Carl Edwards Explains Why He Unexpectedly Left NASCAR

[@777HPNEXTGEN]

I agree with Carl. It’s better to watch a championship play out in a whole season than in one race or one restart.

[@HarryHafsak]

That’s all it is now, nascar overtime! If I can’t pass him I’ll move him.

[@GNewcomb-q9v]

The masses have been wanting a real championship format to return!

[@patricktuggles4815]

Or a caution

[@OMG_No_Way]

The playoffs suck. I want a season side champion.

[@ShaunHensley]

All other sanctioning bodies have been doing it this way forever. That mean’s motorsports fans will always look down on nascar for this reason

[@michaellane1316]

Nothing but respect for a man with integrity. One of my favorite drivers in any sport of driving.

[@Odin3v]

ROFL, He desrves no respect nor has integrity.

[@longjohn526]

Edwards, Kenseth, Martin, Biffle ..... The Roush stable was so strong in the 00's

[@thomasgajewski5929]

yes but BIFFLE explained it best...Rausch let technology pass them by

[@ScottG91]

​@@thomasgajewski5929 yep Mark has said that too. That Jack was too cheap

[@Staysick17]

After all his big drivers left he got very cheap he had kenseth bush martin Edwards biffle they were stacked

[@thomasgajewski5929]

jack being a pilot...he leaned on ROBBY REISER to hard one guy 5 teams

[@thomasgajewski5929]

just would love thought jack would be knee deep in technology

[@hotjag7]

Was he wronged? Yes. Was he pissed? Absolutely, but then, not wanting to, and now, still not wanting to badmouth NASCAR shows how much class this man has. Now, NASCAR needs to swallow their pride and induct Carl Edward into the NCHF.

[@timferguson8654]

Carl is a wise man and I believe he loves his family More than racing

[@bobuncle8704]

Carl was my guy. Always will be. Miss him.

[@tinagentry4806]

I feel exactly the same. Miss him.

[@artnascar9748]

Carl Edwards is a class act guy. ✌️🇺🇸

[@johnvegar9098]

Except when he psychologically bullies his teammates, you know, him “joking” about sucker punching Matt Kenseth. A lot of men lost respect for Carl after that, his behind the scenes behavior is probably why he was blackballed by Nascar

[@waynethomas1882]

Carl is Hall of Fame worthy🏁

[@FreelanceScott365]

Carl such a classy guy , you are missed by the fans FOR SURE ! Great driver , always had good honest post race interviews

[@bps7209]

Carl wasn’t my favorite, but a class act he was and still is. He gets respect because he’s earned it. Good to finally know why he left. Yes, he could of trashed NASCAR, but he won’t. Good luck Carl with enjoying life! Isn’t that what we all want with no regrets? I surely would.

[@timferguson8654]

You are correct respect is earned not given

[@steventhomas524]

Class act. Always has been. Thinks before he talks, expresses his thoughts and feelings elegantly. I respect him, his decision, and for not being the lingering "Tom Brady / Aaron Rodgers" type of egotistical attention seeker. Glad you did it your way and found what was important in life. Need more people like you, Carl.

[@FindlayOsborn]

All respects to this classy human being.

[@Odin3v]

clasys, rofl.

[@adeeplook]

Respect to Carl for doing what he had to do!

[@Odin3v]

ok

[@flyjarrett]

Rusty was my guy growing up. When he retired, I became a Carl fan and loved how he drove. NASCAR hasn’t been the same for me since Carl left. I understand his reasons and am glad that he seems to be enjoying his life.

[@davidrice3337]

The pivotal year was 92- Richard Petty retired and Gordon made his first start - The "next"generation of driver was ushered in along with the modernized car - Nascar decided to go to Japan and build racetracks designed to make $$ instead of developing character -

[@Dreded100]

@@davidrice3337 I'm sure people of all different ages have a different pivotal year. Just like you think is was Petty retiring and Gordon starting, others might say its when Earnhardt died, or when they started messing with the points system, or when Junior retired. Its just how sports work, the generation you grow up watching get old and get replaced with another one.

