“I feel I’m a great race car driver”: When Carl Edwards took the case for NASCAR drivers being ‘so competitive’

In 2008, Carl Edwards drew a strong comparison between NASCAR and F1. He claimed that drivers in stock racing were 'so competitive.' At the time, former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya had joined the Cup Series grid.

Although the former Formula 1 driver was consistent in the later seasons, his seven victories in F1 never resonated with the NASCAR Cup Series. In 2012, Montoya had not made a strong impression in the races, and Carl Edwards took the opportunity to compare the competitiveness of the stock car racing drivers.

"Montoya is a really cool guy and a great race driver, that’s for sure. I can tell you that from watching him personally and racing with him, he is an amazing talent. But NASCAR is so competitive, I can’t describe it," Edwards claimed in 2012, via The Sun. "That’s why I am so grateful someone like Montoya has come to race with us."

Montoya had also attempted racing in the IndyCar series between 2014 and 2022. He participated in the Xfinity Series with Chip Ganassi Racing.

Edwards further mentioned that he would love for Michael Schumacher to join him on the NASCAR grid as well for a few races to draw a contrast between the competitiveness. Notably, Schumacher is a seven-time F1 World Champion, holding the maximum number of titles, tied with Lewis Hamilton.

"He has had some success but he has also shown how difficult it can be. It’s just going to take him time - like everyone who comes to NASCAR, even the great ones. I’d give anything for someone like Michael Schumacher to come over and run some races with us so he could give a personal testament about how good our guys are."

Edwards also claimed to be a "great" driver but mentioned that other drivers in the Cup Series can sometimes humble him down.

"I feel I’m a great race car driver but there are some days in NASCAR when I’m amazed at how some of those guys do things better than me. It can be a humbling experience."

Carl Edwards continued to race till the end of the 2016 season, gathering 28 wins in 445 Cup Series races.

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Carl Edwards looks back at his career after Hall of Fame induction

Carl Edwards remained competitive even during the final stages of his career. With Joe Gibbs Racing, he clinched three wins in his final season and finished in fourth position in points after a tough finish in the final race.

Edwards stepped away from the sport after that season primarily to focus on his family. NASCAR inducted him into the Hall of Fame Class of 2025. Overviewing his career, Edwards mentioned that he never had the time to see it earlier.

"This is the first time that I’ve truly been able to look at my career," NASCAR quoted Carl Edwards. "I guess the way that the voting panel at the Hall of Fame looks at a career, it’s a different way to look at it and the word is just grateful. I’m so grateful that all this worked out, and I hope that through this whole process, I get to share with people how much I appreciate them."

Although he never won the Cup Series championship, Carl Edwards remained extremely competitive throughout his career. He finished second in the championship twice in 2008 and 2011. He also raced in 60 Craftsman Truck Series races, winning six of them between 2002 and 2007. Along with that, he took part in 245 races over a decade in the Xfinity Series, winning the championship in 2007 and gathering 38 wins.