Carl Edwards Was Built Different

Today we look at how Carl Edwards compares to other drivers that have never won a championship.
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#carledwards #nascar2021 #nascar #nascardiecast #daytona500
Once a substitute teacher in Missouri who had big dreams of becoming a professional race car driver, Carl Edwards can now boast about an illustrious 15-year career in NASCAR.
The Columbia, Missouri, native began working towards his dream when, after just three semesters in engineering at the University of Missouri, he decided to leave school and pursue the career he wanted most in life.
Like many success stories, Edwards road towards competing in NASCAR was wrought with challenges, including making sure the right people took notice of who he was and what he was capable of. Edwards even went so far as to personally hand out business cards to other racing teams and offer up his services. He was adamant about achieving his dream, though, and he knew what lay ahead of him.
“First time I stepped on the throttle of my dad’s race car, I mean, I thought I was the greatest driver ever, and about a half second later I pulled my foot right off, and I couldn’t get it to go back down,” Edwards said. “I thought, man, this is going to be tough.”
His first big break came in 2002 when he began competing for MB Motorsports in the Truck Series. Out of the seven races he ran, his best finish was eighth at Kansas Speedway. It was enough, though, to capture the attention of Jack Roush, and become a full-time Truck Series driver for Roush Racing in 2003.
His first career win came at Kentucky Speedway in the Built Ford Tough 225. As he was celebrating, he back-flipped off of his car in order to save himself from a potential fall, and the rest is history as the flip became his trademark.
Edwards went on to win two more races that season, along with Rookie of the Year honors. It was clear then there was no telling how far the talented driver from humble beginnings could go in the sport.
Throughout his 15-year career, Edwards said he accomplished more than he could have ever dreamed of.
He made history early on in 2005 while he was competing full-time in both the Cup and Busch (now XFINITY) Series when he won the Aaron’s 312 and the Golden Corral 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway, becoming the first driver ever to win a race in both series in the same weekend. He went on to be named Rookie of the Year in the Busch Series that season.
In 2007, he found success again in the Busch Series when he clinched the series championship.
The next year, Edwards earned a career high of nine race wins in a single season, though it still was not enough to earn him the Sprint Cup Series Championship that would continue to elude him throughout the rest of his career.
In 2009, Edwards was met with hardship again when he experienced a fourth winless season. Though it wasn’t an easy struggle to handle, it was at times like these that he realized that his passionate trove of fans were a part of his team.
“They were a part of what I do… I’ve learned to really, really appreciate the fans,” he said.
Later in 2011, after many triumphs and trials, the driver of the No. 99 Ford won the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway, a highlight in a season in which he lost the championship once more after an incredibly tight points battle with Tony Stewart.
After his move to Joe Gibbs Racing, the now driver of the No. 19 Toyota came oh so close to the Championship title the past two years , finishing fifth and fourth respectively in the standings.
After 15 years, 72 NASCAR national series combined wins, and 10 career Chase berths in the NASCAR Cup Series, Carl Edwards announced he will no longer compete full-time. While he was unable to win a championship, despite having been so close so many times, the 37-year-old says he is content with how far he has come in the sport.
“Everybody… has worked hard at something and been nervous and insecure but kept digging and learned all those lessons, and then you get to a point where you’re like, I’ve done this. This is great. That is way more than I ever expected,” he said.
Many fans, drivers, and public figures in the sport have expressed their sadness over the Edward’s decision to walk away from racing, as well as their appreciation for the driver, including CEO and Chairman of NASCAR Brian France.
“His hard-charging driving style has led to memorable moments that will live forever in the history of our sport,” France said in an official statement. “Carl’s passion and personality will greatly be missed - as will the signature back-flips that NASCAR fans have come to expect following his victories.”
Despite walking away from the sport indefinitely, Edwards refuses to call this his official retirement from NASCAR.
“Who knows what the future holds,” Edwards added. “If anybody has any ideas, I’m open, and I’ll see you guys around.”

[@RawGator]

This channel is CRIMINALLY underrated. Here before it blows up

[@captainfordgunz1995]

Facts my dude! We love your channel too. Maybe at some point both of you can collab.