[@guygonzales7463]

OMG @flyjarrett! You just described me to a tee! I was a huge Rusty fan when he first made the cup scene in the eighties and like you, became a huge Carl Edwards fan when Rusty retired!

[@TEC_Stuff]

Carl Edwards is a self-motivated individual. The business cards he handed out to begin his career showed that. What is not talked about by the NASCAR media is that Carl’s mother had a very serious health issue (cancer, I believe) around the time when he was leaving the sport. Also, the force with which he hit the wall straight on at the 2016 Cup Series Championship race at Homestead was massive. I was at that race, and it was a very scary impact, the whole crowd reacted with horror at the impact. The reason that the whole caution was brought out with fewer than 10 laps to go, was one of NASCAR’s infamous “Debris Cautions.” Carl Edwards’ wife is an MD. After taking time to digest what had happened after that Cup Series Championship weekend, I think Carl made a mental checklist of the pros and cons of continuing to race at the top level of NASCAR. That list no longer tilted in the direction to keep doing this crazy racing thing. Carl wanted to have his mind, his body, and his ambitious state of mind intact in his life. Continuing to race in NASCAR would have jeopardized all of those things. I miss him being in the sport. However, I respect and understand why a self made man would choose to do things on his terms. Other drivers have made similar decisions to walk away from NASCAR and rarely come back to the track. Names like Elliot Sadler, Ricky Rudd, and others, have made the decision to move on to other pursuits in life such as time with family or other life passions. What I think makes it so hard for the NASCAR Press and NASCAR Fanbase, is that most of us wanted to see Carl Edwards achieve the goal we all felt he was so close to getting, which was a Cup Series Championship. By Carl deciding to walk away from racing, we all were left saddened that the hero wasn’t able to receive what he worked so hard to earn.

[@deborahparks7119]

Very well put

[@farrellmorgan4916]

I don’t know Carl personally but know people who do. From what I have been told you hit the nail on the head here. Maybe if he was pissed off it made it an easier decision at the time. Met him at a dirt track and have to say he is and was one of the classiest guys in all of sports. Consider myself lucky to have enjoyed watching him race and hope he is enjoying his life as much as the fans enjoyed him

[@terrygarvin1392]

Well said.

[@billsmith7255]

Cousin Carl is absolutely one of the best that ever sat behind the wheel! I love his attitude he always leaves you just wanting a little bit more.

[@fishhuntadventure]

Not taking anything away from Karl but I do not believe he was a fantastic driver. Better than 95% of the others but what made Karl great is that he was a competitor and a racer better than most. Every race was the long game with a complete desire to win, not just finish. He is a strategist and extremely competitive. Not competitive in the car, competitive in his head, and the car was his tool to build that out. So it translated well.

[@ChrisB-pu2bd]

Miss the flip Carl. Enjoy your life and family you were fun to watch racing cars.

[@johngraver5350]

Carl is a humble man God bless you 🙏 ❤😊

[@MarkColeman-s1v]

A brilliant conversation, thanks to all you gentlemen.

[@onemorething100]

Carl always removed his sunglasses when he did interviews. A righteous dude

[@jimb_28]

I give Carl respect for choosing his words wisely , he's just one humble guy .... he wouldn't come right out and say anybody wronged him and he probably never will , and its like the interview with Rick Mast , he could have just left the sport instead of speaking his mind saying something bad about Nascar ..... i always did like Cousin Carl , he drove hard and clean , but he didnt forget if you done him wrong on the track either ..... i was glad to see Carl show up at the top 75 drivers . Keep on reporting great things Herman ! Have a great weekend racing

[@jeremylynch490]

I was, am and will always be a fan of Carl Edwards! This video confirms it! People ask me which NASCAR driver I root for today and I still say COUSIN CARL!

[@RIVERLORD-bf7uc]

My favorite Rick Mast memory will always be when he was interviewed before the 1989 Busch Clash that he was the wildcard entry and when asked about his thoughts he said, "I knocked 3 cars off the road on the way to the racetrack this morning, I'm in the right frame of mind for this race." Tons of respect for Rick and I consider him a very trustworthy and knowledgeable person when it comes to information based NASCAR news and storylines.

