Carl Edwards’ retirement announcement was certainly the biggest shock of the off season in driver news. Arguably just as big a story came on Tuesday, as Edwards stated in an ESPN interview that though he is happy and has no regrets about his decision to walk away, we may not have seen the last of him behind the wheel of a Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series machine.
“I’ve been working on some neat stuff but nothing I’m ready to talk about yet,” Edwards said. “It’s nothing earth-shattering. I’m just living life… We’ll see how it all goes.
“I’m paying attention enough and staying really fit and as engaged as they (Joe Gibbs Racing) will let me be. I’ll always be ready if somebody needs a driver for something.”
Edwards went on to tell ESPN that although he had received mostly well wishes from owners in the sport, he had not entertained any offers, contrary to the “really funny rumors,” which circulated in the days and weeks after his original announcement.
With prior injuries to Dale Earnhardt Jr., Tony Stewart and former JGR teammate Kyle Busch being significant enough to warrant long-term replacement drivers, it is not out of the realm of possibility that Edwards could someday soon find himself once again strapping in for a Sunday drive with 39 of his closest competitors.