[@fivewidesports]

Thanks, man. I’ve been watching your content for a long time so that means a lot coming from you!

[@rogermorrill1563]

i so agree and enjoy this channel and so glad I found it! very well done, keep up the great work

[@thatpaintschemeguy8]

Same

[@fatman1288]

i agree 100% this channel is up there with NRF, slapshoes Brock beard's, blackflags matter etc nothing but quality

[@thomasarmbruster1743]

If Carl were still driving, I'd still be watching NASCAR.

[@alexburanen7382]

It’s actually still good we could use your support

[@starlord9956]

Weren't a real racing fan then.

[@christopherwilliams5945]

I would love to watch Carl Edwards race again. Man, I wish Tony Stewart would or could get him to race in his new league.

[@prestongaines2301]

THIS. Given the short season, smaller tracks, and old school high HP and low downforce....I think it's at least possible he could run the series eventually

[@lucasstone2694]

I miss Carl, he was my favourite driver for years, and even though he don’t have a championship he’s no doubt one the greatest to ever do it

[@pjrippa3850]

He may not be the best statistically to never win a title, but he is most certainly my favorite that never did. Mark Martin is a VERY close second

[@davidpeters2625]

Definitely in my top 5..

[@carlvieira9649]

@@davidpeters2625 mine too.

[@Kilz78]

2nd place comment of the year!!

[@dom.rockchalkjayhawk.8990]

He is the best if he didnt retire early he wins alot more races but he was done with nascars shit

[@nascarandrc8296]

Dale jr is the best without a cup title

[@Sxnta6]

Man i fucking miss Carl. Someone that would actually race people with no problems.

[@zenon459]

Oh he had his moments, always nice about it though, you could tell when he was mad, but he always took it like a champ

[@alandavis1245]

He almost put himself in the grandstands at Talladega and took it out on BK for years.

[@alandavis1245]

Also had a couple run ins with his own teammate Kenseth

[@zenon459]

@@alandavis1245 other than atlanta 2010, can you provide another clear example of "taking it out on BK"

[@mikebarnes7441]

@@zenon459 uhm..... How about 4 months later?? July 2010 Gateway International

[@chaddaigre1021]

Carl was a class act. Need more like him.

[@chadkincham]

His wife is a brain doctor - she convinced him to retire because of concussion concerns. He came so close to winning, closer than anyone could and still lose - tied with Stewart but had less wins, so lost. I remember him winning 9 races in one year. BTW Carl approached Rousch, gave him his business card.

[@itzbigcat2488]

Wish we could have gotten a couple more seasons out of him :(

[@bmcminn8838]

I was never a huge fan but once he left I definitely missed him

[@jeffbowling8891]

Carl Edwards was incredible.

[@kangarooswild]

Carl Edwards is definitely one of a kind happy for all he accomplished

[@josecontreras2997]

I remember his first win at Atlanta and I was so excited 😆 four days later I lost my great Aunt more like a grandma.

[@Casey757]

Carl Edwards was too real for Nascar. Wasn’t his biggest fan when he started. I’d do anything to have him back. He was a great piece of Nascar!

[@tomterrific6085]

Carl is the reason i love NASCAR, when he left NASCAR has nvr been the same for me

[@mpj2125]

yooo me too it’s crazy

[@mpj2125]

especially when i knew he wasn’t even in his prime yet

[@doomusrlc]

21:12 I was SSSOOOOOOOOO pissed when that 32 brought out the yellow. I knew he was screwed when it happened.

[@doomusrlc]

For anyone that reads this and wondering why, here's the background: Kyle Larson was king all night, you basically couldn't catch him on even tires. As the night went on, on short runs, Logano was the best of the final 4, and could easily get in front of Edwards or Kyle Busch. But the longer the run went on, the more Edwards' car would come to life, and he'd be the best of the final 4, usually running 2nd to Larson. Roughly 10 to go, Larson has comfortable lead and Edwards is cruising in 2nd. 32 has a flat and brings out the caution. No one pits. Edwards is 2nd on the restart with Logano behind him, and he knew if Logano got around him on the restart it was over for him. So they get the green, Edwards anticipated a move to the inside by Logano perfectly... but then Logano keeps going lower. Edwards countered still trying to block but Logano had a nose to the inside and it sent Edwards into the inside wall. Now on that caution for the 32, Johnson pitted while running the worst of the final 4 all night. With taking tires when he did allowed him to make up spots and got the lead under under another caution, and Johnson led the final 3 laps of the race to claim the title.

