Edwards was asked about a return to NASCAR
Carl Edwards spent 13 years in the NASCAR Cup Series. Following the 2016 season, he abruptly left the sport after a championship run that ended in a crash.
Related: Carl Edwards left the sport because he wants to
Edwards still had years left on his contract at the time he departed. However, Joe Gibbs allowed him to leave early.
Since then, appearances from Edwards are as rare as a shooting star, Halley’s Comet or a Mew card. These days, he spends time on his farm and traveling with family.
For 2022, there’s a lot of change coming to the NASCAR world. A new spec car is set to level the playing field dramatically. Additionally, in setting the rules for the new car NASCAR recently increased horsepower and decreased downforce. All of those things have sparked interest in Edwards.
Related: NASCAR sets official rules package for 2022
Related: Carl Edwards surfaces; Expresses interest in one-off NASCAR race (April 2021)
Carl Edwards talks the Next Gen car
“The way I grew up seeing the sport, it’s the guys being able to drive the race car,” Carl Edwards stated via SIRIUS XM NASCAR Radio.
“There’s the guys who build them, the innovation, that was always very interesting to me. The driving of the cars, the talent bravery and competitiveness. Then, the strategy.”
“I was excited when I saw NASCAR was going to more horsepower, less spoiler. That’s great, that makes that driving part, tougher.”
“As far as the new car, I don’t know enough about the new car. Other than to say it interests me. That jump to the Next Gen car is something I’m going to pay attention to.”
Edwards added, “Something that surprised me, and I shouldn’t have been surprised because Ben Kennedy is a smart guy. But, that move to the coliseum, I think that’s exciting. To me, the sport is making moves. I feel like it’s the right direction.”
Carl Edwards on a return to the sport
With all that interest, Edwards confirms he isn’t planning a return to the sport. Though, if he did, this would be the perfect time.
Edwards explained, “If I person were to come back to the sport, the best time would be when everybody is scrambling to try to figure something out. I can tell you right now, I’d be the slowest guy because it’s a diminishing skill set.”
On the Next Gen car, “There’s gotta be some difficulties that make people nervous.”
“I guess if you’re asking me if I’m going to come drive a car this year, the answer is no. But, it is interesting.
“NASCAR provided me with so much. I never dreamed I’d drive race cars and get paid for it. Now, I get to do a lot of other things. Family, travel, work on some business stuff.”
Edwards recalls leaving the sport, “When I first left, it was a pretty big shock to the system. We got some neat things going on, we farm a little bit. We did some really neat ocean travels. Went across the Atlantic, twice, on a boat. I’ve been able to fill the competitive void with some jujitsu.”
Related: Carl Edwards discusses a return to dirt racing (2017)
