Carl Edwards still feels a deep connection to NASCAR, no matter how much time passes. The former driver, set to be inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame on Friday alongside Ricky Rudd and Ralph Moody, admitted he was nervous about returning to the track for the sport’s 75th anniversary celebration. Known for his signature backflips and a total of 72 national series victories, Edwards was one of the top drivers of his era. However, after another close call in the championship race, he made the surprising decision to step away from racing at just 37 years old.
Reflecting on his departure, Edwards, now 45, shared how difficult it was to walk away from the sport. “I turned my back, and I walked out of the room. It was scary,” he recalled on Thursday. “Over the last eight years, I felt odd about that. But for NASCAR to welcome me back, it’s made me realize that this sport is a part of me. It’s who I am.”
Over his 13-year Cup Series career, Edwards claimed 28 victories, including a win in the 2015 Coca-Cola 600. He began his NASCAR journey with Jack Roush, racing for Roush Fenway (now RFK Racing) for 11 seasons before concluding his career with Joe Gibbs Racing. Since stepping away from NASCAR, Edwards has focused on family life, dedicating his time to being a husband and father. While he has always loved racing, he acknowledges the impact his career had on his personal life and has embraced the opportunity to spend more time with his children.
His return to the NASCAR spotlight has been met with overwhelming support. When he attended the 75 Greatest Drivers celebration at Darlington, fans welcomed him with open arms. Edwards has also felt the love in Charlotte, where he and his daughter recently saw his image displayed on a video board during a morning walk. One moment that truly deepened his appreciation for the sport happened while watching a race with his family. Seeing Jeff Burton celebrate his son’s victory at Daytona made Edwards emotional, as he realized how much racing means to him and his loved ones.
The Hall of Fame induction will also honor Dr. Dean Sicking, the creator of the SAFER barrier, with the Landmark Award for his contributions to motorsports safety. The event begins at 8 p.m. Friday and will be streamed live on the new NASCAR Channel via Tubi.