[@mitchellbaker9434]

His battle with Smoke was the greatest two man battle for the championship of all time, and now always will be. He was one guy no one would screw with after an incident.

[@Carshtime]

Next Episode: Why Mark Martin was criminally underrated.

[@alextomasek1829]

Should get S1apSh0es to collab on that episode

[@Slidejob01]

@@alextomasek1829 yep

[@Grant_Overman9]

Is mark underrated?

[@Carshtime]

@@alextomasek1829 yes

[@jasonmoyer743]

mark Martin was probably the best driver never to win a championship.

[@williambowen1771]

An absolute nascar legend and future hof inductee. Edward's was fierce him and mark are champions period and still can't believe he stepped aside

[@Brian-vd4mg]

That weekend in ATL was when I became a Carl Edwards fan. He showed his dirt background in the Green Scott’s 99. Only 3-4 guys in Nascar could drive a car that loses and nowadays about zero. I also appreciate how clean Jimmy ran him on that last lap. He could have cut his nose up high and didn’t.

[@TheGrinch_]

After the 2011 Daytona 500 I’m because a Carl Edwards even tho he came second and one of his best finishes in the Daytona 500. My father met once in las vages and gave him a signed postcard of this 60 number car lost sadly I would be would love to met him one day.

[@DepravedCoTApologist]

He was my favorite driver :( Talk about an underappreciated talent

[@AsfYoungblood]

Carl will always be my favorite driver, the real reason I started watching nascar

[@poppabear9279]

Yeah same here. When he left, it killed nascar in many ways.

[@garrettirwin8165]

I miss Carl so dang much..... He was my favorite ever since I was a little kid..... Gosh I hope he comes back one of these days.

[@IMOUTBACCK]

I've been a fan of Edwards since 2008. The year I became a fan of NASCAR. I cried immensely when he crashed in 2016. He'll be my favorite driver of all time.

[@gabe_riddick1136]

That Carl Edwards intro in the beginning was absolutely amazing

[@moparproud3978]

Miss Carl. Man, that guy could drive. And he would hang it out, without a care in the world. A true racer

[@DennyDeliversYT]

Carl Edwards was that one driver that everyone wanted to succeed... Also just found this channel today and this is some really good content! Only time when this takes off!

[@fivewidesports]

Thank you! And don’t worry there’s definitely a Denny video in the works.

[@jmartinkat40]

I don’t think I’ve been a true fan of anyone in Nascar since Carl left, I miss watching this man on Sundays

[@zanawhitewhitezooie4148]

My son's grew up watching Carl. What great is to hear 6 and 8 year old. Sayn Carl Edwards. Carl Edwards. Before the race started. We love you Carl

[@MatheusMichelin]

This randomly showed up in my recommendations. I was, I am, and will always be an Edwards fan. This video picked me up, gave me a pat in the back, gave me chills at the end and brought me tears and reminded why I became a fan even thought my racing culture is complete opposite of NASCAR (brazilian here). Thanks for this video, I've subscribed and I can't wait for the next contents.

[@Gab3A]

Who remembers when Carl beat Michael Schumacher at the ROC? It was epic!

[@jag3rb0mb]

Met Carl my first day at Roush. He talked to me for about 20 minutes like he had known me for years.100 percent class act and a hell of a wheelman.

[@ashketchumsdad]

Carl Edwards had the aggression of Kyle Busch, smooth speed of Denny Hamlin, the physical fitness that is probably even better than that of Jimmie Johnson, the grace of Mark Martin, the bulldog of a Ryan Newman, low key the fuel mileage intelligence of Kurt Busch and Brad Keselowski, and the greatest driver, maybe athlete in front of a camera. Somehow all wrapped into one driver. Just a different breed man. And truly nobody like him. So deserving of a hall of fame, should have been a first ballot.

