Daytona 500 Qualifying: Carl Edwards Proves He'll Build on Last Season's Success

Carl Edwards hasn't wasted anytime announcing to the NASCAR world that he is ready to pick up right where he left off. 

The driver that last year came as close as a driver could to a Sprint Cup championship, without actually winning it, laid down the fastest qualifying time for the Daytona 500, and he will be sitting on the pole when the sport's biggest race begins. 

Edwards fastest lap came in at a blistering 194.738 mph. This was the highest qualifying speed since 1999.

Greg Biffle, who had turned in the fastest times at Friday's practice, finished second in qualifying at 194.087 mph. 

In the world of NASCAR qualifying, that is a Grand Canyon sized margin. 

This impressive time for Edwards is actually a far more promising sign for his season than it is for the race. 

If Saturday's Bud Shootouts are any indication, this is going to be a wild and unpredictable race. Wrecks were coming in bunches as drivers dealt with the hybrid pack,two-man racing style and lower spoilers.

These wrecks will play a huge factor as they wipe out racers in a split second. 

These conditions make it impossible to predict a driver's success for the Daytona. What isn't possible to predict is that Edwards and his team are ready to turn in another consistent great effort that will have him at the top of the points standings all year. 

One of two things could have happened after Edwards' narrow miss on the championship last year. They could have entered this season dejected by their narrow miss, while getting lazy in preparation thinking they could coast through the season. 

Or they could use that close failure to motivate them to greater heights, and come back prepared to work even harder. 

This blistering qualifying run showed beyond a doubt that this team is hungry and ready to ascend to greater heights.