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NASCAR on NBC analysts offer thoughts on Carl Edwards news

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NASCAR on NBC’s analysts have chimed in on the surprising news that Carl Edwards is leaving full-time NASCAR competition effective immediately.

Dale Jarrett, Steve Letarte, Jeff Burton and NBCSports.com lead motorsports writer Nate Ryan took part in a Facebook Live discussion about the news.

Jeff Burton, NASCAR on NBC analyst - “I think it is courageous to follow your gut and say, ‘this is what I want to do.’ The thing I found interesting is how Carl said he ‘lived for the feeling that he got in racing.’ It will be interesting to see what he replaces that feeling with. That is a difficult transition. To have the courage to make this decision without really having a plan, not many people can do that.”

Kyle Petty, NASCAR on NBC analyst - “I’m not as surprised as I am shocked. He is 37 years old, at the top of his game, and contends for Championships. Once you play at the NBA, NFL, MLB level, and once you drive at the top, it is a mindset. You are on 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. That is the way it is. Once you let it creep into your mind that it is time for you to stop, then it is time for you to back away. You are not the same driver. That is what is amazing to me about this announcement. Carl drove the last 10 races of the year like he was in Championship form. I don’t think the thought of retirement had crossed his mind at that point in time, because he didn’t drive that way.”

Dale Jarrett, NASCAR on NBC analyst - “You just don’t think of someone who was so close to a Championship saying ‘enough of this.’ After listening to Carl this morning, I think we have even more questions than we have answers. I think the main thing is, it shows us just how difficult the business is and the time and effort it takes to be your very best. I admire him for having the courage, at such a young age, to make this decision. He is 37. When I made the decision (to step away) I was 50 years old. The competitive spirit inside of you never goes away. I’m 60 now and I still have that inside of me.”

Krista Voda, NASCAR on NBC host - “The impact Carl Edwards has had on me is genuine. He always made time for me, looked me in the eye and shook my hand. He asked about my family and cared about the answer. He spoke at the funeral of my dear friend and mentor, Steve Byrnes. His words were powerful and poetic. I know Steve respected Carl as I do. As much as I will miss Carl Edwards as a driver, it pales in comparison to how much I will miss seeing him on a weekly basis, simply as a friend.”