Throughout the regular season in the Full Throttle Pro Stock championship battle, Mike Edwards was faced with very few opportunities to make up ground on rival Jeg Coughlin Jr. Now that the NHRA offers bonus points in qualifying, Edwards’ strength, he’s making the most of the opportunity.

In addition to snagging six points over Coughlin in standard qualifying, he gained an additional ten points on the strength of being the quickest in three of the four qualifying sessions. The one session that he didn’t pace, he was third, for one additional point.

Throughout the regular season in the Full Throttle Pro Stock championship battle, Mike Edwards was faced with very few opportunities to make up ground on rival Jeg Coughlin Jr. Now that the NHRA offers bonus points in qualifying, Edwards’ strength, he’s making the most of the opportunity.

In addition to snagging six points over Coughlin in standard qualifying, he gained an additional ten points on the strength of being the quickest in three of the four qualifying sessions. The one session that he didn’t pace, he was third, for one additional point.

“It can actually determine the outcome of the championship,” said Edwards of the extra points he earned. “I’m a big fan of this new points system, I can tell you that from qualifying.”

The bonus points are added incentive for Edwards.

“Anytime you can pick up some points before race day it’s pivotal,” he added. “The points we picked up today were almost as big as a round win. This program is going to spice up this championship for sure.”

The combination of losing key races during the regular season and the ability to bridge the points gap between himself and Coughlin provides enough inspiration for him to turn up the tuning wick more often than not.

“I just think every qualifying session is so important now and now there are no more throw-a-way rounds,” Edwards said. “It’s just like the first round because you’re up there racing the track but you are also up there racing against the other teams trying to get the points. There are 18-20 cars trying to do the same thing you did.”

But, clearly not as quick as Edwards is. 

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