Carl Edwards shocked the NASCAR world on Wednesday, announcing he’d be stepping away from Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series competition, effective immediately.
The Joe Gibbs Racing driver came up just short of a title at Homestead-Miami Speedway in November, so it was a surprise to see the 37-year-old walk away in his prime.
NASCAR Nation was equally shocked, but wished Edwards well in his future endeavors. Their reaction:
Really happy for Carl Edwards. One of the fastest guys you’ll ever race. Great to see him doing what he wants after an incredible career.
–
Kasey Kahne (@kaseykahne)
January 11, 2017
Carl has always been one of the most fair and hard racing drivers. I’ve learned as much from his character on the track as off. #NASCAR
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Joey Logano (@joeylogano)
January 11, 2017
Shocked to hear the news on Carl Edwards retirement. Class act and he was always entertaining with his back flips after wins
– William Byron (@WilliamByron)
January 10, 2017
Wow, blown away by the news of #carledwards retiring from racing and @Daniel_SuarezG to replace him. Congrats to Carl for an amazing career
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Blake Koch (@BlakeKochRacing)
January 10, 2017
His career and success speaks for itself. I always just admired how bad he wanted it. Congrats on a great career, Carl.
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Josh Wise (@Josh_Wise)
January 10, 2017
Interesting about Edwards. I can see him being lured back into the right situation. Although drivers retiring “early” doesn’t surprise me.
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Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr)
January 10, 2017
– DeLana Harvick (@DeLanaHarvick)
January 10, 2017
Blown away that this is happening…
For sure. Jump on in if you’d like, the beer ud83cudf7b is cold. u263aufe0f#miller2crew https://t.co/ATNKORcNOn
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Brad Keselowski (@keselowski)
January 10, 2017
Really bummed to see Carl go..always had the best attitude in the garage of anyone I’ve ever seen. Gonna miss those backflips!
– Sergio Peña (@SergPena)
January 10, 2017
Sorry to see you leave, Carl! You will be missed. #NASCAR #ToyotaNation https://t.co/BNHjmnLZw0
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Furniture Row Racing (@FR78Racing)
January 10, 2017
.@eddiegossage comments on FOXSports report that #CarlEdwards is leaving @JoeGibbsRacing to pursue other interests & won’t compete in 2017. pic.twitter.com/sMT9M9BCUz
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Texas Motor Speedway (@TXMotorSpeedway)
January 10, 2017
Crazy news with Carl Edwards. Nobody saw this coming. Knowing Edwards, willing to bet he just wants to spend more time at home. Good for him
– Marty Snider (@heymartysnider)
January 10, 2017
We’ll miss you, Carl! And the flips. ud83dudc4c https://t.co/8uRRWxeeng
– MISpeedway (@MISpeedway)
January 10, 2017
Are you flipping out about the news that #CarlEdwards is retiring? #NASCAR https://t.co/GUBxFdxsWu pic.twitter.com/jwDc4FJc8M
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Auto Club Speedway (@ACSupdates)
January 10, 2017
If sources are correct, it’s a sad day in #NASCAR. https://t.co/Nd9pdsPaWC
– NH Motor Speedway (@NHMS)
January 10, 2017
Carl is a true class act and a great competitor. As a fan he will be missed but as a friend I’m excited to see what’s next. #CarlEdwards
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Ben Kennedy (@BenKennedy33)
January 11, 2017
Just watched Carl Edwards press conference. He is such a great guy and I can truly relate with how he got started in #nascar by persistence
– Matthew DiBenedetto (@mattdracing)
January 11, 2017