{"id":34879,"date":"2017-01-11T15:49:31","date_gmt":"2017-01-11T23:49:31","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.racingjunk.com\/news\/?p=34879"},"modified":"2017-03-16T12:18:19","modified_gmt":"2017-03-16T19:18:19","slug":"carl-edwards-to-hand-over-reigns-to-daniel-suarez","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.racingjunk.com\/news\/carl-edwards-to-hand-over-reigns-to-daniel-suarez\/","title":{"rendered":"Carl Edwards to Hand Over Reigns to Daniel Suarez"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Carl Edwards, driver of the #19 Sport Clips Toyota, points to the Championship Round of the Chase Grid in Victory Lane after winning the rain-shortened NASCAR Sprint Cup Series AAA Texas 500 at Texas Motor Speedway on November 6, 2016 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Matt Sullivan\/NASCAR via Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

NASCAR fans across the country learned some sad news yesterday after a story leaked from the Associated Press indicated that Joe Gibbs Racing driver Carl Edwards would no longer be\u00a0driving for the organization.<\/p>\n

Edwards confirmed this today via press conference, stating that he would not only be stepping out of the No. 19 Toyota, but will be officially retiring from the NASCAR Monster Energy Cup Series, effective immediately.<\/p>\n

Satisfied with his racing career as it stands, Edwards would like to focus on his family as well as his future outside of a race car. An emotional Edwards said that he realizes that his decision has left many people stunned and scratching their heads.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know that there are those out there who are saying, ‘but you don\u2019t have a championship,’ \u201d said Edwards. \u201cFortunately, I don\u2019t just race for the trophies, but for the challenge itself. I feel so honored to have had the opportunities that I have, but after you reach the top of the sport and compete there for a while those challenges begin to dwindle. This has left me wondering what else in life could I be doing that would bring about a challenge in a new way?\u201d<\/p>\n

Along with focusing on a new side of his career, Edwards raised concerns likely shared by fellow NASCAR drivers following Dale Earnhardt, Jr.\u2019s season ending concussion. \u201cThis is a risky sport and I am aware of these risks,\u201d said Edwards.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is a true testament to NASCAR, the tracks and those who have built my cars that I haven\u2019t been hurt and am still as sharp as I am. I want to be a sharp guy in 30 years and the only way I can see this happening is by minimizing the risks to my health.\u201d<\/p>\n

Along with providing the reasoning for his early departure from the sport that he loves, Edwards also shot down any rumors that he was angling for a new contract or more money from either JGR or other heavy pocketed NASCAR teams.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is not a money deal, guys. I just want to be a good person and do what is right,\u201d said Edwards as he choked back tears.<\/p>\n

Along with the shock and awe felt by both fans and \u00a0Cup Series drivers, team owner Joe Gibbs said that he was very surprised when Carl came to him to discuss this decision.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was totally surprised,\u201d said Gibbs. \u201cWhen Carl sat down in front of me, right before the Christmas holiday, to share the decision that he wanted to make I asked him to take some more time to think about this huge decision. After a few days, he gave me a call and said that he was ready to step away.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Photo:
Photo: Courtesy of NASCAR. Daniel Suarez gives a championship a thumbs up.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Following this announcement, officials with Joe Gibbs Racing confirmed that 2016 XFINITY Series Champion Daniel Suarez would fill the vacated seat of Edwards during the 2017 Monster Energy Cup Series.<\/p>\n

\u201cAfter learning of Carl\u2019s decision in late December, we knew that we had to make a decision about who would be the best driver to drive the No. 19. The obvious decision became Daniel Suarez,\u201d said Gibbs. \u201cDaniel shared an Arris sponsorship with Carl so this became a natural fit.\u201d<\/p>\n

What\u2019s Next for Carl Edwards?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Edwards indicated that he was not sure what his future holds, but that he is interested in aviation, agriculture, broadcasting and even a role, outside the car, either at JGR or with NASCAR. In fact, we fans could even be voting for Carl Edwards at the poles someday.
\n\u201cWho knows what the future holds? If anybody has any ideas, I\u2019m open, said Edwards.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"BRISTOL,
BRISTOL, TN – MARCH 16: Carl Edwards, driver of the #99 Kellogg’s\/Frosted Flakes Ford, celebrates with a backflip after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway on March 16, 2014 in Bristol, Tennessee. (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk\/NASCAR via Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After learning of Carl\u2019s departure, NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France said, \u201cCarl Edwards has made an indelible mark on NASCAR. His hard-charging driving style has led to memorable moments that will live forever in the history of our sport. Carl\u2019s passion and personality will greatly be missed \u2013 as will the signature backflips that NASCAR fans have come to expect following his victories. We wish Carl nothing but the best as he enters this next phase in life.\u201d<\/p>\n

Representatives from Joe Gibbs Racing long-time sponsor Toyota also thanked Edwards for his support of the brand over the last few years. \u201cCarl has been an incredible ambassador for Toyota in his two seasons competing behind the wheel of our Camrys. Not only is he a terrific racer, but he is also a gentleman both on and off the race track. With his impressive performance in 2016, it\u2019s certainly bittersweet to see him walk away from this sport as a driver, but we wish him the best in his future endeavors,\u201d said Ed Laukes, Vice President, Integrated Marketing Operations, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A.<\/p>\n

Despite losing Edwards as a brand ambassador, Laukes also said that he is looking forward to working with Daniel Suarez. \u201cToyota is so proud to see Daniel get behind the wheel of the dramatically redesigned No. 19 Camry for the 2017 season\u201d said Laukes.<\/p>\n

\u201cDaniel\u2019s championship in the NASCAR XFINITY Series in 2016 \u2013 becoming the first foreign-born NASCAR champion \u2013 was truly a highlight in Toyota\u2019s history. We know he will continue to be a great spokesman for Toyota in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series driving the new 2018 Camry. Throughout Toyota\u2019s 10 years in NASCAR\u2019s top-tier series, we\u2019ve been proud to help shape the future of NASCAR through our development of young drivers, and Daniel is another great example of our commitment to young talent in their ascension through the racing ranks.\u201d<\/p>\n

Watch the press conference here:<\/p>\n