Carl Edwards

Carl Michael Edwards Jr. is a retired American professional stock car racing driver celebrated for his dynamic driving style, signature backflip victory celebrations, and significant contributions to NASCAR. Currently serving as an analyst for NASCAR on Prime Video, Edwards was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2025, reflecting his lasting impact on the sport.

Early Life

Born on August 15, 1979, in Columbia, Missouri, Carl Edwards developed a passion for racing at an early age, inspired by his father, Carl Edwards Sr., an accomplished racer himself. Edwards graduated from Rock Bridge High School in 1997 and briefly attended the University of Missouri, where he studied engineering before deciding to pursue a full-time racing career. While chasing his racing ambitions, he supported himself by working as a substitute teacher.

Family Life

Edwards is the son of Carl Edwards Sr. and a mother who was a teacher; he also has a younger brother, Kenny Edwards. He is a first cousin once removed of fellow NASCAR driver Ken Schrader, who provided early career advice and inspired the nickname “Cousin Carl.” Edwards married Dr. Katherine Downey, a sports medicine specialist, on January 3, 2009. The couple has two children: a daughter, Annie (born February 24, 2010, or 2011 according to some sources), and a son, Michael (born May 6, 2011, or about 14 months after Annie, as stated in other accounts—there is some inconsistency regarding Annie’s birth year). Edwards is also a descendant of Rutherford B. Hayes, the 19th U.S. President.

Career

Edwards’ professional racing journey began in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2002, where his talent quickly led to a full-time ride with Roush Racing in the NASCAR Busch Series (now Xfinity Series). He clinched the 2007 NASCAR Busch Series championship and amassed 38 wins in that series. Transitioning to the NASCAR Cup Series, Edwards drove for Roush Fenway Racing and later Joe Gibbs Racing, securing 28 Cup Series victories, including the 2015 Coca-Cola 600 and 2015 Southern 500. He was championship runner-up twice, most notably in 2011 when he lost by a tiebreaker to Tony Stewart. Over his career, Edwards accumulated 72 victories across NASCAR’s three national series and was named one of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers.

Net Worth

Carl Edwards’ estimated net worth is $70 million. His wealth stems from his successful NASCAR career, lucrative endorsement deals with brands such as Subway, Aflac, and Ford, and smart investments in business and real estate.