Edwards walked away from the sport in 2016 at the age 36 with 28 Cup wins.
called that group “the men who define the competition of our sport.” He added, “Their accomplishments are the benchmark that much of our history is identified by. Honoring them in this way, at the beginning of the NASCAR 50th anniversary celebration, is one way of showing our true appreciation for them and the invaluable contribution they have given over the past 50 years.
These are the drivers who made and make NASCAR fans stand on their feet and cheer. These are the drivers who are NASCAR history.” The original “50 Greatest Drivers” were from the Modified, Xfinity Series, and Cup Series. The Craftsman Truck Series was too young to have had any “greatest drivers,” but that’s expected to change with this new group. The newest group among the sport’s greatest drivers is being selected by a committee comprised of former drivers, team owners, industry personnel, NASCAR executives, and current and former media members. All 75—the original 50 class named 25 years ago and the new 25—will be recognized during Goodyear 400 pre-race ceremonies.Getty ImagesOne of the most popular drivers ever to drive a Cup Series car—although ever officially honored with that title—is officially among NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers. Hint: he probably stuck a backflip upon hearing the news. Missouri native Carl Edwards has been named among the new group of 25 drivers as NASCAR recognizes its 75 Greatest Drivers during its 75th anniversary celebration. The original 50 “Greatest” named in 1998 and the new group of 25 “Greatest” will be honored during pre-race activities at the Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway on May 14. Edwards, a former substitute school teacher who often distributed “ride wanted” business cards at Midwestern short tracks, won 22 poles and 28 Cup Series races, beginning with Ford owner Jack Roush at Atlanta in 2005. His final Cup victory came in 2016 at Fort Worth in a fielded by Joe Gibbs. After each victory, he briefly balanced in his car’s window opening before doing a crowd-pleasing backflip.He never won a Cup title, but came close twice, finishing second to Jimmie Johnson in 2008 and Tony Stewart in 2011. His second runner-up finish came down to the year’s last race, at Homestead, where Stewart beat him, 1-2, to win the title on a “most victories” tiebreak. Among Edwards’ most notable victories: four each at Fort Worth and Bristol, three at Atlanta, and two each at Pocono, Michigan, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Richmond, and Homestead. He also had single victories at Darlington, Fontana, Dover, Sears Point, and in the Charlotte 600. In addition to those 28 Cup victories and eight top-10 points seasons, Edwards won 38 Xfinity Series races at the 2007 title for Roush; he was also the series’ Most Popular Driver that year. He was second in Xfinity points four other times, losing out to Clint Bowyer, and to future Cup champions Kevin Harvick, Kyle Busch, and Brad Keselowski. Making his NASCAR resume even more impressive were his six victories in just 60 starts in the Craftsman Truck Series, where he was 2003 Rookie of the Year. He was top-10 in points in his only two full Truck Series seasons of 2003-2004. He left racing in 2016, at the relatively young age of 36, still at the top of his game. Despite employment offers from owners and frequent reports of “Carl sightings” at NASCAR races,
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
David Peterson struggles again as Mets fall behind early in loss to GiantsDavid Peterson’s pattern in allowing runs in his four starts before Saturday was good, bad, good, bad. The pattern is now broken for the Mets.
Read more »
Did You Notice That All of the Most Stylish Couples of 2016 Dressed Alike?The couple that slays together, stays together? The most stylish couples of 2016 confirm this adage to be true.
Read more »
Chase Elliott Joins Dad Bill on NASCAR's '75 Greatest' ListJust 27 years old, Chase already has a Cup championship, 18 career Cup wins.
Read more »
Trump praises Bill Clinton, slams Hillary's 2016 election strategy in new interviewFormer President Donald Trump revealed details about his cordial relationship with former President Bill Clinton and his wife, Hillary Clinton, before his entrance into politics.
Read more »
Where Succession Got That Headphones Sex Joke FromThe offhand comment by Greg dates back to a 2016 tabloid item.
Read more »
Wolves survive dramatic overtime to beat Nuggets in Game 4, extend series back to DenverGAME STORY | Wolves survive dramatic overtime to beat Nuggets in Game 4, extend series back to Denver
Read more »