MADISON, Ill. - One is a hall of famer whose name is synonymous with
grace and poise both on and off the field. The other is on a road that
could eventually lead to sports immortality. In addition to being the
best in their respective fields, former St. Louis Cardinals shortstop
Ozzie Smith and NASCAR Nextel Cup and Busch Series driver Carl Edwards have
something else in common: their signature backflips.
The Wizard went head over heels on Opening Days, All-Star games, and
postseason appearances. "Cousin Carl" has propelled himself through the
air after all 24 of his NASCAR victories (five in Cup, 13 in Busch, and
six in Trucks). Smith took the field with a running start to perform
his acrobatics and Edwards launches his maneuver from the window of his
race vehicle.
So whose is better?
While it's been over a decade since area sports fans have seen Ozzie
wow the crowd, Edwards' most recent flip here was last year at Gateway
International Raceway when he won the Busch Silver Celebration 250. The
Columbia, Mo.-native is returning to GIR this week leading the NASCAR
Busch Series points standings and wants nothing more to provide race fans
with an aerobatic encore Saturday night.
Edwards and a host of the hottest drivers in NASCAR will race in the
NASCAR Busch Series 250 Saturday with the green flag scheduled to drop at
7:45 p.m. The parking lots open at 12:30 p.m. and spectator gates open
at 1:30. In addition to Busch Series qualifying at 3:35, fans have the
opportunity to catch two of the biggest stars in country music: Gary
Allan will perform after qualifying and Tracy Lawrence will provide the
post-race entertainment.
Tickets for the event are available by calling 866-35-SPEED or by
visiting GatewayRaceway.com.
grace and poise both on and off the field. The other is on a road that
could eventually lead to sports immortality. In addition to being the
best in their respective fields, former St. Louis Cardinals shortstop
Ozzie Smith and NASCAR Nextel Cup and Busch Series driver Carl Edwards have
something else in common: their signature backflips.
The Wizard went head over heels on Opening Days, All-Star games, and
postseason appearances. "Cousin Carl" has propelled himself through the
air after all 24 of his NASCAR victories (five in Cup, 13 in Busch, and
six in Trucks). Smith took the field with a running start to perform
his acrobatics and Edwards launches his maneuver from the window of his
race vehicle.
So whose is better?
While it's been over a decade since area sports fans have seen Ozzie
wow the crowd, Edwards' most recent flip here was last year at Gateway
International Raceway when he won the Busch Silver Celebration 250. The
Columbia, Mo.-native is returning to GIR this week leading the NASCAR
Busch Series points standings and wants nothing more to provide race fans
with an aerobatic encore Saturday night.
Edwards and a host of the hottest drivers in NASCAR will race in the
NASCAR Busch Series 250 Saturday with the green flag scheduled to drop at
7:45 p.m. The parking lots open at 12:30 p.m. and spectator gates open
at 1:30. In addition to Busch Series qualifying at 3:35, fans have the
opportunity to catch two of the biggest stars in country music: Gary
Allan will perform after qualifying and Tracy Lawrence will provide the
post-race entertainment.
Tickets for the event are available by calling 866-35-SPEED or by
visiting GatewayRaceway.com.
