Carl Edwards, one of NASCAR’s top drivers, recently celebrated his induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame. His career boasts an impressive 28 Cup Series victories, 38 wins in the Xfinity Series, and six Truck Series victories. However, there’s one glaring omission from his resume: a Cup title
On this call, Carl Edwards has been asked about how he left — specifically, the caution at the end of the 2016 championship race that cost him the title.
Edwards: "I did not leave the sport because of the way 2016 ended. Period."
— Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) May 30, 2024
In 2016, Edwards found himself in a winner-take-all situation at Homestead-Miami Speedway. The championship was within his grasp, but fate intervened. With just four laps remaining, a questionable caution was called, setting up a late two-lap sprint to the finish. Edwards, racing against Joey Logano, wrecked on the restart, losing the chance to claim the title.
Less than two months later, at the age of 36, Edwards abruptly retired from racing. His decision surprised fans and left many wondering why he walked away. Some speculated that the 2016 finale, with its controversial caution, played a significant role in his retirement. Edwards himself acknowledged the struggle of balancing his racing career with family life as a married father of two.
Jeff Gluck posted on X that, “On this call, Carl Edwards has been asked about how he left — specifically, the caution at the end of the 2016 championship race that cost him the title. Edwards: “I did not leave the sport because of the way 2016 ended. Period.”
The 2016 NASCAR Championship Race: Carl Edwards’ Bitter Pill
As the 2016 season wound down, the championship battle narrowed to four drivers: Jimmie Johnson, Joey Logano, Kyle Busch, and Carl Edwards. The format was simple: whoever finished highest among these four contenders would be crowned the champion. Edwards, driving for Joe Gibbs Racing, had been consistent throughout the season and was hungry for his first Cup title.
On November 20, 2016, the tension reached its peak at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Edwards found himself in a winner-take-all situation, racing against Logano. With just four laps remaining, a caution flag flew, setting up a late-race restart. Edwards and Logano were side by side, vying for the lead. But disaster struck—Edwards’ car got loose, and he slammed into the wall. Logano surged ahead, leaving Edwards devastated and out of contention for the championship.
The caution that changed everything remains a point of contention. Some argued that it was unnecessary, while others believed it was a legitimate call. Regardless, it altered the course of the race and Carl Edwards’ career. Had the caution not come out, Edwards might have clinched the title. Instead, he finished fourth in the race and second in the championship standings.
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