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Carl Edwards Shuts Down NASCAR Return—For Now, But Leaves Door Slightly Open

David Castro by David Castro
February 6, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 4 mins read
0
Carl Edwards Shuts Down NASCAR Return—For Now, But Leaves Door Slightly Open

Jan 11, 2017; Huntersville, NC, USA; NASCAR driver Carl Edwards announces his retirement during a press conference at Joe Gibbs Racing headquarters. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

For Carl Edwards, the fire of competition still flickers—but don’t expect to see him behind the wheel anytime soon. The 28-time NASCAR Cup Series winner and one of the sport’s most charismatic figures has once again turned down a comeback opportunity, despite an enthusiastic push from Kyle Larson.

Larson, who is set to attempt the grueling Indianapolis 500-Coca-Cola 600 “Double” in 2025, publicly pleaded for Edwards to substitute for him at the All-Star Race practice in North Wilkesboro Speedway. The Hendrick Motorsports driver made it clear that Edwards was his top choice for the gig, but the 2016 fan-favorite is hesitant to jump back in.

“No, actually… It was cool. My friend Chris Santusi sent me that. Really, I mean, it’s an honor. He’s [Kyle Larson] one of the fastest guys that ever tried one of these cars. But I don’t know if he’s messing with me. I’m likely to crash a car if I were to get in one right now,” Edwards told FOX Sports’ Bob Pockrass.

A Comeback Fantasy That Refuses to Die

Edwards’ sudden and shocking retirement in 2016 at the peak of his career left fans and teams wondering “what if” for years. Since stepping away, his name has been constantly linked to potential one-off returns, but nothing has ever materialized.

Now, with Larson’s bold request, the speculation machine kicked into overdrive again. Would Edwards actually consider dusting off his fire suit for one more ride?

Well, not exactly.

“No, it’s never a total no. I like options, but I don’t know. I’d say yeah, it’s no for now, but I’d drive a SIM and check it out.”

That one phrase—“never a total no”—is enough to keep fans clinging to hope that one day, Edwards might test the waters for a proper return.

The Next-Gen Factor: Why Edwards Is Reluctant

One major obstacle? The evolution of NASCAR’s Next-Gen car.

Since Edwards’ last full-time season in 2016, the sport has undergone massive changes, particularly with the introduction of the radically different Next-Gen vehicle.

Even NASCAR veterans who have recently retired, such as Kevin Harvick, have struggled to fully adapt. So for a driver like Edwards—who’s been out of competition for nearly a decade—jumping in cold turkey wouldn’t be easy.

Edwards recognizes this, which is why he’s not committing to anything until he gets a feel for the current machinery—at least in a simulator.

If Not Edwards, Then Who?

With Edwards shutting the door on Larson’s request, Hendrick Motorsports now has to look elsewhere for a practice driver in North Wilkesboro.

The obvious choice? Kevin Harvick.

  • Harvick filled in for Larson during the 2024 All-Star Race practice when Larson attempted The Double for the first time.
  • Unlike Edwards, Harvick has recent experience in the Next-Gen car, having raced the full 2023 season before retiring.
  • He remains closely connected to the sport through his broadcasting work and occasional Late Model racing.

Given these factors, it’s likely that Harvick will once again be tapped to step in for Larson while the 2021 Cup Series champion splits his time between NASCAR and IndyCar.

Will Edwards Ever Return to NASCAR?

For now, Edwards remains on the sidelines, happy to watch from a distance.

But his “never a total no” comment keeps the dream alive. If the right opportunity—or perhaps the right nostalgia-fueled moment—arises, we may one day see the backflipping driver return to the track, if only for a one-off race.

Until then, the legend of Carl Edwards’ retirement mystery continues.

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