[@erikrenner]

His choosing not to answer about being wronged by NASCAR in 2016 means he felt that he was wronged by NASCAR in 2016. He’s just choosing his words wisely.

[@GNewcomb-q9v]

I wish he would come right out & be honest for once! He left because of Nascrap or JGR!

[@ThePlatinumEagle]

Who’s to say that the end of 2016 wasn’t just the final straw? He could’ve very well retired if he won it that night.

[@Jamesbass1968]

This is one driver I wish could have gone over to RCR

[@tippie2000]

He has answered the question repeatedly that he isn't mad or hold a grudge.

[@donniebeadles7842]

Absolutely nothing to do with Gibbs. The other maybe. But Gibbs no. Suarez had no money behind him. Had no rich family. His dad worked on VW bugs. He had no rich uncle etc. ​@user-zq1px9yb7g

[@tomsadowski8308]

Carl you are a true stand up guy a great person your energy on the track we miss u

[@yvonneadams4219]

Thanks for the memories you gave me during your career. You were always one of my favorites. ❤

[@k2rocksstl]

Thanks for posting this, Herm. And thanks for ALL your work, Charlie.

[@beckyumphrey2626]

Carl is a great guy and we miss him.

[@SergeantMassonFan]

💯

[@kristyjewell4610]

Carl was one of my favorites. I respect the way he left on his own terms. I'd love to see him come back in some form.

[@scrick7112]

Carl is a Hall of Famer, absolutely! In my opinion.

[@Chris-zn2pz]

For what?? He was an average driver

[@Chris-zn2pz]

Everyone behind the wheel can’t be hall of fame drivers

[@superdaveinca9254]

@@Chris-zn2pz 28 wins in Nascar puts him #30 on the all time win list, above Dale Jr. He is not an average driver.

[@ShaunHensley]

I won’t say he’s average, that’s just idiotic. But hof needs to be champions at this point

[@scrick7112]

@@ShaunHensley Carl won an Xfinity championship.

[@Gmanautonut]

A little bit longer of a video, but it was worth it. I miss Carl. I was glad to work with him briefly when he ran trucks. I would love to see his face around the NASCAR garage into something whether it’s commentating or something I don’t know.

[@NathanT87]

Wow, much respect! He is clearly comfortable being Carl. Good for him.

[@gilfernandez9122]

Such a top tier human being. I miss his skills on the track and his bright personality, something we surely miss and need more of in the sport.

[@SergeantMassonFan]

Carl Edwards Is Awesome

[@travismorrow8132]

Nothing but class.

[@dhmig88]

Great driver, miss his presence in NASCAR when it’s desperately needed. 🏁

[@kenfreeman5321]

Nice to see Rick Mast. Always liked that guy.

[@wpnmstrmk4484]

I became a Carl Edwards fan when I heard that he gave his Trophies away to his fans, some that were disabled. When I was at a Nascar Race and he had Won and was in the winners circle and there were a lot of Photographers lined up all around where he was accepting the Trophy and I was also taking Photographs but did not have a press pass, so I climbed up the stairs that go to the top level seating where I was above the crowd and Carl looked right up where I was and smiled for a photo and I knew right then who he was.

[@josephc3276]

Carl is a good guy Period!!!

[@matthopcroft2535]

I felt as I did with you Kenny is he was a class act a gentleman a real good ambassador for racing!👍👍

[@edwardcrowder1870]

Carl's Dad did a great job 👍

[@wolfgang__1263]

Man this shows how amazing this guy is. He is the definition of professionalism

[@fishing4dinner]

So thankful for any comment Carl gives. He doesn’t owe us a dime. Blessed are the peacemakers - and that’s what he’s demonstrating if we’ll just pay attention. Not sowing division but showing us how to extend mercy & grace.

