Busch in middle of run-ins but who rivals them most?

Carl Edwards and Kyle Busch are NASCAR's version of the Red Sox and Yankees -- the "can't-miss" rivalry that keeps fans on the edge of their seats.

The two drivers have a passion for beating each other on the track, a desire surpassed only by their drive to win. In 2008, Edwards won a series-best nine Sprint Cup races, just one more than Busch. This year, they hold down the top two spots in the Nationwide standings. In 2007, Edwards took home the series championship while Busch looks to claim his first title this season.

The rivalry stems from more than just their successes -- there have been memorable run-ins during races (and even more so afterward). The battle in last year's Sharpie 500 was won with Edwards' version of the Bristol "bump-and-run," much to Rowdy's dismay. When Busch made his feelings known with his fender during the cool down lap, Edwards didn't back down.

Having been there, I can honestly say -- the roar from the crowd gave new meaning to "Thunder Valley." Edwards cited a Busch "body slam" from a Nationwide Series race at Richmond as the reason for the chrome horn. Verbal barbs were exchanged through the media and Edwards confessed that a rivalry had just been born.

The drivers are nearly polar opposites. Whereas Edwards is clean-cut and exuberant, Busch is rough around the edges and full of disdain. NASCAR has room for both the hero and the villain -- Edwards and Busch fit their respective roles to a "T."

Michigan isn't known as the most exciting track on the schedule, but thanks to Brian Vickers and Kyle Busch, it turned into must-see TV this past weekend.

Both drivers were dominant in Saturday's Nationwide race, both were racing hard to the checkered flag when they forgot about one thing, Brad Keselowski in third, who took advantage of the move-and-block game Vickers and Busch were playing to pass them both and grab the victory.

If the finish wasn't enough excitement, the post-race certainly was.

The highlights: Busch grabbing Vickers' face mask and yanking it up; Busch saying Vickers was "stupid and an idiot;" Vickers apologizing and admitting he didn't realize this was "The Kyle Busch Show;" Vickers saying Busch "cried like a little baby" and "ran off" after being challenged.

It's no secret Busch has a problem with at least one person most weekends. It's just who he is. But unlike most other drivers who just chalk up Busch's antics to immaturity, Vickers isn't afraid to tangle with the tiger.

This rivalry is far from over. Busch has just enough pride that he will wreck Vickers at some point this season and Vickers has just enough attitude to retaliate in kind.

Even more exciting, Vickers and Busch are 13th and 15th in points, respectively, so not only are they not happy with each other, they are neck-and-neck for probably one Chase spot.