Does Carl Edwards Want To Return To NASCAR? | Dale Jr Download

NASCAR's 75 greatest drivers were honored at Darlington this past Sunday, including Carl Edwards who had not been seen much around the sport since his retirement. There is a lot of chatter about what his future looks like and Dale Earnhardt Jr talks about his conversations with Carl from the weekend.
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[@darylwallace2293]

It was definitely good seeing Carl in the booth he did a great job

[@JackLikesTrackhouse]

He seemed really happy to be there too and genuinely seemed to enjoy the racing. Always nice to see drivers come back even if it’s in a smaller form.

[@mattrzewnicki6343]

It was awesome to see Carl back on TV. He did a great job in the booth. As much as I would like to see him come back, it'll be on his terms and that is amazing.

[@michaelxr2460]

This is what I love, and what I’ve always loved about Dale Jr. He’s at this event for the 75 top Nascar drivers of all time, and he himself is one of tjeee nominated drivers. He’s there watching and thinking about Carl and how he’s taking this in and wondering his feelings. Not at all about hey look at me and my ego, actually wondering about someone else during this time. Class act Jr, class act.

[@jeesmith99]

Carl was my favorite driver. Would love to see him back driving.

[@JB-px3zf]

It would be nice if Carl could talk to Aric Almirola. Aric appeared to be struggling with the same thing a year or so ago and its great to see that he is really happy and has found a great work/family balance.

[@candoit88]

I miss Carl ❤

[@StevenP727]

Me too

[@rumerstain12]

Carl Edwards is and will be my favorite Nascar driver of all time ! Bill Elliot, Dale Jarrett and Dave Blaney are close behind on my list of favorite driver's 😊❤!

[@OldguyChris]

He did a amazing job in the booth....I could get used to that

[@steveclaflin2573]

Carl is a great representative for NASCAR, absolute gentleman and he can do whatever he decides. Hooray Carl 🎉

[@mikegraham3802]

If I was Carl I wouldn’t come back after what Nascar did to him 🙄 class act all the way 😊

[@mattorey5816]

I respect the hell out of Carl for walking away and getting all the way out. Cool to hear he’s planning to sail with his family. Carl is a unique character, and I think still to this day Nascar misses him more than Carl misses Nascar. Until that shifts, he’s not coming back in a meaningful way.

[@chuxtuff]

He's one of the very few connected by NASCAR that I do actually miss not seeing. So now he's not only a good racer he's also great in the booth!! Surprised? I think Carl could do anything AND BE GOOD AT IT that he sets his mind to...

[@johnlegg6837]

He did a fantastic job. If he doesn’t return to the track I’m more than okay with him returning to the booth.

[@markrobertdevison1227]

He was my driver when he was in the 99 for Roush Racing.

[@johnwilson2414]

It's awesome to see him enjoy some racing. I'm happy for him to be doing what makes him happy. Carl is a great guy. I pitted a truck he raced at I-70 speedway. He wouldn't let me put the tires on, he had to do it himself. We had a bit of a laugh about it.

[@flyjarrett]

I was a Rusty fan and when he retired, Carl became my favorite. I haven’t followed one particular driver since Carl stepped away. No one appeals to me like those guys did.

[@matthewadkins9116]

It was great seeing you both in the garage Sunday. Thank you for signing my mini helmet. I've always been a fan of Carl's back from the unsponsored truck series days. He was a class act, as always. I hope your right, Jr. I hope he comes back!

[@SamuelDuplessis12]

Whatever makes Carl happy, I'm good with. Don't get me wrong, I miss seeing Carl in a car. But he should at least be in the sport in some capacity whether it's broadcasting, in a car, or something like that. His legacy is bigger than he could ever see. He's beloved, man.

[@Dream25_]

As bad as I want to drive racecars, and as hard as I know Carl worked to drive racecars, knowing that he reached the top of the mountain like that and still stepped away, either that whole situation burned him bad enough, or he's having a good enough time with his family to step away and not come back, so I've got absolutely nothing but respect for whatever he wants to do.

[@TheTopGun920]

I would settle for getting Carl on the podcast. He was my favorite driver.

[@zt5547]

Carl is 44 years old. There is no way he's coming back.

[@Garf2O]

If i was him, unless he did this already and i didnt see, i would try out another racing series or something instead of just going back to nascar, hes obviously a really good driver so he could find a ride somewhere.

