Carl Edwards has provided the answer to a lingering question. He has explained why he hasn't made a one-off return to NASCAR.
The last time Edwards suited up for a stock car race was the 2016 championship event at Homestead-Miami Speedway. He retired after a controversial caution and late crash took the title from him, and he has remained out of the car ever since.
The reason, as he told Dale Earnhardt Jr. on an episode of "The Dale Jr. Download" podcast, is that a one-off return would lead to so much more.
"To go race again, I know I'm going to give it 100%," Edwards said. "I'm going to go right back and then if I do poorly, 'Well, that sucks.' But if I do well, it's like, 'Let's run another one, let's win the championship, let's wind it all back up.'
"And then if I'm real serious about it, if I do worry about hitting my head, I'm going to hit it more often because I'm going to suck and I'm going to be trying harder."
Edwards acknowledged that there have been possibilities to return for races with quality teams. He also addressed a personal request from Kyle Larson.
The 2021 Cup Series champion asked Edwards to practice his car at North Wilkesboro Speedway in May ahead of the All-Star Race. Cup Series practice and qualifying will take place on May 16. Heat races will take place on May 17.
Larson will not be in North Carolina on these days. He will be in Indianapolis for Indy 500 qualifying as he prepares to attempt The Double once again, which requires him to complete all 500 miles of the Indy 500 and all 600 miles of the Coca-Cola 600 in the same day.
Unfortunately for Larson, Edwards said that he will not get behind the wheel of the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsport Chevrolet Camaro. Earnhardt partially pushed to make this happen while saying that a test would be "harmless," but his efforts were in vain.
NASCAR fans who are hoping to see Edwards return to the race car are unlikely to ever get this wish. Instead, they will have to keep up with him during the Prime Video Sports portion of the NASCAR schedule as he works on the studio team during pre- and post-race coverage.