When Carl Edwards’ last-minute maneuver over Jimmie Johnson backfired at Kansas

Carl Edwards tried a classic video game move on Jimmie Johnson in the 2008 Camping World RV 400 at Kansas Speedway, making it a memorable moment in NASCAR history. But things didn't go as planned for Edwards, and he didn't gain the lead over Johnson in the race.

The retired NASCAR driver planned on gaining the lead by aggressive driving and hitting the wall in turn three. The Roush Fenway Racing team driver expected the wall to help him maintain his speed without slowing down. However, the outcome surprised the #99 Ford driver. In a post-race interview shared by NASCAR on their X account, Edwards explained the scenario he imagined in his mind.

"I plan on hitting the wall, but I didn't play on the wall, slow me down that much. I played a lot of video games where you can just run it in the wall and hold it wide open. That's what I did, but it didn't work out quite the same as a video game," stated Carl Edwards.

Edwards highlighted that he had successfully executed this move on many drivers, and they backed off and let him pass through, but Jimmie Johnson is a "smart driver," and his plan backfired. The 45-year-old also shed light on the fact that he didn't know the outcome, but he wanted to try out the move on Johnson.

Despite qualifying in the 34th position, the Roush Fenway Racing team driver finished the race in second place, earning 175 laps and five bonus points. On the other hand, Johnson won the race, earning 195 points with ten extra bonus points.

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Carl Edwards's win over Jimmie Johnson in a chaotic race at Atlanta

Carl Edwards lost the 2008 race, but three years before the Kansas race, he overshadowed Jimmie Johnson in the 2005 Golden Corral 500 at the Atlanta Motor Speedway. Just like Kansas, the #99 driver pulled his impressive move in the final lap.

The retired NASCAR driver crossed the finish line just 0.028 seconds before the Hendrick Motorsports driver, marking a memorable event at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The Roush Fenway Racing team driver earned his first win in the NASCAR Cup Series at the 2005 Golden Corral over the future seven-time Cup Series Champion Jimmie Johnson.

Carl Edwards dueled with the Hendrick Motorsports driver for the lead in the last 44 laps and waited patiently for the right moment to gain the lead. The #99 driver used the high line, and during turn 4, he gained enough distance to win the race with just his nose.

Jimmie Johnson finished as the runner-up and earned 180 points. He led 156 laps in the 325-lap race. On the other hand, the Ford driver won the race and earned 185 points. He started the race in fourth place and even led nine laps before winning his first race.