[@timchilders3535]

@ZT He is at (for NASCAR drivers) an "advanced age", but, he seems to be in fantastic shape and condition, he always has taken very good care of himself, the years have been kind to him. As far as coming back, I really do not see a full time, season long, full on gung ho deal. But, with the right situation, I believe Carl would be great to do a few Truck races, some Xfinity races, and certainly, some Cup races, if he chose to, and could get with some quality, winning capable teams. I seriously doubt, that Carl would agree to drive anything less, and I don't blame him. If, he should indeed decide he wants to come and get in the seat again for a few races, he absolutely will not do it, just to say he is/can/did. I think that if he were inclined, and a race win capable team offered him a seat, then he might possibly give it a try. These are just my own personal opinions and takes on the subject.

[@jimmymyers]

I think his last full-time opportunity came and went, when CGR canned Larson and they offered him the 42.

[@therealtechfromheaven]

He can still do trucks for Kyle Busch

[@patricktuggles4815]

I agree, he was my favorite driver too.

[@andypowell4702]

He was great in the booth, please find a way to get him on the dale jr download show, he was my favorite driver (no offense to jr, also one of my favorites) and I know other people love Carl and miss him too. I get if he doesn't want to get back into full time racing but damn would I love to see him at least run a xfinity race much like you do. Get him on the download and offer to put him in a JR motorsports car, you know some sponsors would be on board to be on the car with him in it.

[@CaptConfusion71]

I don't know if he'd do it, but he needs to be a guest on the Download.

[@LowCountryMack]

I still remember Carl keeping his foot in the radiator to pass JJ for his first win in Atlanta. What a great moment in NASCAR history. I never was on Carl's Pit Box as a fan being I was part of Jr. Nation but, alway thought he was a fierce competitor and a good man. 'Whatever you do Carl, is good with us!' 👍🏁

[@747rotate]

Carl is a class act and was always respected by the other drivers. I never heard anyone talk badly about him. One thing I've always admired about him and he has even said so is when doing interviews he always takes his sunglasses off to have more eye to eye contact with the interviewer and the camera and he did that when being interviewed on Sunday. Always respectful of others no matter what the situation might be. How many other drivers do you see take their sunglasses off when being interviewed ... not very damn many.

[@cuda7133]

I miss Carl. Would love to see him on the download just to tell stories of his racing days.

[@P_Wigs]

Carl left NASCAR bc of NASCAR. Let’s not forget that.

[@ecstone28]

Exactly. And reading the other comments, I don’t think people realize that. He got screwed and he took the high road, didn’t complain, just left.

[@user-ol6pl8tq5o]

Thanks for sharing that info about Carl Edwards!! I would love to see him come back & race again.

[@bryonkidder6199]

Carl knew what the questions would be when he accepted the invitation to appear at the track, during a race, and going into the booth...lol I'd like to see several drivers get the opportunity to drive the new car, it was good to see the #51 with a quality driver last weekend...imo

[@mikeyoungblood1642]

Carl was my favorite driver as a kid cause my Dad worked for Office Depot as a manger/supervisor and one day brought home some of those magical 8x10 sponsor driver card/photos and a 1/64 and a 1/24 of a Carl Edwards 2005 Office Depot Taurus and I was hooked for a couple years. Plus loved the back flips and the Scotts green car too

[@ad206]

The reason he kept racing at arm's distance is because he knew he would miss it if he stuck around.

[@johnhopkins6565]

Yup, watch the KZbin replay of the 75 introduction. I thought maybe the microphones didn’t have a good audio of the crowd noise, because the response for several of the drivers wasn’t what I expected. But when they announced Carl, and Kasey Khane, it was a noticeable uptick in the crowd response.

[@donsmith4465]

I miss him too. I always wondered why he left in what seemed to be his prime. He’s a real gentleman and a person has to respect his decision to remain a little distant at this time. I also wonder what he thinks about the current state of NASCAR where it’s getting pretty cut throat. I hate the the stages way of racing. Start the race and deal with the issues as they come up rather than having three races in one. Anyway, much respect to Carl.

[@SamuelDuplessis12]

I don't mind the stage racing, but I think they should do like other sports and fine drivers, like I think if they could fine drivers, obviously either Denny or Ross should be fined. Like they could put a rule saying that a driver like Ross for an example could be fined or suspended because of how often they've wrecked another driver or something like that. Like it could be like 5 times equals a one race suspension maybe.

[@ecstone28]

He left because he got screwed out of the 2017 championship - and took the high road instead of whining about it.

[@user-wz8ym2xq6z]

We want you back! ! You are the MAN!

[@kevincorbin5371]

Excellent show, the sport still like Carl.

[@horsepowercowboy3698]

Dale making an Odyssey reference made my day.

