When Carl Edwards would execute his signature backflip off the driver’s side window after a victory, fans knew it was real. But when Darlington Raceway announced on April 1, 2025, that the recently inducted NASCAR Hall of Famer would serve as honorary starter for the upcoming Goodyear 400, many fans found themselves landing in a pool of skepticism.

The timing couldn’t have been more perfect for an announcement featuring a driver whose sudden retirement in January 2017 remains one of NASCAR’s most unexpected career conclusions.

The February 2025 Hall of Fame induction ceremony marked Edwards’ formal recognition among NASCAR royalty, celebrating a career that included 72 victories across NASCAR’s national series. His triumphant 2015 Southern 500 win at Darlington—the very track where he’ll now wave the green flag—remains a highlight of the inaugural Throwback Weekend. And what a victory that was 10 years ago. With 55 laps to go, Edwards wasn’t even in the lead. It was Kevin Harvick and Brad Keselowski fighting for the win.

The magic happened with 45 laps left. Edwards began putting pressure on Harvick and Keselowksi. 23 laps later a move finally materialised, but it wouldn’t be a long-term solution. Keselowski snatched the lead back on the next lap. However, with just 13 laps left, the 18th caution of the day came out, the most seen in a Southern 500 at the time. Edwards knew this was his opportunity, and overtook Keselowski off the pit road to win the race.

“Winning here in 2015 and returning for NASCAR’s 75th-anniversary celebration in 2023 are two of the greatest moments of my career,” Carl Edwards stated in the announcement, connecting his legacy to Darlington’s own 75th-anniversary celebration this season.

What makes his appearance at the track even better is that it falls right on the Throwback weekend. It will be none other than his former teammate Denny Hamlin proudly donning a throwback color scheme from Edwards’ 2000s car. The iconic red-and-black is a herald of a different era of NASCAR, when Edwards raced for Rousch Racing after his 2005 rookie season.

It would also be a reminder of just how close Edwards came to achieving his Cup Series dream back in 2008, when he finished second in the standings. Perhaps Denny Hamlin can offer some consolation to the veteran driver by winning at Darlington this year.

Regardless, Edwards’ relationship with NASCAR has been notably limited since his abrupt retirement, making any appearance newsworthy. But the April 1st date of the announcement created immediate suspicion. The Columbia, Missouri native walked away at age 37 while still in his competitive prime, turning down a reported multi-million dollar contract extension with Joe Gibbs Racing—a decision that shocked the racing world and has fueled comeback rumors ever since.

NASCAR Audience is Still Unsure…

“I know what day it is,” wrote one fan on social media, referencing April Fool’s Day, the international day of pranks and false announcements. This skepticism wasn’t unfounded—Edwards’ unexpected departure still resonates within the NASCAR community. After finishing as championship runner-up twice, including the historic tiebreaker loss to Tony Stewart in 2011, Edwards walked away just weeks after nearly claiming the 2016 championship at Homestead, where a late-race crash ended his title hopes.

Another fan questioned, “Do we trust this?” evoking the uncertainty that surrounds Edwards’ rare appearances at NASCAR events. Since retiring, Edwards has maintained a notably private life away from racing, making his selection for NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers list in 2023 and subsequent Hall of Fame induction among his few returns to the spotlight. Perhaps Darlington Raceway President Josh Harris can put these suspicions to rest. “Carl has established himself as one of the most likeable personalities in our sport’s rich history. We’re honored to have him join us for the Goodyear 400 and help celebrate NASCAR’s past and present to close out The Official Throwback Weekend of NASCAR.” 

“April fools???” another fan commented, a sentiment that captured the perfect storm of timing, with the announcement coming precisely on the day reserved for practical jokes. It wouldn’t be the first time the sport has made a practical joke. Going back to 1997, one of the April Fools pranks saw Michael Jordan being linked to entering NASCAR. While it would be a joke at the time, little did fans know that it turned into a very real prospect a few decades later. In Edwards’ case, fans hope it doesn’t take too long for it to be confirmed.

Some fans sought verification, with one noting, “We need community notes to come in clutch to decide if it’s a joke or not.” This reflects the modern fan’s desire for confirmation in an era of misinformation. The qualifications that make Edwards eligible to serve as honorary starter are perfect because he achieved victory during the 2015 Southern 500 and thus solidifies his connection to Darlington’s vintage racing customs.

Whether waving the green flag or performing his signature backflip, Carl Edwards’ return to Darlington on April 6th will be no joke for NASCAR fans who’ve missed his presence in the sport.