“I would have to say that conversation might have been (in) my top five as far as shocks for me in life.” Joe Gibbs said these words back in 2019 about Carl Edwards’ shock retirement at the end of 2016. Three years were not enough for the team owner to get over it. One of his best drivers had collected 28 career NASCAR Cup Series wins and was 10 laps away from a championship. Yet, Edwards chose to leave all that racing glory and retire. But in 2025, his fans do not mind.

In 2025, ‘Cousin Carl’ made a comeback. Firstly, he was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame as a tribute to his remarkable achievements. Secondly, Carl Edwards returned to work on the racetrack, taking up broadcasting duties with NASCAR’s new media partner. The results so far have been pretty impressive.

Carl Edwards is back in action

When Carl Edwards retired, he was thoroughly motivated. No amount of convincing on Joe Gibbs’ part could retain the famous ‘back-flip’ master. However, Amazon Prime Video, which inked a 7-year deal with NASCAR at the end of 2023, embarked on a mission. Amazon’s people visited Edwards’ home in Missouri, attended a jiu-jitsu class with him, and relished Mrs. Edwards’ delicious dinner!

Spending this much time with the NASCAR legend convinced the latter that Amazon is not ready to let go easily. Hence, Edwards signed up to be a pre- and post-race studio analyst on Amazon Prime’s five-race Cup schedule. Edwards won the 2015 Coca-Cola 600 by stretching out his fuel mileage, and he hoped to bring his experience to the broadcast a decade later.

The 2025 Coca-Cola 600 is well underway, yet people cannot get over the marvelous pre-race activities. Carl Edwards partnered up with host Danielle Trotta and fellow analyst Corey LaJoie at the on-site studio. A sea of fans was visible in the background, rooting for the former legend who spent 13 years in Cup Series racing.

This was the culmination of occasional TV appearances by Edwards in the 2017 Texas race, the 2023 Darlington race, and other instances. It was the perfect turnout, as the ever-articulate and well-versed Edwards handled the microphone diligently. It lived up to his prior announcement: “The timing just feels right. I’m shocked at the way the sport has welcomed me back personally.”

This also marked the first time the NASCAR Cup Series race was aired on a streaming service. When he was talking to his 85-year-old neighbor, Carl Edwards struck a dilemma about how to explain the streaming option to him. But that subsided soon enough, as Edwards narrated: “We’re talking about other things, and he said, ‘Hey, you’re doing some sort of TV thing.’ And I was thinking, you know, this guy’s 85 years old, and I’m gonna have to explain this to him. And I started, and he’s like, ‘Oh, yeah. I’ve got Prime. I’ll be watching’.”

Similarly, Edwards had high hopes for most fans out there: “I believe people are going to find it. They’re going to enjoy it. And, you know, hopefully it just becomes something that all the fans feel good about and don’t have any hiccups.”

Let alone facing hiccups, the NASCAR community had a gala time. Don’t take our word for it, hear it from the fans themselves!

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NASCAR fans shower love and praise on the legend

Well, that abrupt retirement in 2016 drew raised eyebrows in the community. Despite being a high-flyer in the sport, Carl Edwards chose to dedicate more time to his family and other pursuits. NASCAR legends like Dale Earnhardt usually spell a different story as they sacrificed everything for racing. However, Edwards’ Prime appearance snuffed out all those concerns.

Journalist Joseph Srigley wrote ecstatically: “The genuine excitement that Carl Edwards is showing about tonight’s #CocaCola600 is making my heart happy. Hell, this entire #NASCARonPrime broadcast tonight has been exquisite.” Let alone questioning ‘Cousin Carl’s absence, fans were awestruck to see him back. Memories of those iconic back-flips must have been playing in the background for this fan: “Carl Edwards on my TV we’re so back.”

What is more? Carl Edwards is not the only dignitary to grace Amazon Prime’s team. NASCAR veteran Dale Earnhardt Jr joined the play-by-play team of Adam Alexander and Steve Letarte. In fact, Dale Jr. played a part in convincing Edwards to come back. The latter had admitted, “Dale’s involvement in this is key.” This extraordinary medley of NASCAR’s finest left a fan dew-eyed: “The coverage for Amazon Prime has been outstanding. Adam Alexander, Steve Letarte, and Dale Jr all have great ⚗ together ❤. The Pre Race coverage was excellent as well with Danielle Trotta, Corey Lajoie, and Carl Edwards all doing an outstanding job.” 

Besides Amazon Prime’s analyst crew, the pit reporters included Trevor Bayne, Kim Coon and Marty Snider. So one fan was happy to see Trevor Bayne, the 2011 Daytona 500 winner, on the same platform as Carl Edwards. “Still relishing the fact that Trevor Bayne and Carl Edwards are back.” Another fan acknowledged the work of Edwards and Corey LaJoie, an active NASCAR driver and co-host of ‘Stacking Pennies.’ They wrote, “Carl Edwards and Corey Lajoie broadcasting. Interviews with drivers. Walking the grid. Showing the remembrance of our fallen military. Great show! Great energy!”

Clearly, fans are super stoked to see Carl Edwards back on NASCAR duty. The legend’s impact never really faded away, even though he retired early from his racing pursuits.