Carl Edwards, Kyle Busch still haven't talked

INDIANAPOLIS – Carl Edwards foresees no trouble with Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Kyle Busch following last week’s last-lap bump and run for NASCAR's Sprint Cup Series win at Richmond International Raceway.

“The good side of what happened Sunday is that we’ve got very fast race cars, our group is good and as a group we’re fast every week,” Edwards said Wednesday at Goodyear’s tire test at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. “It’s neat to have to race your teammate, but I don’t see it being a problem.

“We’re going to Talladega this week and we’re going to work together as a team just like we did at Daytona, and I hope I have to battle my teammates for the win.”

Edwards said being at Indy for the two-day test means he did not attend this weekend’s meetings at JGR and, therefore, he has not seen Busch since Sunday’s race.

“We haven’t had the chance to talk, but we will,” Edwards said.

James: Edwards-Busch battle highlights teammate ethics

12 Questions with Carl Edwards

Indy’s test included Tony Stewart, Chase Elliott and Aric Almirola. Stewart did not speak with the media. Edwards talked to Stewart’s father, Nelson, on Tuesday, but he had not visited with the three-time Sprint Cup champion at this track.

Stewart, who returned to NASCAR's premier series last week after missing the first eight races while recovering from surgery to repair a broken back, has been in the spotlight in recent days for off-track matters. He lambasted NASCAR a week ago, saying the lack of officiating on lug nuts was creating a safety hazard and teams were taking too many risks. NASCAR fined him $35,000, but did not indicate which part of the comments - or what - drew the fine. On Monday, NASCAR issued a rule change and said all cars must carry five lug nuts per tire, before, during and after the race. Penalties for drivers and crew chiefs also were outlined.

NASCAR changes lug nut rule after Tony Stewart comments

Meanwhile, Stewart finished 19th in his return and plans to race at Talladega Superspeedway on Sunday, but will cede to relief driver Ty Dillon at the first caution to lessen the risk of further injury at one of NASCAR's fastest tracks.

“I think everyone in the garage is excited to have him back,” Edwards said. “I was excited until I couldn’t get by him in Richmond last week in that first run.”

Edwards won last year’s Brickyard 400 pole, and he expects the race to be more entertaining due to the lower downforce package NASCAR implemented for this season. Past races have been lambasted for a lack of passing and excitement on the flat, 2.5-mile layout.

“I believe it has paid off this season, and I believe a place like Indy, where the speeds are so high, this is the type of track where (the racing) will be better,” he said.

This year’s Brickyard 400 is July 24.

Cavin writes for the Indianapolis Star, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK. Follow him on Twitter @curtcavin