Carl Edwards has an average finish of 2.5 at Pocono. Credit: Autostock

Edwards strong from the back again at Pocono

LONG POND, Pa. -- Far more often than not -- like, 99 percent of the time, even -- a driver with substantial seat time at a particular track will have a distinct advantage over a rookie with no such practice.

Results Pennsylvania 500 Pos. Driver Make 1. Kurt Busch Ford 2. Rusty Wallace Dodge 3. Mark Martin Ford 4. Carl Edwards Ford 5. Ryan Newman Dodge Complete results, click here Unofficial standings, click here Victory LaneBusch celebrates a dominant performance Race ReactionWallace, Martin, and Johnson sum up the day Final LapsKurt Busch holds off Wallace and Martin for the win Bumper tagEdwards tags Kahne in the final laps Sign up for TrackPass now BUY YOUR NEXTEL DRIVER PHONE

That's one reason Carl Edwards' first trip to Pocono was so impressive.

Here the kid's never seen the joint, and he hops in, takes off and wins the dang thing six weeks ago. And he flew to-and-fro across the country chasing the Busch Series, too, for good measure.

Well folks, round one was no fluke. He was strong again Sunday.

After missing qualifying while fulfilling Busch Series obligations in Colorado, Edwards officially started the Pennsylvania 500 in 41st. He was eyeing the top 10 at halfway. He was eyeing Victory Lane. All said, he finished fourth.

"I really like Pocono a lot," Edwards said. "Our team did a great job coming from the rear."

When asked if inexperience was actually beneficial in this instance, veteran Mark Martin gave a complex answer. Yes and no, basically. He did admit, however, that veterans tend to lean on what historically works, while youngsters that know no better just show up and mat it.

Take this season's new gear rule, which has essentially eliminated the need for drivers to shift at Pocono, a track that used to require multiple shifts.

"That's a good question," Martin said. "The young guy that doesn't know better will go ahead and give it a shot and it will work, whereas Rusty (Wallace) and I might think it would work and (wouldn't) give it a fair shot.

"So there are some instances where these young guys have an advantage in that. But Carl Edwards? He's an incredible driver - flat out. That's the end of it."

Martin and Wallace both complimented Edwards' ability, but also gave a nod to stellar equipment, as well.

"Hey, when Rusty and I came in in 1982, if they would have gave us Richard Petty's or Cale Yarborough's or one of those guys' cars to drive, set up and everything, we might have run a little better than we did, too."