[@SergeantMassonFan]

Facts,He Gave Us Such Great Moments While He Was Driving,Now It's Time For Us To Let Him Put Himself First And Enjoy His Life 💯

[@biglon62]

Carl is very professional with his response! Lot of respect for him!!

[@DAMNbyrnz35]

As a fan of Cousin Carl, I couldn’t be happier that he has found genuine peace. I was heartbroken and angry with how 2016 ended, but to hell with it. He’s happy, so I’m happy.

[@Gemni65]

He did it perfectly 😎😎😎left the audience wanting more

[@edevans1323]

I. Loved Carl he's for we're all from st.louis kenny he's one of us.

[@nothinghere7391]

Carl is a fan of the season-long points system too! The only good way! Carl the Chad!

[@mikemccune7647]

Love cousin carl God bless him he choice his deal

[@robertsmith8641]

Carl Edwards has always been a class act and could’ve been so much more!

[@jlsracing997]

Kansas City is my home and Carl, Jamie, and Clint were my guys. Killed me when Carl left, and now Clint and Jamie are commentating and it's just not the same. Kenny Schraeder I always held up high as well.

[@Greywolfe24]

Damn good driver. Miss him

[@scottmaz4063]

What a great video kenny thank you

[@radamus210]

Oh man! What a treat! Mr Virginia Rick Mast! ... I lived in Rockbridge County for a while, finished HS there (Go Rockbridge Rebels! - no longer exist), so he was a hometown dude man. We used to drive over where he ran around on the chance of catching him at the gas station or something but he was always racing, but it would've been like an Elvis spotting to us if we had seen him. Carl still being above the line and gracious as always. I think we who are his fans, as I was especially when he came to Gibbs, lifelong Redskins faithful so Joe was a God to us and I followed him and every driver since as my people. And at the time, JGR was top of the hill man! As good a team as any on the track and a legit shot at championships. But if only we could have got 1 more year, it was Carls to take at this point, hitting on all 8. Carl was a race car driver with the head screwed on tight and he was made different than a lot of drivers. He had that mental edge you are born with or you aren't. We got a lot from having Carl on the track, but you can't not feel like, damn.... if only just a little longer, dude could drive man, and such a great human being. I think we saw that in real time when Joplin got hit with the tornado. That's one of the things I remember most about Carl was in those times of tragedy, we got the person, not the racing driver in his suit in front of a mic.

[@stevejesus6525]

I remember his classified ad in NSSN looking for a job. Class act

[@htdriver2012]

I always liked Carl. I as well as others were disappointed when he walked away but I understand and I'm happy for him.

[@jimflannery5824]

great respect cousin carl , hope to see u 1 day at I44 speedway , they could use the support

[@donfrentzel2739]

Carl was my guy. Class act. I was a big Indy fan but started following NASCAR because of Carl. When Carl left NASCAR so did I. Glad he's well and happy.

[@TheEclecticHandyman]

My favorite NASCAR driver and loved seeing him win and do the back flip. I backed off watching NASCAR regularly when he left. Would love to watch him even part time, but understand he'd only go 100%. 🏁

[@markhanna6530]

I was definitely a fan of Carl. He was awesome

[@dgriffin4096]

He is definitely one of the best

[@af4od02]

Automobile racing is an extremely addictive activity. I raced locally for years with very little success. When I decided to stop, I haven’t been back since. I can’t go to a race shop, a track or sit in some stands without wanting to drive a car again. It is hard to watch racing on television without wanting to race. Carl left racing a wealthy man and healthy. It is now time to be with family.

[@gregorygolden1296]

I know how you feel. I raced dirt,asphalt and back to dirt off and on from '79 to '04. I think about it everyday. Glad I got out when I did. The expense was getting crazy. Never got hurt, met some awesome people and had a blast. Won some, lost some I should of won but all in all no regrets. NASCAR today is a joke so it doesn't bother me to if I don't watch it. Haven't been to a short track in a long time.

[@farrellmorgan4916]

I’m so glad you said this. I have a buddy that races locally also. Can’t get him to go sit in the stands. Said he just can’t do it.

