Few drivers in NASCAR history have managed to win over fans and earn the respect of their peers quite like Carl Edwards. Known for his iconic backflips, relentless drive, and fitness level that left others in the dust, Edwards brought something fresh and dynamic to the sport. He was a natural behind the wheel and a humble, thoughtful presence off the track—a rare combination. As Edwards gears up for his well-deserved spot in the NASCAR Hall of Fame, those who knew him best are looking back at what made him so special—including one insider with a particularly unique perspective.

Speaking with Davey Segal on the Victory Lane podcast, crew chief Drew Blickensderfer—a two-time Daytona 500 winner—reflected on Edwards, dubbing him as his favorite driver that he’s ever worked with. Words that clearly came from the heart.

Drew Blickensderfer’s fond memories with ‘Special’ Carl Edwards

Carl Edwards carved out a sensational career in the Busch Series, winning 38 races, notching 174 top tens, and grabbing 27 pole positions—all capped off with a 2007 championship. Blickensderfer joined forces with Edwards midway through the 2008 season, and their partnership clicked instantly. Edwards went on to win seven of the last 19 races that year.

Their time together, primarily during Blickensderfer’s stint at Roush Fenway Racing, was a period of growth and success for both men. Reflecting on those days, Drew said, “Carl was special. It kind of set me off on a good path.” After a brief stint working with other drivers, Blickensderfer returned to Edwards’ side for most of the 2010 Nationwide Series season, adding more wins to their shared résumé, including a standout victory at Road America in June 2010.

What stood out most was the trust they built. “If I told him the sky’s black today, Carl’d say, ‘All right, what are we going to do about it, Drew?’ He’d run through a brick wall for you,” Blickensderfer shared, marveling at Edwards’ unwavering commitment. Together, they celebrated numerous victories. Edwards’ relentless talent and drive, merged with Blickensderfer’s resilience fueled their wins.

“It was a joy working with Carl,” Blickensderfer admitted. “We won a ton of races in a short time together, and that kind of propelled me to get to the Cup Series as a crew chief.” But for Drew, it wasn’t merely about the wins—it was about the chemistry and trust they shared. Even now, Blickensderfer’s admiration for Edwards hasn’t wavered. “Carl’s the one I’d call if I needed someone to drive a race car right now,” he said. But, all of this led to something very shocking.

At the height of his career in 2017, Edwards shocked everyone by walking away. It left fans and colleagues with questions, plenty of them unanswered. Carl Edwards’ abrupt retirement after the 2016 season remains one of NASCAR’s greatest puzzles. At just 37, he was still in peak form, fresh off a season with three race wins and a fourth-place finish in the championship standings. To step away then was as surprising as it gets.

The mystery around Carl Edwards’ retirement

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While Edwards pointed to a desire to focus on family and explore life outside of racing, fans and self-proclaimed experts couldn’t help but speculate. Was it the frustration of narrowly missing a championship? A career filled with heartbreak moments—like losing the 2011 title to Tony Stewart in a tiebreaker or that crash at Homestead-Miami in 2016—might have played a role. But Edwards has always brushed off these theories. “I didn’t leave the sport because of the way 2016 ended, period,” he said firmly to NASCAR’s Cameron Richardson.

The actual reason, he pointed to rooted from a deeper realization. “I realized I wasn’t doing a good enough job of being a father and a husband,” Edwards explained. “And I felt like I’d accomplished all I needed to in the sport.” Unlike many drivers who dip back into racing part-time, Edwards made a clean break, slipping out of the spotlight almost entirely. His rare appearances have been limited to accepting honors like being named one of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers or his induction into the Texas Motor Speedway Hall of Fame.

Even his former teammates and mentors admit they struggle to fully understand his decision. Mark Martin, a guiding figure during Edwards’ time at Roush, admitted as much. “I thought I knew Carl pretty well,” Martin said. “I put him right near the top of the list of wanting to race as bad as anybody I’ve ever known. So I’m a little confused.”

Whatever his reasons, Edwards’ retirement closed a chapter in NASCAR history. His final season may not have delivered a championship, but it showcased his enduring competitiveness and skill. As Blickensderfer put it, “It’ll be fun to see him get his props in the Hall of Fame.”

Carl Edwards’ upcoming induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame is a well-earned tribute to a driver who gave so much to the sport. From his early days on Missouri dirt tracks to his triumphant backflips on NASCAR’s biggest stages, Edwards epitomized what the sport is all about. And while his decision to step away might always remain a bit of a mystery, his impact is undeniable. As Drew Blickensderfer’s heartfelt words remind us, Carl Edwards’ legacy isn’t just about the races he won—it’s about the trust he built, the inspiration he sparked, and the memories he left behind.