POQUOSON, VA :: Greg Edwards is one of the most beloved race talents you’ll find at Langley Speedway. When his name comes across the P.A. system, it’s met with cheers from one side of the track to the other. For many years, the Edwards family has turned laps in competition around Langley’s .396 flat banked oval. But The Hampton Heat 200 has been an achievement not yet accomplished for the veteran driver that you would figure he would have by won by now. But all that could change this weekend as Edwards has never been more focused then what is today. It’s the Hampton Heat and winning this race means everything to Greg Edwards.

We asked the 2012 Langley Speedway track champion Greg Edwards just what can we expect in this year’s Hampton Heat 200.

“I think it’s going to be really exciting,” Edwards said.  “Last week, with the heat, they were was running the top groove cause the cars were sliding around so bad and I think we’re going to see more of that. That’s just exciting for me and that’s just great racing at Langley when everyone is just sliding around Edwards. My game plan is to stay neutral, stay out of trouble as long as I can and that last 30 lap run, were going to have make your move.”

Next we asked Greg Edwards about the Langley regulars having the advantage over the competition from other tracks.

“I think the Langley guys do have the advantage of racing there week to week,” Edwards explained.  “The outside competition has great teams, great cars, great motors and they’re good drivers. They’ll figure it out and they’re going to be in the equation especially with the cone rule. But I would say yes, there’s an advantage to being a local like it is at any track.  It’s the guy that runs this race smart who has the advantage, you just got to have patience in this race and the one who uses his head will win this race.”

After all the many struggles in 2013, what would it mean to Greg Edwards and his race team to win The Hampton Heat 200?

“It would mean a lot,” Edwards stated.  “This has got to be one of the biggest races going. I mean they’re paying good money and the city of Hampton is all behind this thing. To win this kind of big race at your home track, my God it’s almost like I need to win this race to solidify myself . You know, when I do retire, I would love to say I’ve won this race. This is the biggest race at Langley Speedway and I want to win it!”

There’s something special when the attitude reflects determination and for Greg Edwards, he’s ready to win.

No doubt this race presents an opportunity for Greg Edwards to move on and move forward. Though Edwards seems unmoved by the races purse, the prestige of the race itself appeals more to the veteran talent. A race Edwards feels he needs to win and how he plans to do it is solid, smart and determined, Greg Edwards would be a great choice to pick as a winner for this event and it wouldn’t surprise me if he did.

Greg Edwards is supported by Max Media 97.3, Danny’s Glass, Brauers Mechanical, ComServe Wireless, NC Real Estate, RaceRap, Charlie High Engines and Creech Motorsports.

RACE22.com will have Live Coverage of the Hampton Heat 200.