Edwards, Bowyer see fates change in one year

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Kansas City, Kan. • Carl Edwards and Clint Bowyer returned to home track Kansas Speedway a year ago at very different points in their careers.

Edwards had claimed the top spot in the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship. Bowyer used the venue to announce his next career move after scouring a limited free agent market.

Things couldn't be any more different a year later as they've returned for Sunday's race.

It's Bowyer, in his first year with Michael Waltrip Racing, who is now a title contender. Edwards is stuck in neutral after a steep drop-off.

"Man, this thing is so competitive," Edwards said. "I cannot express to you guys how quickly everyone leapfrogs in the garage."

Edwards, who still lives two hours away in hometown Columbia, Mo., goes into Sunday's race ranked 15th in the standings. He's not in the 12-driver Chase field and is stuck in a 64-race winless streak.

The contrast is Bowyer, from 90 minutes away in Emporia. His win last Saturday night at Charlotte was his career-best third of the season and edged him back into the title race. He goes into Sunday's race ranked fourth in the standings.

Nationwide Series • Ricky Stenhouse Jr. came back from two laps down Saturday to win the Nationwide Series race at Kansas Speedway. —

Sprint Cup standings

Pts. Beh.

1. Brad Keselowski 2,214 —

2. Jimmie Johnson 2,207 -7

3. Denny Hamlin 2,199 -15

4. Clint Bowyer 2,186 -28

5. Kasey Kahne 2,179 -35

6. Greg Biffle 2,171 -43

7. Martin Truex Jr. 2,165 -49

8. Tony Stewart 2,164 -50

9. Jeff Gordon 2,164 -50

10. Kevin Harvick 2,158 -56

11. Matt Kenseth 2,147 -67

12. Dale Earnhardt Jr. 2128 -86 —

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series

P Hollywood Casino 400

Sunday, 11 a.m. TV • ESPN