Carl Edwards capitalized on strong pit work and an error by Tony Stewart's team to claim victory in Sunday's Kobalt Tools 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The win is Edwards first of the 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season, the 19th of his career and his second at the 1.5-mile speedway. 

Roush Fenway Racing has been strong all week in Las Vegas, dominating Friday and Saturday's practice and qualifying sessions. Roush Fenway driver Matt Kenseth broke the track record in qualifying to start from the pole.

"The key to winning today was my team," Edwards said. "These guys are unbelievable. It means a lot coming off Phoenix. I went home last week and didn't know how things were going to go. You don't get a good race car like that often. We had another one today."

The Ford FR9 engine played a role in the win and the success of RFR throughout the weekend.

"This is an exciting win for Roush Yates Engines," said Doug Yates, CEO of Roush Yates Engines in Mooresville, North Carolina. "We ran great all week long. I think this says a lot about our program and how we plan to run at 1.5 mile tracks throughout the 2011 season. I want to thank Ford again for their support as we continue to excel with the FR9 engine."

Tony Stewart led four times for 163 laps in the 267-lap Kobalt Tools 400 and had the car to beat for most of the afternoon. A turning point for Stewart came on lap 152 when NASCAR sent him to the back after running over his air hose during a scheduled four-tire stop.

Restarting 22nd, Stewart moved up to 16th before getting the lead back with a two-tire stop on lap 197. The two-time NASCAR champion gave up a sizeable lead to make a four-tire stop on his final trip to pit road with 33 laps remaining.

Edwards made his final stop five laps after Stewart, taking on two tires and fuel that would take him the distance. Edwards cruised the final 22 laps to win by 1.246 seconds ahead of Stewart.

"Second sucks," Stewart said after the race. "We just gave one away today."

Juan Pablo Montoya finished third with Marcos Ambrose and Ryan Newman completing the top-five.

Tire problems created issues for several drivers including Kyle Busch, who also suffered engine failure, and Jeff Gordon. Gordon's car was heavily damaged after contact with the outside wall.

The 2011 Kobalt Tools 400 had 21 lead changes among 14 drivers. The caution was displayed seven times for a total of 35 laps.

Stewart leaves Las Vegas tied with Kurt Busch for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series point lead. The series takes one week off before heading to Bristol on March 20th.

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