[@TheGrinch_]

I don’t think he got the hall of fame

[@ashketchumsdad]

@@TheGrinch_ nominated but they didn't vote him in because NASCARs hall cant hit water if they fell out of a boat

[@threeaxis359]

I could be dead wrong but I truly believe something scared him as a racer and the smartest thing to od is get out before it is to late. Carl is a home state driver and when he come on to the scene I was like yes Missouri had a legit NASCAR driver again and a person that could and would put us at the top of the leader board. No matter what his reason was to retire early I will never want to know for I had that much respect for him.

[@andrewwinslow9315]

Carl Edwards was HIM. He made me become a NASCAR die hard. It hasn't been the same since he retired, but I've followed along as a fan with objectiveness, and it has made me realize where we are going as a sport. He was named as one of NASCAR'S 75 Greatest Drivers of all time, and I may go to Darlington to see him one last time.

[@johnnyappleseed8451]

You shoulda included the part about him passing out business cards to even get the chance to race!

[@fivewidesports]

“If you’re looking for a driver then you’re looking for me” -Carl Edwards

[@johnnyappleseed8451]

@@fivewidesports And then he goes and wins in a completely blank truck 😂😂, the perfect first victory for a brilliant career

[@jbaskinger41]

Yooo this is crazy good content!

[@fivewidesports]

I appreciate it! I’ve been subbed to you for awhile on my personal account. 👍

[@owenlawrence380]

this one of the best channels i’ve run into. you are definitely gonna go big bro! keep up the awesome work!

[@fivewidesports]

Greatly appreciate you, Owen.

[@ianpannepacker]

That last line, one driver to go out and win a race. I love that. I also whole heartedly agree with it. With you all day. But let me just say, I'm sharing the shit out of your channel. It's absurd that you don't have 20 million subscribers.

[@the_notorious_tj2600]

Ouhhhh man... It is 7pm in germany. Best time for a good motorsport video 👍

[@harveyharris6308]

Carl so underrated carried roush for years

[@NamathCB]

I root for the gentlemen of the sport, Jarrett, Labonte, and Edwards. All these highlights, we saw him GET wrecked several times, but only saw him move slower cars outta the way, usually WITHOUT completely ruining his opponents day. Absolutely one of the all time greats in my book

[@BenMyattt]

I’ve never see Kyle Busch scared of someone. Carl would beat you on the race track and could woop your ass off it if you wanted it. Got to see him win a Bristol.

[@bobbyshizz2138]

"If I had to take one guy, at his very best, to go win a race, I know who I'm taking" Gave me goosebumps. Great vid.

[@-BigMike-]

Same here man. This dude knows how to make a great video.

[@stupidlucky9220]

For only 6 videos this hasome of the best quality I've seen. Keep it up man!

[@fivewidesports]

Thank you. I appreciate it!

[@dangreen42021]

As someone who was a teenager watching Carl win in 05 and seeing his heartbreak championship losses in 2011 and 2016 as an adult. I can say he most likely is the best to never win a championship, as he came so close multiple times. No disrespect to Mark Martin. This coming from a Roush Racing fan.

[@nascarfan8891]

MARK AND DALE JR WERE BETTER

[@andrewperry2638]

@@nascarfan8891 Mark Martin I would say that you have an argument but as far as dale jr, you need to put the crack pipe down

[@darrenblake9622]

This man deserves another chance

[@3sgteyota]

We love Carl. Thanks for making this. Tough sport.

[@Burke3981]

Awesome. Carl Edwards wife Dr. Downey worked on my TBI here in Columbia MO. I haven’t gotten to meet him unfortunately

[@ryeinc]

I remember when he won that Atlanta race they had him on the cover of a TV publication that came in my newspaper. That was a huge deal and the start of something great. Also shoutout to Dorsey Schroeder at 5:04, underrated Craftsman Truck commentator.

[@poppabear9279]

Carl was my favorite driver. My mom’s favorite as well and our entire family loved him. This was the best of nascar and if Carl was still driving I’d still be watching nascar. His sudden retirement was a shock to all of us.

