NASCAR has seen plenty of father-son pairings in the past. Whether it’s Dale Earnhardt and Dale Jr., Bill and Chase Elliott, or Bobby and Davey Allison. It’s a sport where generations have carried forward their family legacy, each building on the last to create what can only be described as a dynasty. Carl Edwards’ son is no different, as the teenager is eager to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a racing driver as well.

However, it’s not a career prospect the 2007 NASCAR Busch Series champion is keen for his son to pursue. Knowing the dangers that come with racing, Carl Edwards has second thoughts about his 13-year-old’s preferred career option, despite having made a career in the fast lane himself!

Carl Edwards recommends an alternate career for his son

‘So close, yet so far’- That’s the best way to describe Carl Edwards’ Cup Series career. Despite his immense talent, grit, and determination, the Missouri native never managed to lift the Bill France Cup in his 12-year-long career at the highest level. ‘Cousin Carl’ came close on several occasions, finishing in the top five of the drivers standing on six separate occasions. However, winning the championship wasn’t meant to be for the former Joe Gibbs Racing driver, who abruptly retired in 2017 after winning three races the season prior.

Carl Edwards’ son Michael is eager to become a racer as well. However, it’s a career option the Hall of Famer is hesitant to let the teenager pursue, given the risks involved. Speaking to reporter Claire B Lang at the 2025 NASCAR Hall of Fame induction ceremony, the former driver said, “Racing is really great. But every prize has a price and racing takes a lot and there’s real risk involved. My son really wants to race and we’re working through that.” When the journalist suggested football as an alternate career, Edwards laughed and replied, “I’m thinking sailboat racing will be great, he can do that. That’ll be a lot of fun.”

Apart from the obvious risks involved in terms of safety, Carl Edwards might be eager for his son to avoid some of the heartbreak the Missouri native experienced as well. Despite winning 28 races in the Cup Series, including the Southern 50 and Coca-Cola 600, the veteran racer failed to get his hands on the championship. It may have been one of the biggest reasons for his abrupt retirement in 2017, even though the driver has been coy about the real reasons that led to his departure from the sport.

At the age of 13, Michael Edwards still has the time to decide his career path. While a motorsports career isn’t beyond the realm of possibility, the youngster is not being pressured into following his father’s footsteps. The teenager’s achievements on the racetrack are relatively unknown, but considering Carl Edwards’ racing prowess, it’s possible that the apple hasn’t fallen far from the tree. Should Michael Edwards choose a career path in NASCAR, he will be welcomed with open arms by the sport’s community.

Edwards shocked by Hall of Fame inclusion

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If there’s one driver who deserves to be inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame, it’s Carl Edwards. The Missouri native might not have lifted the biggest trophy the sport has to offer, but he has cemented his place among the all-time greats with performances on the racetrack. The racer finished runner-up twice, coming agonizingly close to securing a victory in 2011, only to lose against Tony Stewart in a tie-break.

However, Edwards didn’t believe the news when he learned about being a part of the Class of 2025. The veteran racer said, “I thought the chance was zero, so I’m not even going to entertain that as a possibility. I just went on about my day. I couldn’t believe it. It shocked me.” After his abrupt departure from the sport, the racer was surprised at receiving the warm reception as he said, “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.” 

Carl Edwards truly represents what NASCAR is all about. The racing driver always gave it his all on the track, not compromising on integrity and hard work despite his immense talent. Over the last few years, the Columbia native has been seen making brief cameos and was present at the celebrations held at Darlington in 2023 which NASCAR threw in honor of their 75 greatest drivers of all time. After disappearing from the community in 2017, it’s a welcome change to see the racer back where he’s adored by fans, drivers, and the sport’s hierarchy.