By Gary Daughtrey

Special to the News-Herald

Danny Edwards Jr. notched his fourth and fifth victories with a sweep of the twin 65-lap Late Model Stock Cars races, the featured events of Saturday evening’s NASCAR Whelen All-American Series program at Langley Speedway.

Edwards claimed the pole for the first race, at 89.468 mph, and edged out front on the start. After an early caution flag, at Lap 18, he set sail, eventually stretching his advantage to better than half a straightaway.

The margin was wiped out, though, when the second yellow flag flew on Lap 57. On the last restart, Edwards fought off Michael Hardin and eased away from the pack to win by five car-lengths.

Hardin was second, followed by Terry Carroll, Brenden “Butterbean” Queen and Greg Edwards.
Edwards’ win in the opener landed him back on the pole for the second race. In the nightcap, He controlled the first 33 laps before giving way to Greg Edwards on lap 34.

Closing in on the finish, however, the leader began to experience engine problems. The race’s sixth caution flag waved on Lap 57, and Edwards Jr. opted for the outside lane for the ensuing restart.
Back under green, third-place Queen drove to the inside of Greg Edwards, making it three-wide into Turn 1. As Greg Edwards fell off the pace, his brother used the momentum off the top side of the track to power ahead of Queen at the exit of Turn 2.

The race was slowed by one more caution flag, at lap 64, setting up a “green-white-checkered” finish. On the final restart, Edwards Jr. fought off a bid by Queen and won by a car-length.

Queen was second, while Hardin, 14-year-old Macy Causey and Cameron Bowen completed the top five.

With the two wins, Edwards Jr. vaulted atop the Late Model standings, 10 ahead of Greg Edwards — 336-326. Queen is third, 15 behind the leader.