Everett, Wash.
Published: Saturday, October 11, 2008

NASCAR: Photos show Edwards had Harvick by the neck

By Jenna Fryer
Associated Press

 CONCORD, N.C. -- Photographs of the scuffle between Carl Edwards and Kevin Harvick show a more physical confrontation than witnesses described, with Edwards at one point grabbing Harvick by the throat.

The two NASCAR stars argued during Thursday's practice when Edwards confronted Harvick in his garage stall at Lowe's Motor Speedway. The photographs, obtained Saturday by The Associated Press, show the two drivers clutching each other as their conversation grew heated.

In the five different frames, Edwards is shown grabbing Harvick by the throat, and Harvick pushing him off him and onto the hood of Harvick's car.

Witness accounts said the two argued, Harvick turned to walk away from Edwards, and Edwards grabbed his shoulder to turn him back around. Witnesses said Harvick responded by shoving Edwards onto the car, and crew members rushing in to separate the two.

Edwards allegedly was put in a headlock by a Harvick team member as the drivers were separated.

"It's pretty well-documented everything that happened," Harvick said Friday. "Best thing I can tell you is we were in our pit stall and just protected our turf."

Both Edwards and Harvick were called before top NASCAR officials before the start of Saturday night's race to discuss their feud.

"NASCAR just wanted to make sure everything is cool, and they left here walking side-by-side together and talking," spokesman Jim Hunter said. "We just wanted to hear them say 'it's over' and they did."

Hunter said the two drivers met with NASCAR president Mike Helton, vice president of competition Robin Pemberton and Sprint Cup Series director John Darby. It was noted that the two raced each other without incident in Friday night's Nationwide Series race, when Edwards finished fifth and Harvick sixth while running near each other for most of the event.

"When it comes right down to it, they are professionals," Hunter said.

There were no incidents between the drivers Saturday night in the Sprint Cup race, but it was another bad race for Edwards. While Harvick finished 13th, Edwards was 33rd after ignition problems and dropped to fourth in the points standings, 168 behind Jimmie Johnson.

"I can guarantee you that if I had the week to do over again, the last seven days would be a lot different," Edwards said.

Edwards and Harvick had been squabbling since last Sunday, when Edwards triggered a 12-car crash that took out several championship contenders at Talladega Superspeedway. Edwards immediately accepted blame for the accident.

Harvick was among the drivers most critical of Edwards and his strategy, which had been to run in the back of the field during the early part of the race to avoid danger, then charge to the front when the win was on the line.

At the time of the accident, Edwards and his Roush Fenway Racing teammates Greg Biffle and Matt Kenseth were racing for the lead. All three wrecked, as did Harvick, who called Edwards "a pansy" for his race strategy.

Edwards then delivered a sarcastic thank-you note to Harvick's plane after the race.

Edwards said Saturday he wants to concentrate on racing, saying he hopes that can still be done cleanly with Harvick.

"No matter what we think of each other personally, one of the best races I ever had in my life was at Phoenix with him," Edwards said. "It was one of the neatest races I've ever been a part of. He's always been like that. One of those guys you can race literally an inch from and it's awesome. I hope that doesn't change."
© 2009The Daily Herald Co., Everett, WA