With the Daytona 500 only 47 days away, Carl Edwards is unexpectedly leaving Joe Gibbs Racing and will not race in 2017. Daniel Suarez, the defending Xfinity Series champion, will replace Edwards as driver of the No. 19 Toyota in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.
The Daytona 500 will be the first Cup race without Edwards in the field since the October 2004 race at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
In the last couple hours, the NASCAR world has absorbed and started reacting to the most surprising news of the 2016-17 offseason.
Starting off our look at reaction to the Edwards news is a statement from Texas Motor Speedway president and general manager Eddie Gossage.
“This is comparable to Barry Sanders retirement back in 1999, shocking and with loads of ability and time left in a very successful career,” Gossage said. “Everyone rightfully expected Carl to win both races and championships. I talked to Carl about a month ago and he didn’t give any indication that he was considering this. It is a shock that just doesn’t seem real.”
Interesting about Edwards. I can see him being lured back into the right situation. Although drivers retiring "early" doesn't surprise me.
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) January 10, 2017
I'm not even sure what to say.. Carl was one of the best in the garage.. I hope the best for he and his family. They will be missed. https://t.co/4j8vzfWIhQ
— Rodney Childers (@RodneyChilders4) January 10, 2017
Blown away that this is happening...
— Brad Keselowski (@keselowski) January 10, 2017
For sure. Jump on in if you'd like, the beer 🍻 is cold. ☺️#miller2crew https://t.co/ATNKORcNOn
His career and success speaks for itself. I always just admired how bad he wanted it. Congrats on a great career, Carl.
— Josh Wise (@Josh_Wise) January 10, 2017
Wow, blown away by the news of #carledwards retiring from racing and @Daniel_SuarezG to replace him. Congrats to Carl for an amazing career
— Blake Koch (@BlakeKochRacing) January 10, 2017
If anyone sees Twitterless Carl Edwards today, let him know that he's trending Top 4 in the entire country despite not having an account...🏁 pic.twitter.com/1xMaOoPXlw
— SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Ch. 90) (@SiriusXMNASCAR) January 10, 2017
Crazy news with Carl Edwards. Nobody saw this coming. Knowing Edwards, willing to bet he just wants to spend more time at home. Good for him
— Marty Snider (@heymartysnider) January 10, 2017
Sad to see Carl Edwards step away from the seat. He's a guy that I look up to. Going to miss his "classy" style. #Backflip
— Noah Gragson (@NoahGragson) January 10, 2017
— DeLana Harvick (@DeLanaHarvick) January 10, 2017
I'm not sure when this will sink in. I'm going to miss you #CarlEdwards thanks for all the memories, and for being so sweet to your fans!
— Sherry Carr (@Wingsfan1355) January 10, 2017