Carl Edwards Explains Why He Unexpectedly Left NASCAR 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Respect to Carl for doing what he had to do!

All respects to this classy human being.

Carl Edwards is a class act guy. ✌️🇺🇸

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Carl is a humble man God bless you 🙏 ❤😊

Carl is Hall of Fame worthy🏁

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

Carl is a great guy and we miss him.

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

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.

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

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.

Carl's Dad did a great job 👍

Nice to see Rick Mast. Always liked that guy.

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

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!

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.

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.

Nothing but class.

Carl Edwards Is Awesome

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

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

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.

A brilliant conversation, thanks to all you gentlemen.

Love cousin carl God bless him he choice his deal

Carl is a good guy Period!!!

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

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

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

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.✔️

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.

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

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

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.

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

Damn good driver. Miss him

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!

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

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.

He is definitely one of the best

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 🏁🏆

What a great video kenny thank you

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

does anybody remember Harry Gant?... 😢

Very nice guy that hold a lot in...

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 😢

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!

I was definitely a fan of Carl. He was awesome

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

Shout out to Rick and Charlie!

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

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

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

Carl was a great driver!

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%. 🏁

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 ...

Carl is a Hell of a Driver, and yes I feel ,he got Screwed, Yes that's why he did what he did, Would We All Love to see Him , Drive Again? Hell Yeah!!!!!!

Carl Edwards is a good man, and I believe he valued that over being a great driver.

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!!!

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.

Jimmie Johnson was hand given that championship by nascar.

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

He did what he came to do Like 90% of drivers want Honesty

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.

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

Very diplomatic answers.

First, I miss Carl. Second, I understand the way that Carl took care of his family. Third, I love the way that Carl always came out from behind the sunglasses and spoke directly. thanks Carl.

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

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

I saw him do a backflip twice at TX and he went into the crowd he's awesome

Ever wonder why the masses just can't let it his retirement go? The man is happy with himself and wife and kids are even happier and that's all that should matter to anyone. Funny, no matter how he answers the big question, people hear what they want to make of it and a good reason to keep it to himself. People WANT a huge story, some kind of drama, in this case, it's not there. It's pretty simple concept to me, he likes his wife and kids more than racing the big time. Kudos.....Me too.

It's good to have more time for yourself, but we still miss Carl. I would like to see him run a few races every year. Even if it's in the Busch or Craftsman Truck Series. Or perhaps the new IROC Series?

Love. Carl Edwards deserves the hall of fame induction.

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

I understand his decision. I walked away from my business at its height after 20 years. I realized that I had done all I ever wanted in that field and my family was getting a version of me I wasn't proud of. Sometimes in this life we must humble ourselves and walk away from the identities that stroked our egos. Not easy, but sometimes necessary.

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

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

Miss watching those back flips off the race car