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NASCAR: Five Drivers To Replace Dale Earnhardt Jr.

By Matt Lovisa

Mar 5, 2017; Hampton, GA, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Brad Keselowski (2) leads NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Larson (42) around turn four during the Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 5, 2017; Hampton, GA, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Brad Keselowski (2) leads NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Larson (42) around turn four during the Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 11, 2017; Huntersville, NC, USA; NASCAR driver Carl Edwards announces his retirement during a press conference at Joe Gibbs Racing headquarters. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2017; Huntersville, NC, USA; NASCAR driver Carl Edwards announces his retirement during a press conference at Joe Gibbs Racing headquarters. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports /

Carl Edwards

Currently: Retired

Why it will happen: This is not to start a rumor at all, just to explore the possibility. Edwards stepped away from top-notch equipment at the end of the 2016 season. Would an open seat in a top-level ride bring Edwards back to racing full-time? A seat with Hendrick Motorsports might just be what he was looking for.

Edwards left Roush Fenway Racing for greener pastures at Joe Gibbs Racing. Did Edwards stay too long at Roush? Some will say he did after losing the championship to Tony Stewart on a tiebreaker in 2011. If Edwards believes he still has something left in the tank, it’s not too late to rejoin the circuit after sitting out a year, and take one more chance before it truly becomes too late.

Why it won’t happen: Edwards has been adamant that he stepped away from NASCAR for no ulterior motive than to retire from the sport. To this point, Edwards has given no pause to think otherwise on his statements from January.

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