After retiring from NASCAR in 2016, Carl Edwards was named in NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers list in 2023. Nicknamed ‘Cousin Carl’ by fans for his amiable personality, Edwards was known for his signature backflip celebrations off the car. Carl Edwards started his full-time NASCAR journey in 2003, driving for Roush Fenway Racing in the Craftsman Truck Series. In 2005, Edwards moved on to compete in the Sprint Cup Series full-time. Later, he won the 2007 Nationwide Series Championship title, his most impressive achievement among all his awards and accolades.

Last weekend’s Nashville race witnessed Carl Edwards grace the tracks with his presence. With him winning six races at Nashville Superspeedway throughout his career, pre-race celebrations on Sunday witnessed Carl Edwards become the inaugural inductee into Nashville’s newly constructed ‘Legends Plaza’. Keeping in line with the happenings at Nashville, Denny Hamlin recently hinted at Carl Edwards’ possible return to the driving seat for his and Michael Jordan’s co-owned 23XI Racing team.

Denny Hamlin Hints at Possible Carl Edwards Return

Although retired from NASCAR, Carl Edwards’ urge to race could never be suppressed. William Byron, on the recent episode of his ‘Actions Detrimental with Denny Hamlin’ podcast, revealed how his girlfriend views Edwards as a ‘DILF’. Hamlin further revealed that he has been in touch with Carl Edwards right from the formation of his 23XI Racing team, and how Edwards has often helped out at Joe Gibbs Racing with simulator work. Hamlin even went as far as to say that he feels Carl Edwards’ is itching to get back on the racetrack. To this revelation, he co-host Jared Allen responded with how Carl Edwards has delivered conflicting statements regarding his return to racing.

Denny Hamlin said, “We had a Carl Edwards sighting again. I think he is getting warmed up to the thought.” 

Listening to this, Allen then pointed put what Edwards said in his recent statement. “He says ‘he’d love to come back, but then I don’t really wanna come back. It would be a lot of fun, but the hits are really hard so I’m not gonna be back’.”

Then Denny joined in and imitated Edwards, “‘But if I come back, I won’t be driving.’ Like, what does that mean?”

Byron responded to Hamlin’s comment, revealing the conflicting statements from Carl Edwards. Byron further egged Denny Hamlin to hire ‘Cousin Carl’ saying, “He’s looking for a job. You should hire him. You got good cars. He ’d fit right in.”

Replying to Byron, the 23XI Racing co-owner made a groundbreaking statement. “I have talked to Carl, early on when we started this race team (23XI Racing), about doing some one-off stuff. I’d be interested in that for sure. He does some sim work for us. He’s done some Chicago stuff for us at JGR. I talked to him at that NASCAR 75 celebration and he’s itching a little bit.”

“I think he does miss it for sure. We’ll see where this goes, I don’t think this story ends anytime soon.”

Read More: Weeks After Denying Comeback, Carl Edwards’ Cryptic Message on NASCAR Return Has Fans Digging for Reality

While Denny Hamlin made these revelations, ‘Cousin Carl’ fans on Twitter speculated Edwards’ joining Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan’s team. 

Excited Fans Demand Carl Edwards’ Signing With Michael Jordan’s Team

Denny Hamlin’s revelations had Twitter fans demanding their ‘Cousin Carl’ return to the driving seat. Commenting on Twitter, fans suggested Denny Hamlin give Edwards a ride in 23XI Racing’s part-time #67 entry for the 2024 season. Some fans commented, “Give him the 67 then Denny” and “He’ll be racing for 2311 soon”. Here are some more comments from the anxious fans.

“@dennyhamlin @Jumpman23 @23XIRacing please put Carl Edwards in the 67 car for an upcoming race”

“23XI’s 67 entry at sonoma next year [fingers crossed emoji]”

“@dennyhamlin put the guy the the 67.”

Watch This Story: NASCAR Fans Savagely Trash Denny Hamlin For Wrecking Himself At Sonoma

Until an official announcement is made, fans are holding on to Denny Hamlin’s cloaked revelations, waiting for the 43-year-old to return.