[@jeffallen5387]

Carl should be the first guy to drive for JR Motorsports when he gets a cup charter!

[@pbrrodeo9063]

we do miss "Cousin Carl" but I hope and I'm glad he has found his center and also hope the fan pressure doesn't make him come back before he is ready!

[@davidgiesen3765]

I love Carl's outlook and miss his passion for the sport. He was smart to invest his money and be able to do what he wanted to when he wanted to do it.

[@RatDick88]

Put him in a JR Motorsports Cup car

[@jessetherrien7851]

Yes!

[@PHATBASSASSASSIN]

That was my favorite driver growing up and no one would mess with him

[@RW-bt6ex]

I miss carl's back flips .

[@jeffschwartz5199]

Carl looked anxious . Like waiting for someone to , push the right buttons and offer the right deal 😉 👌

[@davidpeters2625]

I tell you what, Carl is one of quite a few drivers that I would LOVE to see come out of retirement, just for ONE LAST RACE. And it would not surprise me in the least bit, if 23X11 is generous enough to offer him the No. 67 car on a road course....

[@pozeking]

It would be great to see Carl back in the drivers seat...just like it would be great to see Jr. in the seat again also!

[@dustybaggett7960]

Can we get Tim Brewer on the show?

[@DeBa1226]

Gotta love that he’s walked away to spend quality time with the family. But I’d love to see that cat get back into a race car full time again. He could land just about any kind of deal he wants.

[@daleirish6682]

Carl looked pretty healthy. He's a health nut anywya. I would love to see him come back but onlyif he had a top notch ride

[@JeffWeselyan]

So healthy see the veins on his arms ooofed

[@cameronbowshlagger2722]

I don't honestly think Carl could get back in a car in today's NASCAR. Not that he wouldn't be good still, but that he and the new mentality of Win at All Costs does not mix well. However, I would love to see him back in the booth more often. Maybe not a full schedule commentator, but from time-to-time. He has great insights, and was loved by many fans. I mean, he IS everybody's favorite Cousin still.

[@therealtechfromheaven]

Biffle pulled a couple races outta nowhere last year, Newman has been racing lately, Jimmie will be back in 2024. Come on Carl come back for some more 😢 I would at least have him in Trucks for Kyle, or in some Cup one offs for Trackhouse or 23X1

[@shelleyking8450]

We need more backflips! Arl looks great, happy and healthy. If he wants back in there will be a spot for him. Dale is right, Carl could definitely step back into a car and take care of business.

[@markpell8979]

I saw Carl Edwards win twice at Texas Motor Speedway, probably in 2011. He was a precision driver, knew how to adjust his line for speed or grip, hit his marks every time, very consistent lap times. Joey Logano was a rookie that year for Home Depot, the year after Tony Stewart left. Joey was the usual back marker that year. Would love to see Carl run some Cup events again!

[@chrisbeville9012]

Carl is DEFINITELY a fan favorite! Many of us miss you Carl!

[@tommybounds3220]

Thank you for the video.

[@haviland586]

As awesome as it must be to be a full time professional race car driver at that level, it must be equally awful to have every minute of every day planned out for you by someone else. I don't know Carl, but he must be feeling such a sense of relief since walking away. Good for him for taking control of his life.

[@jamesmaroon6161]

Hey Dale. Why not put Carl Edwards in one of your cars??????

[@breade]

I would be perfectly fine if he came back, he is a class act

[@lockedin60]

I think it is very obvious that Carl Edwards would be a great person to have on your show. But you are correct in your assessment of why he would not entertain the idea to be there. He doesn't want to defend the idea of why he walked away from it all in the first place. I think that indicates that he may not have that settled in the back of his mind. Look at Red Farmer he still races. Not in the major pressure cooker race division. But he still is scratching that itch to race. Just like Kenny Wallace is still dirt racing.

[@LiveFreeDieFit]

As a Carl fan I’d love to see him race again. I respect his decision to leave but man I sure do hold on to hope that he’ll race again lol

[@wimpysparrowgaming2043]

The Trackhouse visit caught my attention since they currently have the 99…

[@SamuelDuplessis12]

Me too, I'm wondering, if it peaked his interest. And if so, what would happen with Daniel Suarez at that point like would Daniel be given a 3rd car, or would Carl be the one in a potential 3rd car?

[@since1961]

91 ?

[@timchilders3535]

​@@SamuelDuplessis12 Hi Samuel. Forgive me, as I don't mean to stray off topic, but concerning Daniel Suarez, I know he's resigned at Trackhouse on a couple year (I think?) deal, but that being said, I think Daniel might be feeling the heat, and knowing he really needs to start making some numbers soon. Obviously, Ross is way overshadowing him (and pretty much everyone else) right now, and I think it's about time for Daniel to deliver some good finishes, and perhaps some wins soon.

