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Carl Edwards talks about returning to track as ‘surreal’ observer

Joe Gibbs Racing Press Conference

HUNTERSVILLE, NC - JANUARY 11: NASCAR driver Carl Edwards talks about retiring from the driver’s seat during a press conference at Joe Gibbs Racing on January 11, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Bob Leverone/Getty Images)

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Carl Edwards was on hand for a test at Phoenix Raceway Tuesday to provide guidance to Daniel Suarez, who replaces Edwards in the No. 19 car after Edwards announced he wouldn’t be competing in 2017.

Talking to a group of reporters that included ESPN.com, Motorsport.com and JeffGluck.com at the track during the NASCAR test, Edwards said he eagerly had anticipated the test session. The 28-time winner in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series said Suarez, the defending Xfinity Series champion, had done well in his first time behind the wheel of a Cup car.

According to ESPN.com’s Bob Pockrass, Edwards said it felt " a little bit surreal” to watch Suarez in the car.

Edwards said also addressed a recent report that he plans to run for public office in his home state of Missouri.

“That whole thing blew up very quickly,” Edwards said according to Jeff Gluck. “Holy crap! That went out of control. The point is, I don’t ever rule out anything. I really do believe in America and if a person can help maintain the future opportunities for other people, that’s our duty as Americans.

“If that’s something down the line that fits in as something I can do, that would be an endeavor I’d be real proud of. But I’m not like putting together this campaign or something; not right now.”