In 2017, Carl Edwards shocked the NASCAR world. Fresh off a stellar 2016 Cup Series season, and seemingly at the peak of his racing career, Edwards announced his retirement, bringing up his commitments towards family and well-being. Although he insists, “I don’t regret leaving,” the abruptness of his exit is still a guilt to walk with, as he admitted, “I probably could have done it in a more gracious way.” However, after such a sudden departure, he didn’t expect NASCAR to honor him years later.

Carl Edwards raced in the Cup Series for 13 years, beginning in 2004. He won 28 races, grabbed 22 poles, and took the Xfinity Championship in 2007. Yet, the Cup title remained out of reach, with heartbreaking finishing twice as runner-up. Despite his relatively brief career, he couldn’t be deprived of cementing his name in NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers. Going ahead, after 8 years of retirement, this reunion opened the doors for NASCAR to deliver him a surprise that left him emotional.

Carl Edwards is a Hall of Famer

NASCAR officially inducted Carl Edwards into the Hall of Fame on Feb 7th, 2025, along with Ricky Rudd and Ralph Moody. The former Joe Gibbs Racing (JRG) star driver didn’t even try to give it a thought, “I thought the chance was zero, so I’m not even going to entertain that as a possibility” Carl Edwards shared in an interview, “I couldn’t believe it. It shocked me.” He was sort of aware that his nomination for the Hall of Fame would be voted last year in May. But he preferred to stay away from any sort of assumptions. It was his wife who led him to learn about the news first, upon landing in the Missouri from Alabama. She insisted he check his phone. After accumulating a resounding 52% of the votes, it was enough to rebound his connection with the sport.

“I really thought that because I left so abruptly, I felt a little bit of guilt around that. And I felt like it was totally fair for the sport to hold that against me and keep me at a distance. So I never imagined they would welcome me in this way.” Edwards said, as per a post on X by Jordan Bianchi, “It’s the first time I really felt like I understood what the NASCAR family is. It’s so strange for NASCAR to invite me back like this with this honor after I walked away eight years ago. It’s unbelievable the level of acceptance and love and respect for me and all that. It’s just been overwhelming.”

Fans speculated the 2016 crash at the Homestead Miami finale influenced his retirement With 10 laps to go, leading the final race of the season, Edwards was poised to win his first championship. However, Joey Logano wrecked him out of the race and all his dreams faded away. There were no murmurs about Edwards retiring as he was at the top of his game. Edwards had won 7 races in the three seasons before his retirement and finished in the top 10 every year. Naturally, fans speculated heartbreak as a reason for Edwards walking away. 

Remember his tagline, “If you’re looking for a driver, you’re looking for me.” The Missouri native invested in his passion for racing. Leaving his degree in between from the University of Missouri, pursued his full-time racing career. With a growing number of achievements, his fans celebrated his famous backflips. After years of distance from NASCAR and spending time with family and over health, the veteran shared a beautiful message that rekindles his interest in racing.

“Yes, I’d like to be around a little bit more,” Carl Edwards said. “And really it’s because of the way the sport has welcomed me back. I mean that thing at Darlington blew my mind. And I got up in the (television) booth, I had a lot of fun doing that. A couple races a year to be around, to hang out, to see everybody, to show everybody how much I appreciate them, I think that’d be the right thing to do.”

In the last few years, Carl Edwards’ gradual comeback was observed in NASCAR, whether on a few races or the shows. He also actively participated in NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers celebration at the Darlington. Although he expressed his satisfaction over his retirement, “I was actually satisfied with it and the time since then in those eight years, if I hadn’t walked away, I think I would have had a lot of fun racing, but I would have definitely missed some very important things that I can’t replace.”

Even if he has achieved what he aspired for, there is always more coming to life.

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What’s more for Edwards?

After retiring from his racing career, Carl Edwards continued his journey as a pilot. His active involvement in relief work, particularly tornado relief, is laudable. He partnered with Operation Airdrop and Gideon Rescue Company after Hurricane Helene struck North Carolina, once again joining hands with the NASCAR community alongside peers like Greg Ives.

Although he has come a long way from NASCAR and racing, his interests still revolve around the sport. The respect that NASCAR drivers have for him remains strong. Kyle Larson expressed interest in Edwards filling in for him for practice at the NASCAR All-Star race at North Wilkesboro Speedway while Larson was engaged with the Indianapolis 500.

Larson said, “I think it would be great… that’s my pick this year. I’ve mentioned it to Jeff Gordon and (Cliff Daniels), but nobody outside of that. So, it’s not anything serious right now, but that’s who I would pick. I think that would make a huge splash in the sport and be great… Carl, if you happen to see this, please jump in the No. 5 car. We want you.”

Carl Edwards replied, upon learning of Larson’s suggestion, “It’s an honor, really. (Larson) is one of the fastest guys to ever drive one of these cars, and for him to say that, I don’t know if he’s messing with me. I’m very likely to crash a car if I were to get in one right now.” He further stated, “It’s never a total no; I like options. It’s no for now, but I’d drive a sim and check it out.”

It’s not just Kyle Larson who has expressed interest in Edwards running for them. Denny Hamlin also said last year in an episode of Actions Detrimental, “I just told him whenever he’s [Edwards] ready, just let me know. Whenever you get that itch. I think he’s publicly stated many times, until they put horsepower back in these cars, I’m not doing it.”

We don’t know what may happen next, but it will be interesting to see if Carl Edwards’ gradual comeback to NASCAR takes him back to the driver’s seat.