[@SamuelDuplessis12]

@@timchilders3535 I agree 100%, man. Suarez needs to bring some numbers up, he's been consistently on the lead lap only to end up finishing 25th or lower. Him and the 99 team need to find something whether it's motivation or something else, because especially if Trackhouse wants both cars at least in a chase spot, they gotta get some stage points for the 99.

[@timchilders3535]

@@SamuelDuplessis12 Yes, and I'm sure it must be frustrating, running in the huge shadow Ross has been casting lately. Daniel has shown some good speed a few times this year, but so far, he always seems to have either bad luck, or bad pit calls, speeding penalties, just some variety of things that keep them from getting some top 3 top 5 finishes.

[@sandywhitaker1751]

I love you cousin Carl Edwards I miss you ❤

[@jimmymyers]

Carl became my favorite driver after DJ retired, would be cool to see him back again in some form, even in the booth

[@scylentdeth3198]

I’d trade 3/4 of the cup field to have everyone back whose retired since 2015.

[@polycube868]

Oh definitely, just keep Chase Elliott in that 9 and Ross Chastain and Kyle Larson, but I'd love to see Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart, Jr, Carl Edwards, Matt Kenseth etc racing still.

[@druewilson1079]

The best nascar show on radio or tv enjoy listening to yaw

[@earleholt4380]

NASCAR can't have him back...we need him for our local lobster crate race here in Maine!

[@brockjameson400]

Carl is my favorite driver and he just dissapeared. Would absolutely love to see him back in a cup car again. Would mean a great deal to his loyal fans!! But...

[@RaceSimCentral]

There really is a lot of truth in that final answer. He probably just doesn't think he can answer the questions right now. The only things he can probably answer are about losing the championship and honestly what answer is he giving there? "Yes, it destroyed me losing that championship." I wouldn't want to do it either.

[@neilskiw]

Carl seems thoughtful and has good perspective. The left brain says "I am a former champion, a talented driver, and was very successful". Then the right brain sees a car going ass over tea kettle down the back straight at 180, and he thinks "I'm good... I'll stay right where I am."

[@joerob3081]

It's cool how he helped Sterling get off the trailer.

[@user-if6xm5pe7p]

Always been a Dale Earnhardt fan and a junior fan love NASCAR like the show but sometimes it takes them forever 4:57

[@acrock21]

1:20 i slightly disagree... not with the main point but with the lead point... i miss seeing JR in cup. but its okay because you deserve what you want and need, and your family deserves to have you. id give anything to see you race all the time, but that is selfish of me. It would be awesome to see Carl come back... but he deserves the same... Its been a real treat seeing Newman. to go with your main point it is awesome to hear you announcing because we fans get a lot more of you than when you drove... and if you just retired and left of course we would have nothing. I like what Fox did bringing in different retired drivers every race or other race.

[@michaelmiguelicutti2829]

If he comes back he'll need to do it sooner rather than later. Carl Edwards is 43 years old, so if he takes another 5 years to come back like Dale Jr is saying, then he'll be 48 when he comes back. That's a tough age to make a comeback.

[@williammitchell4417]

It's like the old pro wrestling quote " How can I miss you if you don't go away??"

[@guitarheroguy5]

My favorite drivers are Ward Burton, Kasey Kahne, Joey Logano and Ryan Blaney.

[@dianeh.3327]

I wish Carl would comeback, he still has unfinished business.

[@JeffWeselyan]

I don’t think he will be good as used too

[@SamuelDuplessis12]

He does, and I know it's definitely in the back of his mind but I don't think it's something he thinks about on a regular basis. Like Dale said, if he wanted to. Carl would have another 5 or 10 years left in the tank. And I think a team like Trackhouse would be a perfect spot for him to drive, whether it's in a 3rd car or returning to the 99 and they give Suarez the third car. I think he'd fit right in. He could essentially be their JJ.

[@twoblacklabs904]

…like a Championship…

[@Hydeperformance66]

Enjoyed the podcast. Finding balance inside and outside of NASCAR is not easy, I love both sides of my life but it’s a never ending challenge. all or nothing when you’re a competitor. He’ll be back, Carl is Awesome.

[@SamuelDuplessis12]

I can only imagine how hard is leave any sport let alone racing especially at the level that Carl drove.

[@ziggyz1750]

10 out of 10 backflips

[@djh3_88hinskey5]

I think he would have fun with the SRX deal. Six weeks or so and different tracks.

