It’s 2002. And a young, baby-faced Carl Edwards is sitting in Mike Midler’s shop, staring at an 82-page contract from Roush Racing, that can change his life forever. He just got a call to drive for one of the most famous teams in NASCAR history. The 23-year-old driver has been called to drive in the truck series for Roush after his impressive stint at MB Motorsports. But as he flipped through the 82 pages of dense and obscure legal jargon, he realized he needed guidance.
His father, Carl Edwards Sr, a racer turned attorney, advised him to reach out to Ken Schrader, a veteran of the sport. Schrader’s advice was simple but profound, “Pick the best offer on the table and sign it right now.” But for the young Carl Edwards, it wasn’t just about the contract, it was about stepping into the world of the big boys, the big league, the world of high stakes and even higher rewards.
Fast forward to today. Carl Edwards is no longer that same young rookie who was nervous to sign his first contract, he is a seasoned veteran. A NASCAR Hall of Famer, with 28 Cup Victories, 1 Xfinity championship to his name, and a reputation as one of the sport’s most intelligent drivers. But still, his first contract and the team behind his debut, remain a matter of debate in the world of NASCAR.
Rousch’s Controversial Reputation
For years rumours have been floating around the world of NASCAR about how Roush Racing underpays their drivers and trapping young drivers into long and restrictive contracts. In a recent candid talk with Edwards, Dale Earnhardt Jr., described the perception of Roush Racing from the outside as, “The rumor or this perspective was that they underpaid, they would typically lock in a guy like yourself that was dying to become a race car driver into a long contract on very minimal pay.” It is a rumor, speculation, that is still running around, sometimes even shadowing the team’s achievements.
Carl Edwards, who scored his first truck series win in his debut year with Roush Racing, denies this characterisation of Jack Roush’s team. “Thanks for asking this, that’s interesting. It’s not true for me at all,” Edwards said in his interview with Earnhardt Jr. He even described the ultimately rewarding relationship he had with Jack Roush and his team.
“Oh, second year I drove for him…He said, Hey, I know it says in the contract you’re going to make this, we’re going to add X amount. You’re doing great, we’re just adding money, I thought that’s crazy and then from then on, I’m telling you, if anything I was overpaid, and if anything, they were more generous than they should.” His admission is the stark opposite of what the rumour and the outside perception of Roush racing has in the world.
CHARLOTTE, NC – MAY 23: (L-R) Mark Martin congratulates Jack Roush after Roush is voted into the Hall of Fame during the NACAR Hall of Fame Voting Day at NASCAR Hall of Fame on May 23, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
In his first full-time season with Roush in the Truck Series, Edwards bagged three race wins and four runner-up finishes. Clearly, he was talented enough to compete at the top level. In 2004, he made his Cup Series debut and the following year he transitioned into a full-time Cup Series driver. While the No. 99 Ford team had to endure the heartbreaks of 2008 and 2011 championship losses, Edwards not only did well but exceeded expectations.
Although Mark Martin had a strained relationship with Jack Roush, he always credited him for giving him the big breakthrough. Like Carl Edwards, Roush took a bet on Martin when no team owner would, “A lot of people wonder why I stayed with Jack Roush for 19 years. Well, it’s because he’s the only one that would give me a chance, and I never forgot it.” And this mutual respect for the former NASCAR team owner was evident from Edward’s confession as well.
Well, it is indeed surprising to see Carl Edwards unwrap the real stories behind the scenes at Roush Racing. We all know how abruptly his racing career ended back in 2016, but he is looking to make a comeback to the sport where he created so many fond memories.
Edwards is returning to NASCAR
Ever since the Missouri native was picked as a candidate to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, fans had been anticipating him to see him back in the car. It all goes back to that restart in 2016 at Homestead where a questionable caution flag foiled Edward’s championship dreams. Title rival Joey Logano knew he had the chance to charge at the No. 19 car on the restart and charge he did.
Logano made a big move on the inside and with Edwards trying to throw in the block they collided and Edward’s race car slammed into the inside wall. There was no drama or back or forth, the JGR driver took off his helmet and walked off, never to return. But little did we know that he would turn up despite the heartbreaks of 2008 and 2011.
Although Edwards hasn’t yet made up his mind about getting behind the wheel, he is open to sharing his expert opinion as an analyst with Amazon Prime. He will be seen in his new role as the analyst for pre and post race shows with Danielle Trotta and Corey LaJoie.
“Carl’s Hall-of-Fame career, combined with the extensive experience of Trevor, Kim, and Marty, bring an unparalleled authenticity to our coverage. Their deep knowledge and genuine passion will resonate with fans and elevate the NASCAR viewing experience,” said Alex Strand, Senior Producer at Prime Video.
Prime Video is now rocking a star-studded broadcasting lineup that includes Dale Earnhardt Jr., Steve Letarte, and Adam Alexander. Edwards explained that he joined Prime Video because of Prime’s limited five-race schedule, allowing him to balance work with personal lifestyle. “I’ve always declined broadcasting offers before because they didn’t fit my lifestyle,” he said. This move marks another chapter in his storied career, one that fans are eager to see unfold.
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