[@anthonybelcher8860]

Never pulled for Edwards, but hated to see him go when he was one of the better personalities in the garage and was still winning races. Carl was damn good

[@twiggyb8713]

So you forgot 2004, where he got is initial chance to rebuild the 99 program for The cup Series, and did an amazing job. Brought them back to greatness

[@doomusrlc]

First race in the car he finished 10th.

[@twiggyb8713]

In a car placing in top 25, with Burton losing Sponsor ship and bringing it back to the car

[@kaylagreen9202]

The only race I had ever been to at the moment was the last nascar race at Nashville before this year. I had always been an Edward's fan but watching him kick Kyle Busch's butt in that race was what solidified his ability to me. Hard to believe that was ten years ago

[@edwardgensheimer6640]

I was always old school old mark martin fan,but I always liked Carl,and seeing that weekend race really gets u remembering when Carl came in like a roar, man thatwas a good video

[@beauhughes1285]

I am right there with you on Carl edwards

[@kaiserlink7644]

I remember growing up watching him, and 12 year old me always loved him just because "haha racecar guy do backflip." As I got a little older and started understanding more about the sport I began to understand and maybe even grow a little frustrated somedays. He's a good dude, and if I could relive watching him race back when I was a kid I absolutely would.

[@JuniorColanzi]

so sad his last race ended that way, he's such a great guy that he even apologized Logano for his move, he should've been champ, either him or Logano that year

[@roymcdre9180]

'16 was won by 1 of 4 teams that didnt panic in the last 10 laps lol

[@JuniorColanzi]

@@roymcdre9180 exactly lmao

[@bobh.5423]

Carl could win in any form of racing, he's that good. We miss him.

[@kenzschueler]

Subscribed after the Gordon video, am not disappointed man. 22 years as a fan and nice to see the young kids helping me relive my childhood

[@fivewidesports]

Thanks, man!

[@pizzahutstricklin]

One of these days I'll look around and say "I was here when he was sub 2k" been watching from your first vid, fantastic content. Please don't ever lose that twang.

[@fivewidesports]

I appreciate the support!

[@Paregoros123]

been burning through your videos - man was i surprised there isn't a video like this one, stewart's or Gordan's for Jimmie Johnson

[@97porkchop]

Awesome Video, I too would choose Edwards in his prime over everyone else, He is my all time favorite driver and he will always be a Champion in my eyes!

[@brysonbaker2314]

Carl was a great of the sport. Derrike Cope is coming back for the 500 though, so keep up hope🤞 he might still come back to backflip again🙏

[@fivewidesports]

Man I hope so. I miss him and the sport could really use him now more than ever.

[@kosys5338]

@@fivewidesports The sport might need him more than ever, but I don't think he needs the sport. I don't think he wants to be killed because of stupidity. A championship is meaningless when you're dead. Just ask Jimmie Johnson or Jeff Gordon, they can tell you all about that feeling. They have families and want to stick around to enjoy them.

[@kosys5338]

@@fivewidesports Who wants to be killed because some kid is trying to make a name for himself by being stupid and reckless?

[@jimfranklin2377]

I hope Carl runs Tony Stewart's new racing series

[@beausumner4583]

Something kinda crazy. I'm from SWMO and my dad used to work in a horse barn where he met a man who used to help Carl out during the dirt track days. He has told me many stories of giving Carl tires and helpin work on the car and such. He always said Carl is even more humble than what you would see on TV. He is one of my favorite drivers ever.

[@rickeden-smith7256]

Great video as always. Thank you for your hard work making these.

[@fivewidesports]

Thank you for noticing, Rick!

[@HydraDominus]

The gigachad of post-earnhardt nascar. Really miss watching him race

[@COCarDude]

I f’in miss Carl Edwards. This brought me to tears

[@koonz0099]

I became Edwards fan when I was 14 in 03. I watched all of the big moments live. 2008 was tough to watch him lead most laps win the race but still loose. 2011 was even harder. Tony ran a lights out race one of if not the best races I've ever seen. 2016 was something different. I stood the last 100 laps. I can still remember the feeling he's gonna win this is it. Then the yellow and the wreck happened and it deflated me. The man was a hell of a sportsman and he showed it that night in 2016. Still is and always be my favorite driver.