[@oneninerniner3427]

Agreed, I haven't raced for a dozen years now. Think I've been in the stands mmm three times, special events only.

[@KerrySikes]

Carl Edward's you are the best driver in all your career, glad to see you make it to HOF you deserve it!! Luv ya Cuz Carl 💙 Flipper 4ever 🏁🏆

[@JoeDenhof]

Miss you Carl. Thank you for the great diehard years cheering you on. 99/60 for life!

[@stuttsuttle992]

As a longtime nascar fan, what idiot would not want Carl Edwards in the hall of fame !

[@dobermanpac1064]

This man has more integrity and talent than any NASCAR DRIVER since he retired. 💯🇺🇸

[@franklogan90]

I followed Carl for years he was an amazing driver he is a class act .he really loves his Fan .I really think he should start calling races he would be a good asset with any networks. He speaks very professional he knows what he is talking about .I know he loves his fans there was a year in Dover Delaware My friends and I had garage passes and i caught him out of the corner of my eye carl was running up the stairs at that time i was having a hard time walking i had a cane so i know i couldn't catch him so my friends ran after him and they caught up with him and they said my friend is down stairs he walks with a cane so being a class act he waited for me to climb the stairs and he walked over to me and shook my hand he singed my shirt and hat and took about 5 to 10 min talking to me I was so grateful. I could go on and on about carl .so the last thing he said to me come in my pit and I will have a chair for you and when we got to his pit box there was a chair for me it was like a bar stool so i could see everything and everytime he came in the pits i could see everything. So in closing I really think they should let him call some races .Thank you

[@dominickmacneill273]

Very nice guy that hold a lot in...

[@terrygarvin1392]

Really enjoyed Uncle Carl racing. He was such a great personality and that's missing today. The whole season championship runs made every lap , indeed every corner and every qualifying effort important.

[@mitch326m]

Would love to hear him in the booth. Think he would be excellent at it.

[@skidoorulz4914]

Hey Bob, Jimmy Johnson is not still racing. He is however out driving around the race track every now and then.

[@meldridge51]

Carl Edwards is a Class Act and Always Has Been! NASCAR is not the same without Him! Just like Tony Stewart and Jeff Gordon Leaving! When These Guys Left NASCAR Changed! Today It’s a Race for Kids! In the Future Big Support from Large Corporations Will Shrink Causing More Challenges for NASCAR!

[@frisk151]

One of the most classy drivers of all time.. He certainly should be in the "hall"...

[@jeffreyrose7823]

Shout out to Rick and Charlie!

[@elijahjp2158]

As a Jimmie Johnson fan, I have SO much respect for Edwards. He was the only JGR driver (when he was at JGR) I cheered for or liked at that time period. I do hope that he returns to racing, but only in a behind-the-scenes sense because I completely understand where he is coming from in terms of if he commits, he has to commit 100%. Maybe he could go to one of the TV partners or something as a broadcaster or pit reporter.

[@chriswilgus4752]

Getting wronged,and burned out will make a man to just walk...no matter what the situation. he did what he felt what he wanted for his best interest. Been there.✔️

[@AAABTonto]

Being a celeb isn't all it's cracked-up to be, good on Carl ! I wish NASCR would take a step back, I think they've wandered off the reservation ... jmo ...

[@7viewerlogic670]

Carl was a great driver!

[@krisholden5365]

Carl Edwards is one of the few men that has my absolute respect and admiration. The way that he carries himself, the level of integrity that he shows, the humble nature that he maintained throughout his career, he’s a class act. I aspire to be seen that way as a man.

[@roasted7]

Very diplomatic answers.

[@williampruitt4447]

Carl Edwards & Mark Martin were my favorite drivers. THE BEST.

[@vg452]

In a different timeline, he might have had as many as 4 championships (2005, 2008, 2011, 2016). If that’s not evidence of a gimmicky points system, I don’t know what is.

[@777HPNEXTGEN]

Harvick and Gordon got screwed by the gimmick.

