“He believes any friction should be handled privately”: When NASCAR insiders opined on Carl Edwards’s 'trademark gesture' upon his JGR exit

Carl Edwards quit Joe Gibbs Racing after spending just two seasons with the team. That was also his final stint in racing, as he hasn't stepped back behind the wheel of a car since.

Edwards debuted in the Cup Series in 2004 with Roush Racing, which eventually became Roush Fenway Racing. He raced with the team till the end of the 2014 season. While he did not win the Cup Series championship, he was the runner-up in the 2008 season.

Mid-season in 2014, it was rumored that Carl Edwards might be parting ways with Roush after racing for them for almost a decade. It wasn't until the Brickyard 400 that he confirmed the move, which Jack Roush claimed to be mutual.

Edwards would then spend another two seasons racing with Joe Gibbs Racing, where he had a very strong campaign in 2016 with three victories and multiple top-5 finishes. He was in fourth place in points in the season. Despite his strong form, the #19 Toyota driver decided to hang his helmet and step away from racing.

A sensation amongst fans, his decision to call it quits didn't come down too easy. NASCAR insiders, sharing their statements, mentioned his qualities and the virtue he displayed all over the years. Bob Pockrass notably said:

"(Edwards) likes his business to be handled neatly, and he believes any friction should be handled privately, leading to criticism that he wasn’t as genuine as other drivers. But that also has given him the persona as the ultimate professional publicly, and that is what has attracted fans and has allowed him to be a favorite of talk show hosts looking for a driver who can relate to fans and nonfans alike."

Jordan Bianchi also talked about his signature 'gesture,' mentioning that he was one of the more personable drivers in the garage.

"As private as Edwards is, he is also among the more personable drivers in the garage. Any interview with him began with him removing his sunglasses so he could look the interviewee and camera straight in the eye. The gesture became such a trademark, sometimes other drivers would good-naturedly mock it."

Carl Edwards's retirement came down unprecedented for many, however, he had his reasons to pursue other options in his career.

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Carl Edwards retired as he "needed time" outside the sport

Edwards was seemingly still strong enough to continue racing for a few more years. However, reports emerged in early 2017 that he might be stepping away for good, and once this was confirmed, Daniel Suarez replaced him.

Carl Edwards mentioned that he "needed time" outside the sport and he also felt that he had accomplished everything he needed to.

"I needed time," Edwards said. "I had accomplished all I needed to accomplish in the sport for me."

He further mentioned that he wanted to get out without any lasting injuries.

"It’s really a risky sport," Edwards stated. "I escaped without any lasting injuries."

In the end, Edwards had marked his presence in 445 Cup Series races and gathered 28 victories alongside 220 top tens and over 20 pole positions. He also won the Busch Series in the 2007 season.