For years, NASCAR fans associated Carl Edwards with the spectacular backflips that followed his victories. When the 28-time Cup Series winner abruptly retired following the 2016 season, that signature celebration disappeared from victory lanes across America. Now, nearly a decade later, Edwards is making a surprise return to NASCAR. Not behind the wheel, but behind the microphone.

Amazon Prime Video had already roped in the likes of Adam Alexander, Dale Earnhardt Jr., and Steve Letarte as their announcers for five races. But, they’ve now announced the final piece of the puzzle that will make their NASCAR team complete. Hall of Famer Carl Edwards, Trevor Bayne and experienced pit reporters Kim Coon and Marty Snider will be featured on Prime Video covering NASCAR Cup Series for 2025. The entire team will be seen in action for the first time covering the Coca-Cola 600 race at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 25.

This announcement also mentioned that former Spire Motorsports driver Corey LaJoie will join Edwards and Danielle Trotta as an analyst for pre and post-race studio shows. “Carl’s Hall-of-Fame career, combined with the extensive experience of Trevor, Kim, and Marty, brings an unparalleled authenticity to our coverage. Their deep knowledge and genuine passion will resonate with fans and elevate the NASCAR viewing experience. We look forward to showcasing our entire announce team when we debut in just a few short months,” said Alex Strand, Sr. coordinating producer at Prime Video.

Edwards didn’t have one of the most fairytale send-offs as he abruptly pulled the plug on his NASCAR career back in 21016. He did take some time off and wasn’t involved with racing and this wasn’t taken well by the NASCAR community. But, the Hall of Fame recognition followed by his role in the broadcast booth seems to have repaired his relationship with the racing community.

NASCAR fans celebrate another Carl Edwards win

“He’s back in NASCAR. Just not as a driver. lol,” this comment by a fan shares the mixed emotions felt by those who were hoping to see Edwards back in a race car. Apart from the disappointments of 2016, the former Roush Fenway Racing driver came oh so close to NASCAR championship glory. Not once, but twice. In 2008 it was Jimmie Johnson who piped him to the title, and in 2011 a dreaded tiebreaker favored Tony Stewart over him.

“Great move. Carl will make a great addition to their booth,” reflecting widespread approval of Prime Video’s strategic talent acquisition. Edwards has 72 wins across the three national series, which includes crown jewel races like the Coca-Cola 600 and the Southern 500 among a few others. Although the modern era of NASCAR racing is a bit different, it’s fair to say Edwards knows the sport in and out. We’ve seen how Kevin Harvick has lit up the FOX booth after his retirement and fans can expect a similar impact with Edwards and Prime Video.

Amid the celebration of the veteran driver in his new role, some fans couldn’t help but aim a dig at FOX over their broadcast fumbles. Recently, the dropped the ball while broadcasting the COTA race where they were unable to capture the late race battle between Christopher Bell and Kyle Busch. Despite having multiple camera setups, they focused on a grandstand for five seconds straight while Bell made a move on the No. 8 car. Not to forget, there’s a recurring theme of FOX spoiling the race with untimely commercials and Bob Pockrass has to be there to save the day with his reporting on X. “Hopefully they’re watching @NASCARONFOX on X to avoid their mistakes!”

“Will he backflip if he picks the race winner?” A fan asked in the comments. The fans are accustomed to seeing the iconic Polish Victory Lap or the donuts on the grass during the post-race celebrations. But to see Edwards flip upside down and land back on his feet was an instant hit. As far as the origin story goes, this trick he learned from a driver named Tyler Walker, but the backflip is now a signature post-race celebration trademarked to Carl Edwards. No wonder, fans want to see him pull off a backflip in the Prime Video studio after his favorite driver wins a race.

Prime Video’s NASCAR schedule kicks off with the crown jewel Coca-Cola 600 from Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 25, followed by four additional exclusive races through June 22. The lineup includes races at Nashville Superspeedway (June 1), Michigan International Speedway (June 8), Mexico City’s Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez (June 15), and Pocono Raceway (June 22).

NASCAR fans are being treated well by their new broadcasting partners. Bringing Dale Jr., Carl Edwards, and Steve Letarte together, Prime Video has gone the extra mile to ensure they make a positive impact with their NASCAR debut.