Carl Edwards enjoying life, 'hasn't even considered coming back'

Since unexpectedly stepping away from NASCAR just weeks before the 2017 season, Carl Edwards has spent time farming, sailing, flying and traveling.

One thing he hasn't done — considered a return to NASCAR as a driver.

Edwards was at Sonoma Raceway Saturday making a sponsor appearance, and as he met the media, talk inevitably turned to whether he's thought about returning to the sport.

“I haven’t talked to anyone and I haven’t even considered coming back,” Edwards told reporters. “Not right now. I think it’s pretty clear if I feel like I really want to do something then I would do it. But like I said in January, I guess I would talk to Coach (team owner Joe Gibbs) first and I haven’t had any conversations about that."

Edwards' Jan. 11 announcement he would not drive the No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota this season stunned many in the sport. A veteran of 13 NASCAR seasons, Edwards is still only 37 and walked away while still one of the elite drivers in the sport. He won three races last season, and finished fourth in the NASCAR Cup standings.

Edwards has 28 career NASCAR Cup victories, more than a number of drivers who've already been inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

When Edwards announced plans not to drive this season, he did not use the word "retirement" (“I’m not using the ‘R’ word,” he said), leaving the door open for a possible return some day. But he did say he was satisfied with his career, and wanted to stay healthy and spend more time with his family.

So far, Edwards is enjoying his time away from the sport. He works on his Missouri farm, has done some sailing and traveled to Hawaii. The longtime licensed pilot has also been flying.

“I’m probably happier and more content," Edwards said. "You … know how change is; there’s good and bad and there’s uneasiness. But, man, I’m enjoying life.” (from)

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