Backflips, thrilling finishes, and a career that left them wanting more, that’s what fans remember Carl Edwards for. Despite the tough end to his final race in 2016, with a call that left him yearning for his championship, Edwards remains deeply connected to the sport, both as a fan and as someone who understands its emotional pull. His recent reflections on the joy of simply watching a race prove just how much NASCAR still means to him.

Now, with Kyle Larson welcoming him back to a possible drive in a NASCAR race, Edwards has finally responded.

Carl Edwards opens up on NASCAR passion

Edwards shared a heartfelt moment about watching Harrison Burton hold off Kyle Busch for a win and realizing just how powerful the sport can be. “For him really, I have to say it’s an honor for him to even think of me that way,” Edwards said. “Just because I know how great he is, how great that team is, and how many things he’s got going on.” Those three words—“It’s an honor”—sum up just how much respect Edwards has for Kyle Larson and today’s NASCAR landscape. Whether he ever takes Larson up on the offer or not, one thing is certain: Carl Edwards may not be racing full time, but his passion for the sport is as strong as ever.

While he hasn’t provided a definitive answer, Kyle Larson recently made an intriguing offer—extending the possibility of letting Edwards practice in his car, maybe even at North Wilkesboro.“I don’t know what he’s thinking,” Edwards laughed. “I will most likely crash the thing, kill myself. Of course I would, it’s interesting to me.” His humility is evident, even when discussing the possibility of getting back behind the wheel.

Edwards knows what it’s like to be on the other side of a hard-fought victory. His dramatic 2011 win at Phoenix, where he and Tony Stewart fought tooth and nail for the championship, still stands out in his memory. He finished second in the standings despite running nearly perfect races, a testament to how razor-thin the margins can be in NASCAR. Moments like that keep him connected to the sport, even if he’s no longer behind the wheel every weekend.

Edwards reflected on his journey, one that took him from idolizing drivers as a kid to standing in victory lane as a champion. “Yes, isn’t it interesting?” he mused. “This whole journey’s been amazing, and you couldn’t have explained it to me, you know, at any point until now, just how special all this has been, all the blessings.” For many fans, the biggest question surrounding Edwards has always been: will he ever return to racing?

Edwards knows firsthand how grueling the Cup Series can be. He’s flipped cars, walked away from harrowing wrecks, and even slammed into the wall on the final lap of the 2016 championship race while battling Joey Logano. Those experiences remind him that a return wouldn’t be as simple as just hopping back into a car. Edwards isn’t shutting the door completely, but he’s mindful of the challenge that stepping back into a Cup car would present. Still, the fact that Larson even considered him for the opportunity meant something to Edwards.

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Could Carl Edwards join Dale Earnhardt Jr. in the Broadcast Booth?

“I never imagined they would welcome me in this way.” After stepping away from NASCAR in 2016, Carl Edwards never expected to receive Hall of Fame recognition. With 28 Cup Series victories in just 12 years, his career was remarkable. However, heartbreaking losses—especially his 2016 championship defeat—preceded his sudden departure. And now, not only is Edwards eternally remembered in NASCAR lore, but he’s also the focal point of a tantalizing rumor: Might he come back to the sport, but this time as a commentator?

In December 2023, NASCAR inked a $7.7 billion media rights contract with Amazon, TNT, and Warner Brothers. This contract has already seen Dale Earnhardt Jr. return to the booth for five races. Some now wonder if Edwards might join him. Edwards is no unfamiliar face to the broadcast booth. In the spring of 2023, he made a cameo appearance at Darlington Raceway as part of ‘NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers’ and participated in FOX Sports’ broadcast alongside Mike Joy and Clint Bowyer. His analytical and lively commentary left fans and analysts alike in awe.

Journalist Jenna Fryer recently fanned the rumors, tweeting, “Carl Edwards told me he’s going to be at the track some in 2025 and is looking into TV work. Coincidence … Amazon hasn’t announced its full booth yet.” But Amazon has since revealed its top crew for 2025 with Steve Letarte, Dale Earnhardt Jr., and Adam Alexander. No fourth seat has yet been confirmed, but having a legend such as Edwards on board would make the broadcast even more special.

Looking back on his stint in the booth, Edwards conceded, “I had more fun than I thought I would… I left thinking, man, that’s fun.” Although nothing is confirmed, his interest in NASCAR again makes the Edwards-Earnhardt Jr. reunion a tantalizing possibility.