When 72-time NASCAR race winner defeated F1 legend Michael Schumacher by a ‘huge margin’ in Race of Champions

Former NASCAR driver Carl Edwards is considered one of NASCAR’s most versatile and accomplished drivers, but his skill wasn’t limited to the oval circuits. In a one-on-one race during the 2008 Race of Champions at London's Wembley Stadium, Edwards shocked the motorsports world by defeating seven-time F1 champion Michael Schumacher and did so by a huge margin.

Carl Edwards, who holds 72 wins across NASCAR’s three national series, crossed the finish line 1.74 seconds ahead of former F1 legend Schumacher at the Race of Champions in 2008. The event was held on December 14, 2008.

The Race of Champions is the international motorsport event that attracts top drivers from various motorsport disciplines against each other in identical cars on a short, head-to-head course. ROC held its inaugural season in 1988 and has since been hosting the event at the start or end of each year.

After beating Schumacher, the 2007 Xfinity champion lost to former F1 driver David Coulthard in the semi-final round. World Rally champion Sebastien Loeb claimed the 2008 ROC title, defeating Coulthard in the final.

At that time, Edwards was in the prime of his NASCAR career, having claimed the 2007 Xfinity title and contended for the Cup title on multiple occasions. Schumacher, meanwhile, had already established himself as an F1 legend with record-setting seven F1 titles.

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NASCAR: Race of Champions complete winner list

The Race of Champions event is set to return in 2025. It will be held at Sydney’s Stadium Australia on 7 to 8 March.

Ahead of the international motorsport event, let’s take a look at the past winners of the ROC:

1. 2023 - Mattias Ekström
2. 2022 - Sébastien Loeb
3. 2020 - Timmy Hansen
4. 2019 - Benito Guerra
5. 2018 - David Coulthard
6. 2017 - Juan Pablo Montoya
7. 2015 - Sebastian Vettel
8. 2014 - David Coulthard
9. 2012 - Romain Grosjean
10. 2011 - Sébastien Ogier
11. 2010 - Filipe Albuquerque
12. 2009 - Mattias Ekström
13. 2008 - Sébastien Loeb
14. 2007 - Mattias Ekström
15. 2006 - Mattias Ekström
16. 2005 - Sébastien Loeb
17. 2004 - Heikki Kovalainen
18. 2003 - Sébastien Loeb
19. 2002 - Marcus Grönholm
20. 2001 - Harri Rovanperä
21. 2000 - Tommi Mäkinen
22. 1999 - Didier Auriol
23. 1998 - Colin McRae
24. 1997 - Carlos Sainz
25. 1996 - Didier Auriol
26. 1995 - François Delecour
27. 1994 - Didier Auriol
28. 1993 - Didier Auriol
29. 1992 - Andrea Aghini
30. 1991 - Juha Kankkunen
31. 1990 - Stig Blomqvist
32. 1989 - Stig Blomqvist
33. 1988 - Juha Kankkunen