Where Does Fast Come From?

Roush's point was proved in the Sharpie 500 at Bristol. Late in the race Edwards was running second behind Kyle Busch. When Edwards finally caught up to the leader, he made contact with Busch's rear bumper as the two barreled into a turn, causing Busch to get extra loose and slide up the racetrack. Edwards maintained command of his car, dived to the low line, passed Busch and went on to win.

CLASS IS over for now. Busch steps out of the Highlander. But before he hops onto a golf cart and heads off to watch the Nationwide race, he stops and turns. Like an instructor who just remembered the most important part of his lecture after the bell has rung, he adds, "You also have to be confident. You have to believe that you're going to make it through to the other side of the turn while going as fast as you can. I always believe I'm going to make it. That's not being cocky, that's just trusting your ability."

So a seat-of-the-pants sense of the car's movement, reaction time, guts, anticipation, familiarity with the car, a get-the-hell-out-of-my-way mentality and confidence are all at the core of what defines driving talent. If you have any further questions, just keep an eye on Professor Busch. He'll be teaching a refresher course each of the next 10 weekends.