Denny Hamlin honored former teammate Carl Edwards during Throwback Weekend at Darlington Raceway, reflecting on their complex past and shared time at Joe Gibbs Racing. In a symbolic tribute, Hamlin ran a throwback paint scheme replicating Edwards’ classic Office Depot livery, recognizing the achievements of a driver known for 28 Cup victories and a fierce yet respectful rivalry. The moment spotlighted Edwards’ lasting influence on NASCAR and their evolving relationship beyond competition.
Key Highlights
- Denny Hamlin paid tribute to Carl Edwards with a throwback paint scheme at Darlington Raceway.
- Hamlin reflected on their time at Joe Gibbs Racing and Edwards’ unexpected retirement.
- Their relationship was characterized by rivalry, respect, and mutual top 10 finishes.
- Hamlin acknowledged Edwards’ racing skill and 28 victories in NASCAR’s premier series.
- Edwards’ legacy is celebrated through his achievements and continued influence in NASCAR.
Denny Hamlin Pays Tribute to Carl Edwards at Darlington
While the sun set over Darlington Raceway, Denny Hamlin stood poised to pay tribute to Carl Edwards, a driver whose legacy continues to resonate within the NASCAR community.
Clad in a No. 11 Toyota that mirrored Edwards’ iconic 2006-07 Office Depot design, Hamlin honored the past during the celebrated Throwback Weekend. The race not only marked a nostalgic nod to Edwards’ storied career but also highlighted Hamlin’s admiration for his former teammate.
Reflecting on their time together at Joe Gibbs Racing, Hamlin recalled the fierce competition and shared victories that defined their relationship. Edwards, remembered for his skill and sportsmanship, left an indelible mark on the sport before his unexpected retirement in 2016.
Hamlin’s consecutive Cup Series victories served as a fitting homage, capturing the spirit and tenacity that Edwards embodied. Through this tribute, Hamlin acknowledged a legacy that continues to inspire drivers and fans similarly.
Carl Edwards Named Honorary Starter for 2025 Goodyear 400
As the NASCAR community gathered at Darlington Raceway for the 2025 Goodyear 400, the announcement of Carl Edwards as the honorary starter added a layer of sentimentality and respect to the event.
The occasion paid homage to Edwards, a NASCAR Hall of Famer renowned for his 28 victories in the sport’s premier series. The atmosphere was rich with history, as Cup cars took to the track adorned in liveries evocative of past eras, a fitting tribute to a celebrated career.
Denny Hamlin, a former teammate of Edwards, chose to honor him with a throwback paint scheme. His red and white vehicle was a nod to the legacy of “Cousin Carl,” a moniker Edwards earned for his relatable persona and competitive spirit.
Sharing this tribute on Instagram, Hamlin’s gesture highlighted the enduring impact Edwards left on the sport, as the racing community united to celebrate his achievements and contributions.
The Rivalry and Respect Between Hamlin and Edwards
Although Denny Hamlin and Carl Edwards once shared a garage at Joe Gibbs Racing, their relationship was characterized by a complex blend of rivalry and mutual respect. Their tenure as teammates came during an intensely competitive era, with both drivers achieving top 10 finishes.
Edwards, reflecting on their time, expressed his desire to understand Hamlin better, admitting he never tried enough. Hamlin, in retrospect, appreciated Edwards’ unique approach to car setups, acknowledging the brilliance he only recognized years later.
“I wanted to talk to Denny more. I wanted to understand how he thought. I just could never… and I probably never tried enough.”
Hamlin openly shared his sentiments about not rooting for Edwards to win, highlighting the fierce competition. He described the team as a “murderers’ row,” a reflection of the immense talent and challenging dynamics they navigated together.
“We’ve had some communication after he has retired… You don’t appreciate people until they’re gone. That’s typically the way it works in this sport, right?”
“He was always kind of on an island with his car setups and the things he liked. And he could make that work and it was amazing to see. When you’re in that moment, you just don’t appreciate it like you do in retrospect, years later.” – denny hamlin
“There is nobody that I hate seeing win more than my teammate because I know he’s driving the same thing that I’m driving.”
“When we had Kyle Busch, Matt Kenseth, Carl Edwards as teammates. It was murderers’ row. Every week, it was like, who is going to carry the torch this week? It was tough, tough competition.” – denny hamlin
The Legacy of Edwards and the 2015 Throwback Weekend Victory
The legacy of Carl Edwards is one of resilience and notable achievements, marked by his unforgettable victory at the 2015 Throwback Weekend. This success at Darlington Raceway, the inaugural event of its kind, highlighted Edwards’ skilled precision and competitive spirit. Winning the Bojangles’ Southern 500 was a confirmation of his racing skill, as he outpaced formidable competitors like Brad Keselowski and his own teammate, Denny Hamlin.
In the broader context of NASCAR, Edwards’ legacy is often seen through the lens of his near misses, such as his runner-up finishes in 2008 and 2011. Despite not clinching the coveted Bill France Cup, his career remains decorated with 28 Cup race victories and a championship title in the 2007 Xfinity Series.
His contributions to the sport, alongside contemporaries like Hamlin, are akin to NASCAR’s own ‘Murderers’ Row,’ a reflection of his enduring impact and underappreciated brilliance.
The Future of Edwards and Hamlin’s Growing Relationship
In the evolving landscape of NASCAR, the relationship between Carl Edwards and Denny Hamlin stands as a tribute to mutual respect and shared history. The fellowship forged on and off the track is one of enduring significance, especially as Edwards shifts into a broadcasting role.
“I just told him that it was an honor to carry the scheme because truthfully, me and Carl probably talk more now or have talked more now that he’s out of the sport, we’re no longer teammates. That has been my relationship with most of my teammates, that the relationship grows after they’re gone. Really getting to know Carl. We’re so blessed to have him coming back to the sport in the TV role. Yeah, I’ve just had some great conversations with him.” – denny hamlin
Hamlin, reflecting on the growth of their bond, highlights the depth of their post-retirement conversations.
- Mutual Respect: Both drivers have competed fiercely, yet maintained cordiality, exemplifying sportsmanship.
- Edwards’ New Role: As an analyst, Edwards brings his extensive racing knowledge to a broader audience, enriching the sport.
- Speculation of Return: Fans enthusiastically anticipate the possibility of Edwards making a one-off appearance, especially in a 23XI Racing car.
News in Brief: Denny Hamlin Honors Carl Edwards
In reflecting on Carl Edwards’ legacy, Denny Hamlin acknowledges the profound impact Edwards had on the sport and their mutual rivalry, which fostered respect and admiration. As Edwards takes on the role of honorary starter for the 2025 Goodyear 400, Hamlin’s tribute at Darlington emphasizes a path marked by competition and fellowship. This evolving relationship highlights Edwards’ enduring influence, inspiring both seasoned racers and emerging talents, and ensuring his contributions remain an integral part of NASCAR history.
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