[@blakem9109]

I still think Carl walking away was a combination of things. First he had the money to do it. Second the time it takes to be a cup driver especially if you want to live in Missouri. Third Carl's wife is a doctor specializing in neurological rehabilitation. Dale Jr was just coming off missing half of 2016 from a concussion. If Carl wanted to know what could happen his wife could explain it all. Last maybe he didn't like changes NASCAR was making. Choosing to walk away is rarely one thing.

[@joshawott331]

I miss Carl for awhile even tho he wasn't the most consistent him and the roush fords where running nascar in 06-08

[@stevenseiler]

Dale jr u Should put carl Edward in one of your xfinity cars

[@Bizz4r2m0ke]

I believe Carl has came on the show because he believes he'll get sucked back into NASCAR.

[@Bizz4r2m0ke]

Hasnt**

[@bustmancotcg618]

I wanna see Carl do the Fliparoonie again

[@russelltreadway4134]

My bet he is planning on the family sailing the world for a few years, time frame sounds right and the fact that he has and is reading lots of sailing books!

[@Cajunmichael]

Carl is a man of character and expects it from others, when he was screwed our of a championship by NASCAR and a fake caution he left the sport, and I don't blame him. Knowing he would be asked why he left and knowing the issues his truth would cause for others, he just avoids the conversation, that's class that NASCAR is missing today. KUDO's Carl, it would be nice if the France's had that kind of character.

[@Slim804]

We need men on the track, not boys! Come on back Carl!!!

[@tomsherwood1819]

I'd be awesome to see him drive again but I would even settle with hearing him in the booth for a handful of races every year cause then at least he will still have plenty of time to do other things with his family

[@justinburton918]

Carl knows what's most important ❤

[@frsty5783]

Carl becomes an investor in Trackhouse....like Johnson aand what is now Legacy Motor Club. He will occasionally drive but will be a part of a team and NASCAR. That's my Nostradamus prediction.

[@jasonbroom7147]

It's no secret that Carl and his family have been doing a lot of sailing. I don't know why Dale is being cagey about that. Carl and his family are planning another long-distance sailing trip. I'd love to see him back in NASCAR, in some capacity, because he seems to be a genuinely good guy. For every Ross Chastain, you need a Carl Edwards. Wrastlin' ain't the only sport with heels and faces.

[@pauldiaco3817]

He needs to try SRX.

[@billschepers2696]

Yes ❤

[@michaelh6667]

I would like to see Carl back in a car, but I respect the time he's having with his family.

[@local9963]

Nothing against Josh Berry, he's getting much need seat time for his future in the sport, but I would love to have seen Carl be the temp. wheelman for the Hendricks camp, in that kind of equipment. Not that he wasn't in great stuff before, but keeping it a buck, that's top tier over there. Like Mark Martin said 'felt like I was working for NASA!'

[@jeffbruce7347]

Mike is being a Maxie’s guy and dale is being real ! Probably the way it’s supposed to be but good job either way!

[@jeffbruce7347]

Media

[@jameshunt649]

Leave Carl a long ! He does not want to come back ! Respect that !

[@paulelliott682]

Racing. Ships. Sounds like Carl is interested in the America's Cup ( Nautical race )

[@jasonstroupe8521]

How about a JRM Cup car with Carl 😮

[@whitecollarworkshop]

I think what might get Carl back is to offer him a couple races so he can have some "fun". If I'm Dale, I would have a conversation with him to see if he can put him in an Xfinity car for a couple races. But I don't know if JRM has the ability to field a 5th car for a couple races. But if so, I'm putting Carl in a car, if Carl will do it, or course.

[@JeffWeselyan]

Srry car team cap is 4 not 5

[@polycube868]

That's only in Cup, in Xfinity there's no rules about how many cars a team can run.

[@droberts1664]

I would love to see Carl come bacl. But honestly, i dont think he will. He left under wierd circumstances, dont know what made him leave. I was thinking the phantom got hold of him and scared him into hearing voices in his ear telling him to get out of the car. Thats what i was thinking the day he left just after the photo shoots for the upcoming season. It was pretty crappy to do to JGR

[@tritontransport]

Edwards in the #4 car? 🤔 He is the kind of driver who could figure out the new cars pretty quickly. He’s no dummy. Although I’d be surprised if he came back full time in cup, he’s 43 and a lot of it would be sponsors, because sponsors these days view drivers over 40 as too old unfortunately. Maybe part time here and there or maybe a few ixfinity races or trucks

[@dontworry1568]

rumor has it there will be an open seat at SHR