NASCAR Kobalt Tools 500: Carl Edwards Edges Tony Stewart To Hold Sprint Cup Lead

Kasey Kahne may be the one with most to celebrate right now, after winning the NASCAR Kobalt Tools 500, but the real story at Phoenix International Raceway, as it's been through the entire chase for the Spring Cup, was once again the battle between Carl Edwards and Tony Stewart.

These two stock car stars, polar opposites in style and personality, battled throughout, with Edwards emerging with a three-point lead in the Spring Cup standings, the same as when he first arrived. Stewart was able to hold steady behind Edwards by way of bonuses—one for leading at least one lap and one for leading the most laps (160).

The result was typically excellent for Stewart, who had won four of the first eight races in the chase coming into Sunday's competition. Yet, he still finds himself behind Edwards, however closely, thanks in large part to his emerging rival's consistency on the track. Sunday's top-five finish was Edwards' 18th of the season, the most of anyone in the series. Stewart, on the other hand, came away with just his eighth such result.

Ultimately, though, the difference between consistency and occasional brilliance will go right out the side window next weekend, when Edwards and Stewart return to Homestead-Miami Speedway for the Ford 400—the 10th and final race in the chase for the Sprint Cup.

Gone will be the talk of Jimmie Johnson extending his championship streak to six, as his 14th-place finish on Sunday eliminated him from contention for the top spot. Gone, too, will be the challenge from Kevin Harvick, who came into the day 33 points behind Edwards but will drop precipitously on account of a 19th-place result.

Hence, it will be up to just Carl Edwards and Tony Stewart to determine who comes away with all the marbles at season's end. Never before has the final race of the campaign carried so much meaning, not to mention the intensity that such meaning evokes from the drivers in contention.

But that's exactly how it should be—one race to win it all. Edwards, Stewart and NASCAR fans in general could hardly have asked for more.