Carl Edwards is a name that needs no introduction in the world of NASCAR. With 28 Cup Series race wins, a 2007 Xfinity Series championship, and a reputation as one of the most consistent and charismatic drivers of his era, his induction into the 2025 NASCAR Hall of Fame was a no-brainer. But as Edwards took the stage in Charlotte, North Carolina, to accept the honor, he wasn’t alone. Joining him was none other than former rival Kyle Petty, and the two couldn’t resist revisiting a particularly heated moment from their past—one that had the audience in stitches.

Petty and Edwards’ Bristol Brawl: A tale of fear, wrecks, and gorilla-like rage

The story goes back to 2005 at Bristol Motor Speedway, a track known for its tight quarters and tempers that flare faster than a blown engine. Edwards, then a rising star with Roush Fenway Racing, found himself in a high-speed heated chess match with Petty. And when we say heated, we mean it—this was the night Edwards thought he might not make it out in one piece.

“I was racing for my life,” Edwards recalled with a grin. “The first time you ran into the back of me, I thought, ‘Oh, he’s trying to end my day.’ I saved it, you went by, and then it’s like you waited for me or something. In my little mind, I thought, ‘Okay, I gotta wreck him so bad he can’t come back and wreck me.’ So I wrecked you.”

Carl Edwards continued to describe the aftermath as the audience couldn’t stop chuckling. Petty, understandably furious, stormed over to Edwards’ car post-race. “You looked like a gorilla, like a monster,” Edwards said, still wide-eyed at the memory. “You’re the scariest man ever. I was like, ‘Okay, I’m going to appeal to his kindness.’ So I said, ‘Please, sir, will you let me out of the car before you beat my a**?’”

Kyle Petty, for his part, played the role of the calm(ish) veteran. “I don’t remember what I said,” he admitted. “But I remember the last thing I said: ‘Okay, there’s people watching, they’re taking pictures. We’re going to shake hands and smile, and then just walk away.’ And that’s what we did.”

The incident started when Edwards tried to pass Petty, only to get shoved into the wall. When Edwards got another shot at Petty later in the race, he decided to take matters into his own hands. “After the race, he came down to tell me, ‘Hey, it was just an accident. I didn’t mean to do it,’” Edwards explained. “That’s how crazy it is. You can think somebody is so angry at you. Sometimes maybe you need a radio frequency where the drivers can talk.”

Many fans miss the way NASCAR was before 2012 as drivers could communicate with each other directly via radio. The 2012 ban to the rule followed this long communication process where the driver had to ask their spotter or Crew Chief to let them know about the whereabouts of their teammates or opponents. However, there’s no restriction for fans. Here is the list of radio frequencies for NASCAR 2025, handcrafted by Seth Eggert. Petty’s story and communicative spirit did take fans on a nostalgic trip.

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Edwards’ speech full of gratitude, faith, and reflection

While the Petty story was a highlight, Edwards’ heartfelt Hall of Fame speech was about much more than just on-track drama. He opened up about his dirt-track beginnings, his abrupt retirement, and the moments that defined his career—both on and off the track.

One of the most poignant parts of his speech came when he reflected on the 2016 championship that slipped through his fingers. Leading at Homestead-Miami Speedway with just 20 laps to go, Edwards was on the verge of his first Cup Series title. But a late-race restart led to a wreck with Joey Logano, ending his hopes and handing Jimmie Johnson his record-tying seventh championship.

For most drivers, that kind of heartbreak would be unbearable. But for Carl Edwards, it was a moment of clarity. “That restart didn’t work out, and this is going to sound strange, but I’m so grateful that we didn’t win that championship,” he admitted. “Homestead was one of the best races I’ve run in my life. I don’t care that we don’t have that championship. I knew with about 20 laps to go in that race what it felt like to have a championship team. That was special.”

That race, and the perspective it gave him, ultimately led to his shocking retirement just weeks later. At 37 years old, Edwards walked away from the sport at the peak of his powers, leaving fans and insiders stunned. “I don’t regret leaving,” he said. “I could have probably done it better. I wasn’t good at it. I never even considered doing something like that. So, if I had to do it over again, I probably could have done it in a more gracious way.”

Edwards also spoke about his faith, which became a guiding force in his life after racing. “I realized that all that time in the car, all the people that loved me, all the amazing opportunities… I wasn’t alone. God is real,” he said, his voice filled with emotion.

Carl Edwards may not have a Cup Series championship to his name, but his legacy is undeniable. From his iconic backflip celebrations to his 28 Cup wins and his reputation as one of NASCAR’s most respected figures, he’s earned his place in the Hall of Fame. And as he stood on that stage, surrounded by family, friends, and fans, it was clear that Edwards was at peace with how it all played out.

“I looked at my career, and it was beyond my wildest dreams,” he said. “I mean, beyond my wildest dreams.”

So, will we ever see Carl Edwards back in a NASCAR car? The door isn’t completely closed what with Kyle Larson offering him a chance to run the All-Star race while he’s off trying to conquer the Indy500. But for now, he’s content to savor this moment.