HAMPTON, Ga. -- Carl Edwards climbed out of his car, balanced himself on the window ledge, gave a quick glance over his shoulder to make sure all was clear, then launched into the air backward.

Get used to the acrobatics. NASCAR has a new star.

Edwards pulled off a daring move on Jimmie Johnson coming off the final turn, narrowly won a side-by-side sprint to the finish line Sunday, then celebrated his first Nextel Cup victory with a backflip in front of the main grandstand at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

"I almost didn't make it," said Edwards, who had to put down his hands to brace his landing. "I was a little tired from all the excitement." More