Who is the best NASCAR driver to not win the championship? For those who have watched the sport from the era of Dale Earnhardt, they would rally behind Mark Martin. Whereas the fans in the modern era of the sport would name Denny Hamlin. Martin has a total of 96 race wins among all three series, whereas Hamlin has a tally of 54 and is still on the hunt for that elusive championship crown. But, there’s the third musketeer apart from these two drivers, and perhaps the most unlucky one. Yes, we are talking about none other than Carl Edwards.

The first heartbreak came during the year 2008. Edwards driving the No. 99 Roush Fenway Ford looked destined to win his first championship with six wins before heading into the Chase. Despite wins at Atlanta, Texas and Homestead, he just couldn’t get his hands on the Bill France Trophy. But, the Atlanta curveball where Johnson finished 2nd and this was followed by a win in Phoenix saw Edwards pinching himself. While the setback of 2008 was a bitter pill to swallow for Edwards and his team, the 2011 loss is what must’ve hurt him the most.

Learning from his mistakes from 2008, Edwards has been the epitome of consistency, with 25 top-10 results before the championship race looking to secure his first title. On the other hand, 2-time champion Tony Stewart was not having the best season with only 11 top-10 finishes. Without any wins in the regular season, Smoke was hoping for a miracle during the last 10 races in the Chase, and his wish was granted. 

With four wins in the Chase, the stage was set for the finale in Homestead Miami Speedway. But nobody would’ve expected how the champion was going to be crowned that day. And let’s just say, lady luck wasn’t in favor of Edwards, yet again.

NASCAR’s infamous playoff snatched Carl Edward’s NASCAR crown in 2011

Carl Edwards driving the number 99 car for Roush Fenway Racing had everything going for him, as he started on the pole and his championship rival started in 15th position. With early setbacks for Stewart with damage to his car, the championship was slipping away from his hand, but Tony Stewart showed the world why he is the 2-time world champion and known as one of the best drivers to ever race in the sport. Stewart, like a phoenix rising from the ashes, clawed his way from the back of the field and took the lead on lap 154. But the racing gods were not done with the thrills yet.

After a slow pit stop on the restart, Tony Stewart found himself in 9th place, but Stewart did not give up and started to make his way back up the field. By lap 176, Stewart was in 3rd place with Edwards in the lead. As Edwards pitted for new tires on lap 202, Stewart took the gamble on mileage by not pitting till lap 212. But guess what, the racing gods were still not done with the race.

As the heavens opened on lap 213, with Edwards in the lead, caution flags were waved for rain on the track. When the race started on lap 231, Stewart was in the 3rd place, but with a fresher tire advantage, Stewart took the lead with Edwards in second. Edwards did all he could but could not catch Stewart with his fresher tires, but the No. 14 SHR car was out of Edward’s reach as it crossed the start-finish line. 

We all thought that it was done and dusted, but once again the racing gods were not done with it yet. As the two drivers crossed the finish line, everyone was shocked and amazed that the two championship contenders were tied on points, and for the first time in the history of NASCAR, the championship was to be decided by a tie-breaker. Stewart was awarded the title on the basis of having more wins, with his 5 wins compared to just 1 of Edwards.

Carl Edwards lost the race and title, but he was classy about it. “I told my wife, if I can’t win this thing, I’m gonna be the best loser NASCAR’s ever had,” Edwards said in the post-race interview with a smile on his face. He accepted his fate and made peace with himself, had it not been for the Chase format who knows how this would’ve played out? This wasn’t Edward’s last shot at NASCAR glory, he tried again this time with Joe Gibbs Racing, and 2016 shaped up to be his year. 

Unlike Jimmie Johnson’s dominant run in 2008 or the toss-up on points in 2011, the 2016 race was mired by controversy, thanks to NASCAR’s debris caution. And once again, it would be Carl Edwards who would find himself on the bitter end of the stick, only this time around, the loss was too much for him to endure. After the championship race in 2016, the JGR driver announced his surprise retirement from NASCAR, only to be seen after a decade-long absence as a Hall of Famer.

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Cousin Carl is coming back to NASCAR

While there was demand from the fans to see the newly inducted HOF driver back in the race car, Edwards had decided to make his comeback with the broadcasting partner, Amazon Prime Video. No, he’s not going to call races alongside Dale Jr. and Steve Letarte, rather he will bring in expert insights during the pre and post-coverage. He will link up with Danielle Trotta and Cup Series driver Corey LaJoie.

Alex Strand, Sr. coordinating producer at Prime Video was thrilled to finally complete the broadcast booth for their debut NASCAR run. “We’re thrilled to introduce Carl, Trevor, Kim and Marty to our NASCAR on Prime Video team. Carl’s Hall-of-Fame career, combined with the extensive experience of Trevor, Kim, and Marty, brings an unparalleled authenticity to our coverage. Their deep knowledge and genuine passion will resonate with fans and elevate the NASCAR viewing experience. We look forward to showcasing our entire announce team when we debut in just a few short months.”

While Carl Edwards couldn’t win the championship trophy he comes with a big resume that makes him a certified NASCAR expert. He has 28 Cup victories, 124 top fives, 220 top 10s, and 22 poles not to mention those oh-so-close calls with when he could won the title in 2008, 2011 and 2016. Fans are eagerly waiting to see him back in action and are still hoping that he just might change his stance about getting back on the racetrack.