Edwards keeps running as NBS back to basics at NHIS (cont'd)

"We're taking our car from last week and I feel confident that we'll have a very dominating Ford," Kuettel said.

"We feel like Loudon's a great place to turn this around and go for a win," Edwards said. "We won last year and our strong performance at Milwaukee gives us a lot of momentum."

To say Edwards needs to "turn things around" is a stretch.

His lead on second place in the points is equivalent to four races. Even drivers who theoretically would be in the hunt have all but conceded.

"My goal has always been to win the championship, but at this mid-season point being in the top three in the standings would be an accomplishment for us," said second-place David Reutimann.

Added fourth-place Dave Blaney, who is 853 behind: "Even though the championship is probably out of reach, we are still points racing to pick up anything we can. It would still mean a lot to this team to finish second at the end of the year."

If Kuettel and Edwards have their way this weekend at New Hampshire and for the rest of the season, the distance between first and second will be even greater.

"We won the race last year and we're hungry for another win," Kuettel said. "We have the driver, the team and the car. Now all we need to do is make it happen."