Daytona 500 Qualifying: Carl Edwards Looks Better Than Ever

After losing the 2011 Sprint Cup championship on a tiebreaker to Tony Stewart, Carl Edwards has faced questions all offseason about how he would rebound.

Sunday's Daytona 500 qualifying run was a good enough answer.

Edwards captured the pole position at Daytona International Speedway on Sunday, getting off to a quick start after one of the closest Sprint Cup races in years.

Said Edwards on Sunday, via USA Today:

"

"It seems like every media question is, 'How great would it have been to have one more point and how did you deal with that this offseason?' This is nice to come here and show everyone that it isn't just talk. Everybody at Roush Fenway kept their heads down and dug for the best race cars we've had for a long time."

"

Starting ahead of the pack may be more important than ever this year. New rules figure to make Daytona a bumper-to-bumper race, none more evident than Saturday's Budweiser Shootout exhibition, which resulted in three multicar wrecks.

Edwards will also be working alongside Roush Fenway Racing teammate Greg Biffle, who captured the second spot during qualifying runs on Sunday.

"

"We're likely to wreck up there in the front, too. The thing that's really good for me is that Greg, who has been my partner at these restrictor-plate races, is starting right there with us. Him and I can work together. I know Greg has my best interests and Roush's best interests in mind."

"

Last year was Edwards' best finish of his career and he came one point away from winning the championship.

This year, he already looks ready to challenge for the Sprint Cup again. He certainly hasn't lost a beat.