Carl Edwards’s retirement from NASCAR racing was a big jolt to the fans and community alike. However, it came in the wake of perhaps the biggest upset for a driver who was at the pinnacle of his racing prowess. After the heartbreak of being inches away from winning the championship in 2016, Edwards, in a surprise announcement, decided to call it quits from NASCAR racing and hang up his boots.

Unlike many ex-NASCAR drivers, Carl Edwards chose to detach himself from the sport. He even apologized to the fans for not being able to give back to the sport that helped him live his dream of becoming a race car driver. But, despite his limited interest in NASCAR’s recent affairs, two particular individuals have caught his eye. Denny Hamlin, co-owner of 23XI Racing, and his friend Justin Marks, with his work with his very own team, Trackhouse Racing.

Denny Hamlin and Justin Marks receive praise from Carl Edwards for their recent works at NASCAR

NASCAR hasn’t lately been the sponsor-rich and lucrative business it once was during the early 2000s. This has led to multiple teams shutting down their shops, the most recent example being Stewart Haas Racing. However, amidst the challenges of operating a successful NASCAR team, the likes of Hamlin and Marks have cracked the code in creating a name for themselves in such a short time.

Carl Edwards, who is nearly the same age as Hamlin, was impressed with how he’s managed to steer his new team in the right direction. “I don’t pay a ton of attention. But a couple of people have really stood out to me. Dave Rodgers and Denny Hamlin—all this stuff they’re doing is really interesting to me. How much success they are having, I’ve heard some behind-the-scenes stuff about how hard Denny’s working, how much that’s paying off. Like I got to admit, I’m an older guy now, so I see somebody like that doing, it’s fun to watch at that level.”

Moreover, the Missouri native has also developed a bond with Justin Marks. “Justin Marks and Trackhouse is someone who the last five years or so, I’ve got to know him a little bit better as a friend. And watch how he does things, and I’d say, that’s a person that stands out to me in the sport, you know, he’s moving forward, he’s doing it the right way, he cares about the sport, and he tries to do things right. I’m really glad to be able to keep in touch with the most.”

Both 23XI Racing and Trackhouse have established their presence as competitive teams. And while they are at it, the two co-owners will be forced into action to seize an opportunity to expand their two charter team.

All eyes are on the three available Stewart-Haas Racing charters

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As soon as SHR announced that 2024 would be their last season running in the Cup Series. Many rival teams got their tails up, as this was a perfect opportunity to grow and expand. With Front Row Motorsports already bagging one SHR driver, potentially, for an undisclosed price for themselves, 23XI and Trackhouse Racing are expected to follow suit.

23XI and Trackhosue are both expected to obtain a charter from SHR, according to a report by FOX reporter Bob Pockrass. Justin Marks has his hands full with the number of drivers on his roster. They do have Daniel Suarez and Ross Chastain serving as their full-time drivers. Zane Smith is expected to be back with the team after his loan spell ends this season at Spire. Another signed driver, Shane Van Gisbergen, who is at Kaulig Racing in Xfinity, has expressed his desire to run in the Cup series.

Not to forget, they have rising star Connor Zilisch climbing through the ranks and will soon be fit enough to make his Cup start. So, there is a genuine demand for Trackhouse to get hold of that charter. Meanwhile, Hamlin and Michael Jordan have long been mulling a third entry for their. Their #50 part-time car has hinted about their potential expansion, and the new shop, AirSpeed, might accommodate more than two Cup cars.

Apart from these two teams, Legacy Motor Club and Richard Childress Racing are potentially trying to get hold of these charters.