were not there at all”, stated Greg Edwards in a phone interview Monday evening. Greg also elaborated about how his car owner pays the bills. “Martinsville is an expensive race, were all going to be just doing our thing having a good time racing and while he’ll be sitting around the house not doing it at all…it just wouldn’t be right”. Making the tough decision on the other hand may have come easy for Greg as two years ago he choose not to race Martinsville 2010. After being one of the fastest in the field for that event, the birth of his son sent Greg haul bugging home where he really wanted to be.
But don’t think that Greg Edwards won’t be seen walking along pit road for the race. Clay Campbell’s race format for this year’s Martinsville 300 has certainly captured the attention of the three-time Langley track champion.
“It’s going to be interesting, its sounds like a neat idea,” Edwards said. “It may end up being the best thing you ever seen”. Though Greg did have some concerns also. “What if Pulliam, Morris or McCall get torn up and are not in the big race? Either way through, it’s going to be Martinsville.”
Greg Edwards is probably right, in the end; the Virginia is for Racing Lovers 300 will be nothing short on action.
Though to think Greg Edwards not behind the wheel in the most prestigious event of the year doesn’t bother him, his concern for his car owner outweighs what could be won at this year’s event. Not even 25 grand or that elaborate grandfather clock is enough to get Langley Speedways 2012 track champion on the track at Martinsville without car owner James Long. But while we hope and pray for a full recovery for James Long, don’t be surprised to see this race team set and ready to go by the Thanksgiving Classic at Southern National in Lucama, NC on November 25th.
