Carl Edwards Dodges Bullet as Brad Keselowski Survives Horrific Wreck

As Carl Edwards crossed the line  and took the checkered flag Saturday night at the Gateway International Raceway, he left a a million dollar swath of damage in his wake.  One thing can be sure, NASCAR Nationwide owners will be taking several tons of scrap metal to the recycling plant on Monday morning.

Brad Keselowski Able to Walk Away from Twisted Wreck

It was a testament to the safety of the NASCAR Nationwide cars that Brad Keselowski could walk away from his demolished car.  Keselowski's car was hit in the rear quarter panel by Edwards and turned dead right into the outside wall, bouncing back across the track before he was was barrelled into by Shelby Howard at full speed.

Keselowski's car was a pinball after the impact with Shelby Howard, spinning violently and spraying parts across the infield and towards the fence.  The incident was much more violent than Keselowski's flip at the hands of Edwards.

Edwards Was Tapped by Keselowski Then Edwards Wrecked Him

Carl Edwards was tapped by Keselowski as he led him into the first turn on the last lap.  After that incident, Edwards said later that he felt he was obliged to race Keselowski the same way. 

Edwards said in his victory lane interview with Shannon Spake, "I wasn't going to let him take it from me."  Edwards then looked at the carnage on the front stretch and said, "I hate for all those cars to get torn up."

Bob Keselowski, Brad's Dad was emotional when interviewed as he waited for his son to emerge from the infield hospital.  "I'm going to put on a driver suit and I will take care of him."  The senior Keselowski said referring to Edwards.  Keselowski continued, "He ain't going to kill my boy!" Keselowski said quivering with emotion.

Will Edwards be Suspended?

Will Edwards receive a suspension for his blatant act of destruction?  This time Edwards will receive at a minimum, probation for the remainder of the year and a fine.  If NASCAR drops the ball on this one, Mike Helton will lose control of his sport.  It may be fun to watch but someone could have been killed tonight in St Louis.

The best solution to this situation?  Force Edwards to pay for the damage he caused to the cars left in his wake.  The damages could exceed $1 million but that will cool his heels for now. 

Twice this season, Edwards as turned his wheel dead right and caused havoc.  If you or I did this on the highway we would be in jail for attempted murder.  NASCAR needs to draw a line on this one.  Boys will be boys is one thing but causing a million dollars damage is another.

Todd Jacobs is featured on many websites you may contact him through Suite 101 , Associated Content or view his handicapping picks on www.lasvegasinsideinfo.com .