How ready does Mike Edwards want to be when Monday’s NHRA U.S. Nationals final eliminations roll around? The ten-time pole-earning driver in 2009 dispatched a crew from his Charlotte, N.C.-based shop to bring him the same engine he used to win the NHRA Northwest Nationals in Seattle last July.

Edwards wounded an engine during Friday’s lone qualifying session en route to a 6.581 elapsed time at 209.01. The strength of the pass kept him atop the field long enough to procure his tenth pole position of the season and first-ever in Indianapolis.

The engine swap was the furthest thing on his mind Sunday afternoon.

“I think I might have to pinch myself in qualifying No. 1,” said Edwards. “This is real special and ranks high up there on the list of things I’ve done.”

Edwards has won Pro Stock once at the U.S. Nationals, securing the 1998 crown in honor of fallen team owner John Kite and was a runner-up for the 1981 Modified title.

Sunday marked his first No. 1 and on Monday he’d like to add his first clean sweep to the resume. That’s why he sent for the extra bullet. Because of the competitive nature of this class, Edwards knows he might not get a second chance at a clean sweep.

“We’ve got everything in place to give it all we’ve got,” Edwards explained. “I just really appreciate my guys for putting me in this position. I give God the glory for this opportunity.”

Edwards could have raced with the inventory he’s got in the hauler now, but with this much on the line, he’s not in a gambling mood.

“You never know what is going to happen,” Edwards cautioned. “We have several engines and we always like to keep one back at the shop for the dyno. We have to have a good one back home to run new parts and try and find a way to keep an edge on the competition.”

The engine demands go beyond Edwards’ own personal needs. He’s also the engine supplier for Ron Krisher, the seventh qualifier for Monday’s final eliminations. There’s a good chance the engine delivered last evening could end up in Krisher’s car.

“We sent for the new engine not because we were concerned about performance because all of our engines are good in the trailer, it’s just about ensuring that we are covered,” Edward said. “You have to make sure you have enough bullets to keep your guns-a-blazing.”

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