Carl Edwards turns down NASCAR return offer from “best driver in the world” Kyle Larson

NASCAR Hall of Famer Carl Edwards has shared his feelings about the Cup return offer from Hendrick Motorsports’ Kyle Larson.

Carl Edwards turns down NASCAR return offer from “best driver in the world” Kyle Larson

Carl Edwards and Kyle Larson (Via IMAGO)

The 2025 NASCAR Cup season will mark the second double duty attempt from Kyle Larson, as the Hendrick Motorsports driver is looking for redemption after the rained ruined attempt in 2024. This opens an opportunity for another racer to driver the No:5 Chevy in the sessions before Sunday and it was offered to Hall of Famer Carl Edwards.

But the ex-Joe Gibbs Racing driver has decided to turn down the offer, though he hasn’t had any official conversation with HMS. But Carl Edwards also admitted that there is some chance that he can make a Cup return if he feels like doing it and gets an opportunity. As of now a return to racing after over eight years isn’t on the cards.

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I’m going to turn down that really amazing offer for now if it’s a real offer. Nobody’s actually [extended the offer] If something — the stars align and I wake up and say, ‘Oh, I need to do this,’ then yes. But right now, it doesn’t fit with everything I’ve got going on and I’m not just dying to do it.

Carl Edwards said via SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

He did admit that it was cool offer that comes with a significant pressure. Edwards backed his argument by highlighting how Kyle Larson is one of the best racers in the world and the No:5 Chevy is one of the best cars on the ground.

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So, I think I’m gonna pass on it. But yes, really cool offer. And an amazing amount of pressure because I think he’s [Larson] maybe the best driver in the world right now. That’s one of the best cars that’s ever run. So, I might kick myself for turning it down.

Carl Edwards added.

Carl Edwards reveals what he is excited about new broadcasting role

The 2026 season will also mark the Broadcasting debut of Carl Edwards as he has signed deal with streaming giants, Amazon Prime. Talking about the opportunity, he admitted that it is really exciting for him as he has the opportunity to talk about all aspects of the sport without any hesitation as well as constraints.

Carl Edwards
Carl Edwards (Via On3)

The thing I’m excited about, and I feel like I can hopefully accomplish, is to get to talk a little bit about — especially since I’m not competing anymore, I got nothing to hide — there’s no trade secrets I don’t want to talk about. I want to share with the fans what might be going on inside of that helmet, inside of that car.

Carl Edwards said.

The veteran is focused on the broadcasting roles with the streaming giants and the fans might get some secrets from the garage, from someone who really likes to speak his mind. It would be interesting to see how the drama is going to playout.