BREAKING: Carl Edwards’ Shocking NASCAR Announcement Sparks Speculation About His Return

Carl Edwards, the former NASCAR star who shocked the racing world with his sudden retirement in 2016, has once again captured headlines after responding to Kyle Larson’s public invitation to step in as a substitute driver for the upcoming NASCAR All-Star Race practice. Edwards, a fan-favorite known for his 28 Cup Series wins and trademark backflip celebrations, has remained largely out of the spotlight since his departure, making his latest comments even more intriguing for NASCAR fans.

The buzz surrounding Edwards began when Larson, who is preparing for a historic 2025 “double” attempt—competing in both the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day—suggested Edwards as his ideal pick to fill in for him during the All-Star Race practice. Speaking to Fox Sports, Larson stated, “I would love to have Carl Edwards do it. I think it would be great… That’s my pick this year. I’ve mentioned it to Jeff Gordon and Cliff Daniels, but it’s not anything serious right now.” This unexpected nomination immediately set off speculation about whether Edwards would consider a return to the track, even for a one-off event.

In response, Edwards expressed his appreciation for Larson’s remarks but admitted that he felt unprepared to jump back into a NASCAR race car. “Actually, this is cool. My friend sent me that, and really, it’s an honor,” Edwards told Fox Sports’ Bob Pockrass. “He’s one of the fastest guys to ever drive one of these cars, and for him to say that, I don’t know if he’s messing with me… I’m very likely to crash a car if I were to get in one right now.” His humorous but honest response highlights both his gratitude for the recognition and his concern about the challenges of returning to elite competition after such a long hiatus.

Despite his initial reluctance, Edwards did not completely rule out the idea. He admitted that he would consider testing on a simulator to see if he could still handle the demands of a modern NASCAR car, particularly at North Wilkesboro Speedway, the venue for the All-Star Race. “That is kind of interesting,” he continued. “I’d have to go run the sim or something like that and see if I can even get around North Wilkesboro. But nobody’s officially talked to me about it.” When pressed further, Edwards left the door slightly open: “It’s never a total no. I like options… but I don’t know. I’d say yeah, it’s no for now, but I’d drive a sim and check it out.”

The idea of Edwards returning to NASCAR, even for a practice session, has ignited excitement among fans who have long hoped for his comeback. However, there are significant challenges to consider. NASCAR has changed dramatically since Edwards last competed, with the introduction of the Next Gen car presenting a major learning curve. Even veteran drivers have struggled to adapt to the new vehicle’s handling and performance characteristics. Edwards, who has been away from competitive racing for nearly a decade, would face an uphill battle to reacclimate himself to the sport’s evolving technology and race strategies.

If Edwards ultimately declines the offer, Hendrick Motorsports will need to look at alternative candidates. One likely option is Kevin Harvick, who stepped in for Larson during the 2024 All-Star Race practice under similar circumstances. Harvick, despite his own recent retirement, remains closely connected to the sport through his broadcasting role and has more recent experience with the Next Gen car. His familiarity with NASCAR’s current landscape makes him a logical choice if Edwards decides against making a surprise return.

Beyond the immediate discussion about the All-Star Race, Edwards’ comments have reignited interest in his career and the circumstances surrounding his sudden retirement. A fiercely competitive driver, Edwards came agonizingly close to winning a Cup Series championship twice—most notably in 2011 when he lost to Tony Stewart in a tiebreaker, and in 2016 when a late-race incident in the season finale cost him a potential title. His unexpected decision to step away from NASCAR at the height of his abilities remains a topic of intrigue, with Edwards never providing a definitive explanation for his departure.

Since leaving the sport, Edwards has largely avoided the public eye, occasionally participating in humanitarian work and even being rumored as a potential political candidate in Missouri. However, his latest statements show that he still holds NASCAR close to his heart. Whether this leads to a competitive return remains uncertain, but his willingness to entertain the idea has certainly given fans reason to hope.

For now, Edwards’ response to Larson’s invitation leaves the situation open-ended. While he seems hesitant to commit, his refusal to give a definitive “no” suggests that the possibility, however slim, still exists. Whether or not he takes the wheel for the All-Star Race practice, one thing is clear—Carl Edwards remains a beloved figure in NASCAR, and any hint of his return will continue to generate excitement in the racing world.