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“We’ve raced a long time, we’re both from the Midwest and he’s (Edwards) a good competitor. He’s last year’s champion and it feels really good to beat him.”

Edwards wrested the lead from Kyle Busch late in the race and stayed out front to the end of the 200-lap event at Homestead-Miami Speedway, earning his seventh Nationwide victory and keeping Busch from recording a record 11th Nationwide victory.

Edwards did all he could, other than getting the five-point bonus for leading the most laps, but it wasn’t enough.

It was a disappointing finish for Edwards, who faces even bigger odds Sunday trying to make up a 141-point deficit against Jimmie Johnson in the Sprint Cup finale. Johnson can wrap up the title by finishing 36th or better, no matter what Edwards does.

“Man, that’s a great win, to be able to hold off that (No.) 18 (Busch), as strong as that group has been,” Edwards said. “It’s no good to finish second, but I know Clint will be a great champion.”

Both Edwards and Bowyer, another Cup star, had consistent seasons, but the difference at the end was Edwards failing to finish two races.

“It’s not tonight that decided this championship,” Edwards said. “It’s an all-season thing. We’ve got a great team here and on the Cup side. There’s no shame in finishing second.”