Though his home state is Missouri, when it comes to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule, Carl Edwards calls the 1.5-mile oval in Kansas City, Kansas his home track.

And thus far, victory has eluded the talented local boy.
This one’s a Holy Grail win of sorts for Edwards, who is winless in 13 starts at the track. He’s come close on a number of occasions. His best finish was second, in 2008, part of a Kansas resume that includes five top fives and nine top 10s. His average finish there is 10.8, which ranks fifth among active drivers.

Edwards, clearly, would like a win at Kansas – but he doesn’t need one. His victory earlier this season at Bristol all but locked him into the Chase. A second win would erase any lingering doubt about a playoff spot – multiple win guarantee a driver a spot among the 16-driver Chase Grid, provided he/she finishes in the top 30 in points after race No. 26 and attempt to qualify for every race.