[@GNewcomb-q9v]

WRONG! 2005, Tony EARNED that championship, even under the old format! Carl would have never won a Cup championship under the old format! There have only been 4 championship earned under this joke chase/playoff format, 05,14,17 & 21!

[@emperorburton]

@@GNewcomb-q9vGordon would have won in 2014.

[@GrizzlyJ.Ranger]

Thank you Rick Mass you nailed it all the pioneers of the sport should have been inducted from the start of the HoF

[@MichaelOzanich-q2b]

Great racer. Might be the only NASCAR HOF driver to beat Michael Schumacher. Thanks Carl for being you. Your awesome!!

[@Caldav555]

Carl was my driver. Once he left the sport so did I . I felt let down the way he left as a fan who bought die casts t-shirts traveled to watch him race many times. I'm slowly coming back to the sport but i wont spend my money on it just because its all about money not the fans 😢

[@sjfarish]

A lot of people left the sport after Carl got robbed.

[@mackelby1]

DITTO

[@margelittleboy]

I was a Jimmie Johnson fan, spent a bunch of money on merchandise, went to a few races and watched or read everything I could about him and the sport. I won’t be spending any money on any driver for me, but I do occasionally get special items for the driver my husband follows. We still watch the races, but doubt we would go again.

[@michaelkefauver8009]

Carl is a very classy and approachable guy. I remember meeting in on his booth at Darlington. He was in the booth running it by himself. You didn't see the other drivers out doing that meeting the fans face to face. He's the man!

[@charleslong8634]

I just dam miss the guy I wish he get back in the seat I miss him every Sunday iam expecting him in that seat but I do respect him as a driver we miss him I wish he would drive in some races but I don't see Carl comming back Carl we do miss you my friend

[@rooster7131]

Also….how bad ass would it be to have him back on track. Even on pit crew cause this dude gave 100% no matter what he did. Plus what a class act right.

[@sapphirekennedy]

Kenny, I would love to hear your thoughts on how Dale Jr’s struggle with his concussions impacted the garage at that time. No names necessary. But did drivers start thinking about their long term health more? Seeking help for things they wouldn’t have before? Carl definitely makes it clear that he felt he was lucky to have not encountered any major head injuries. Did other drivers feel this way too?

[@benjaminlewis671]

11:20 That's 28 backflips. Has anybody else in NASCAR done 28. Backflips and that's just in the top series.

[@SergeantMassonFan]

💯

[@matthewetter9590]

Do you like this one better than the other Qi2 3-in-1 bedside charger that you did a while back. I don’t remember the brand, I want to say it was ESR. I’m in the market for one and curious to your thoughts.

[@DogDadGaming19]

Carl was my driver, miss him every weekend since he left us fans stunned. I made the slow switch to larson back in after he left. Still will be a forever edwards fan in my heart!!!

[@maxyearwood1085]

Carl Edwards is/was of the same character as Mark Martin. Terry Labonte is another favorite of mine.

[@dannybond1201]

Carl is the definition of a class act. I was a big fan, back then. Not now

[@buckeyefangirl1976]

I was a Gordon fan but loved Carl too. Sure miss him.

[@DullAntler]

does anybody remember Harry Gant?... 😢

[@bobhope4732]

Mr. September

[@dougharris8328]

Miss watching those back flips off the race car

[@kurtfosberg4457]

Every single person has a different life to deal with and we all get a certain amount of fuel to get through and strength or resilience to deal with life as it goes almost 60yrs old and still learning how to deal with it. I can't imagine being that famous and having to deal with so many people and fans and politics. Probably one of main things we have in common is the fact that none of us chose to exist. He has definitely been a asset to the sport and from what I know a good guy.

[@joe-tr6wl]

Carl is just a class act I wish they could have him around more I nascar

[@BigHoss33]

Miss carl,matt and all these guys. it is funny how debris cautions have all but disappeared since stage breaks were implemented.

[@jdub1194]

3:36 I officially respect NASCAR for running the sport the way they need to run it….That says it all right there Kenny. 😢

[@markoverby8186]

Nascar running the sport the way they need to is why it's no longer a waiting list for a Bristol race