[@nathanurick8320]

MR EDWARDS I’m sure you will never see these comments but I want to say something that might sound very simple but I truly mean it sir, THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. I watched you for years and miss your smile and competitive spirit on that track.

[@zednik4hart]

honestly, carl was like the modern day mark martin.

[@jacobg130productions]

All I wish for is to see Carl come back, one more time, and run a full cup season. Just one more time.

[@maxinewesley4552]

my man carl Edwards he's still be winning races if he didn't retire, a True wheelman

[@tylerwhite9360]

This channel deserves so much more love and subs. Puts so much damn work into videos, wow

[@rogermorrill1563]

very well done, Carl was the man, and smart, he left on his terms his way, and on top of his game, this is perfect , yes as a fan ,do i miss carl? hell yes , but iam i glad he raced the way he did and ended the way he did, again perfect

[@GenF91]

I miss Carl racing. It’s sad he never got to win a championship. When he left, I left with him in a way.

[@IanTheMotorsportsMan_YT]

awesome job on the video of the 2008 and 2011 non-chase Cup champion, Carl Edwards! In all seriousness, another video well done, my friend!

[@fivewidesports]

Thank you, Ian!

[@IanTheMotorsportsMan_YT]

@@fivewidesports you’re welcome, man!

[@harveyseide9467]

Carl was my guy, I haven't been able really get behind another driver since he left racing. A true champion even though he didnt get the title.

[@charlieb8104]

These are great!! Well done! The off season sucks so these are a great filler!!

[@fivewidesports]

Content will be through the roof during the regular season 👍

[@charlieb8104]

Countdown on!!!!

[@kenbryant2570]

Good job on this video. I was a big Carl Edwards fan.

[@nickjennis1508]

I think a mark Martin video is in order and perhaps maybe a in depth video on those that cheated in the sport

[@fivewidesports]

I’m open to any ideas 👍👍

[@nickjennis1508]

@@fivewidesports not knowing alot about Carl Edward's and not know how humble he is maybe theres a video to be made about drivers like that maybe not just in nascar

[@TheGrinch_]

Gilles Villanueve from formula 1

[@prestongaines2301]

hit me right in the feels....Gawd I miss this guy.

[@PROFESSOR-I.C.]

Carl Edwards was built differently, but definitely, not all, in a good way as I explained in my comments below Stephen Gibson's false comment.

[@Wagon_Attack]

one of the drivers I miss the most

[@harrisgage]

Great videos, keep it up you will be big before long. Subscribed good luck

[@rumerstain12]

My favourite nascar driver of all time. Sheer genius on and off the track

[@nicholasvargas6397]

Even tho I'm a Jeff Gordon fan I always liked Carl Edwards especially when he did his backflip and mark Martin too

[@caseydean5751]

This dude was awesome. I miss him

[@wandamartin8339]

Love and miss him every years. 99 live for ever.

[@NukasCafe]

Carl and Kasey were my 2 favorites as a casual fan growing up. As a die hard Carl is still one of my all time favorites alongside Johnson and Larson.

[@fivespeed42]

no mention of "Cousin Carl" being related to Kenny Schrader? that was a big influence on his racing career... also a big influence on me being an Edwards fan as I was/am a HUGE Schrader fan

[@NoseCandyKermit]

He was my favorite driver.. and I remember being mad when he retired

[@terrygarvin1980]

Uncle Carl was an awesome driver and I am sure he is enjoying well deserved family time.

[@reynoldscutchin5069]

Hey, just wanted to say I love your videos, you’re about to blow up, i can feel it. Keep up the great videos and quality of the videos.

[@Tracker7266]

#1 Carl Edwards fan .... right here. He's missed.

[@BGPOND30]

Carl and NASCAR never did see eye to eye and anything, they took away his chances several times.

[@richardwilson9560]

He’s the only driver out there that could take it to Jimmie Johnson at Atlanta like he did!

[@Huddle_House56]

He was the continuation of Mark Martin IMO. Nice guy, fitness was important, so close in championships, no 500. In the category of best to never do both of those with Mark.

[@vinnyl.3931]

You should do a Martin truex JR one