Full Throttle

Carl Edwards says he will never forget the moment that he beat seven time Formula One world champion Michael Schumacher in the Race of Champions.

Edwards, who finished second in the NASCAR Sprint Cup this season, won his first round tie against British Formula 3 champion Jaime Alguersuari and was drawn against Schumacher in a race in Abarth rally cars in the second round.

Edwards drove a smooth race, simply outpacing Schumacher over the two laps and said beating a driver of such caliber felt like winning a title.

“It’s amazing, it feels like I’ve won a championship - I’ll never forget that moment as long as I live,” said Edwards. “Just the chance to be able to race with him, and fortunatley to be able to beat him.”

He was surprised to beat Schumacher in the Abarth cars after crashing in his only previous race in the car during the earlier Nations Cup competition, but believes the earlier practice was valuable.

“He didn’t get a chance to practice in that car today, only in the rain yesterday, so just like my first run today he was at a big disadvantage. That car is different to anything I’ve ever driven and I’m sure it’s the same for him.”

Edwards was also impressed by the atmosphere inside Wembley Stadium on his first visit to the Race of Champions.

“The atmosphere was great, it seemed like everybody was having a good time and it’s real friendly competition - until we get out on the track then everyone’s trying real hard.”

NOTE: A pre-race Carl Edwards interview video is available at Full Throttle Club.

The Race Of Champions – Heat 1

Race1: Michael Schumacher v Tom Kristensen
Car: ROC car
Winner: Michael Schumacher

Race 2: Carl Edwards v Jaime Alguersuari
Car: KTM X-Bow
Winner: Carl Edwards

Race 3: Jenson Button v Tanner Foust
Car: ROC car
Winner: Tanner Foust

Race 4: David Coulthard v Gareth MacHale
Car: Fiat 500 Abarth
Winner: David Coulthard

Race 5: Andy Priaulx v Jason Plato
Car: Ford Focus WRC
Winner: Andy Priaulx

Race 6: Mattias Ekstrom v Adam Carroll
Car: ROC car
Winner: Mattias Ekstrom

Race 7: Sebastien Loeb v Yvan Muller
Car: KTM X-Bow
Winner: Sebastien Loeb

Race 8: Sebastian Vettel v Troy Bayliss
Car: RX150
Winner: Sebastian Vettel

Quarter Finals
Michael Schumacher v Carl Edwards
Tanner Foust v David Coulthard
Andy Priaulx v Mattias Elkstrom
Sebastien Loeb v Sebastian Vettel

The Race Of Champions – Semi Finals

Race 1: Carl Edwards v David Coulthard
Car: KTM X-Bow
Winner: David Coulthard (despite crashing in the final turn!)

Race 2: Andy Priaulx v Sebastien Loeb
Car: Fiat 500 Abarth
Winner: Sebastien Loeb

Final:
David Coulthard v Sebastien Loeb
Winner: Sebastien Loeb taking the final in a third race tie-breaker.