Carl Edwards Unfinished Journey: The news of Carl Edwards bidding adieu to NASCAR ahead of the 2017 Cup Series season caught everyone off guard. Just a short while after being tantalizingly close to clinching the title, the Joe Gibbs Racing luminary decided to step away from the sport. Edwards’ explanation back then was concise: he wanted to spend more time with his family. However, recent insights suggest there’s more to this narrative than meets the eye.
In a recent episode of ‘Kenny Conversation’ featuring Kenny Wallace and Elliott Sadler, the focus turned to Carl Edwards’ surprising exit. Wallace, a seasoned insider, hinted at a previously controversial video discussing Edwards’ retirement. It seems his speculations were closer to the truth, prompting a noteworthy reaction from NASCAR itself.
The final race of Edwards’ career carried its own share of controversy. In the closing laps, Edwards was leading and appeared poised to seize the Cup Series title. Yet, a caution was issued by NASCAR due to a purported issue with Dylan Lupton’s car, a move that many found unnecessary. Some believed Lupton could have made it to the pits without any intervention.
When the race restarted, an aggressive move by Joey Logano saw Edwards crash out of contention for the win, ultimately allowing Jimmie Johnson to secure his seventh Cup Series championship.
Wallace’s earlier video raised the suggestion that Edwards might have been disenchanted with NASCAR’s handling of the dramatic closing moments of the 2016 Cup Series finale. For Wallace and others, that pivotal caution cost Edwards the championship. Consequently, Wallace postulated that Edwards decided to exit the sport due to this disappointment.
“I shared my views on why Carl Edwards left the sport on ‘The Kenny Wallace Show,’ and it gained nearly 700,000 views. NASCAR took notice, and let’s just say, they acknowledged my accuracy. I was spot-on about why Carl Edwards departed,” Wallace asserted.
Elliott Sadler, a guest on the show, concurred with Wallace’s perspective. Having faced a similar scenario himself in the 2017 Xfinity Series, where an outsider wrecked his championship prospects, Sadler empathized with Edwards. He believed that Edwards, after giving his all, had the Cup Series title unfairly snatched away by an external factor, echoing his own experience.
“That final caution cost him the championship. Edwards did all he could, but it was taken away by an external force. How could he not be frustrated? How could he not walk away?” Sadler questioned.
What’s your take on the matter? Was Carl Edwards deprived of a championship win due to unfair circumstances orchestrated by NASCAR? Share your thoughts.
ALSO READ: Edwards vs. Logano: Reliving the Thrilling Showdown at Homestead
Our Reader’s Queries
Why did Carl Edwards walk away from NASCAR?
Although Edwards was back in the thrilling atmosphere of the racetrack, he remained cautious about reigniting his career. He emphasized the dangers of racing, stating that it involves a significant amount of risk. Edwards believes that if he is not fully committed to the sport, it would not be wise for him to participate just for fun.
What was Carl Edwards last race?
Carl Edwards’ final Cup race was a memorable one, though not for the reasons he would have hoped. As one of four drivers competing for the NASCAR Cup Series championship, Edwards had a strong showing at the Homestead-Miami Speedway, leading for 47 laps. Despite the disappointing outcome, his performance will be remembered as one for the books.
Did Carl Edwards ever win a NASCAR championship?
Carl Edwards secured his one national series title during his NASCAR career in 2007. He emerged victorious in the championship, which is now recognized as the Xfinity Series.
What happened to Kenny Wallace NASCAR driver?
With a 25-year career in NASCAR, Wallace boasts nine victories, all of which were achieved in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. Although he has retired from NASCAR competition, he still indulges in his passion for racing by participating in local dirt tracks across the country.
