NASCAR driver Carl Edwards "in a stunning move ... is leaving Joe Gibbs Racing to pursue other interests outside of driving and will not compete in 2017," according to sources cited by Tom Jensen of FOXSPORTS.com. Daniel Suarez, who won the Xfinity Series championship last year, "will replace Edwards as the driver" of JGR's No. 19 Monster Energy Cup Series Toyota. Edwards, who won 28 Cup races over his 13-year career, "might be the best driver of this generation to never win a NASCAR Premier Series championship." The news that Edwards is leaving the sport "is a huge surprise for most fans" (FOXSPORTS.com, 1/10). USA TODAY's Jeff Gluck notes the move will "undoubtedly stun the racing world, as Edwards has been in the prime of his career and nearly won the championship last season." The 37-year-old was "driving for one of the top teams in NASCAR" and he "figured to have at least five-10 more years in racing" (USATODAY.com, 1/10). ESPN’s Brad Daugherty, who also is co-Owner of JTG Daughtery Racing, said he was “totally shocked” by Edwards' decision, noting he is "in the prime of his career -- and he almost won a championship this year." Daugherty noted Edwards has a "myriad of interests" outside of the track and said he is "not the guy who’s going to hang around” the sport in retirement. Daugherty: "Carl Edwards is the type of guy that once he’s done with racing, he’ll probably never, ever delve into any type of racing. ... The sport takes a step back with without guys like Carl Edwards. We need more Carl Edwards-type individuals in racing” (“SportsCenter,” ESPN, 1/10). (ESPN.com, 1/10).
TWITTER REAX: Fox' Alan Cavanna: "Still processing this Edwards news. A lot of dominoes about to fall over at JGR. Major championship contender just dropped out of the sport." USA TODAY's Gluck: "Edwards will be remembered for being classy, fan-friendly and fun. Career highlights will show backflips and celebrations in the stands."
