At first glance, Carl Edwards is a simple family man who lives on a farm in Columbia, Missouri. As an athlete who is a Hall of Famer in his respective sport of NASCAR racing, there’s not a hint of brashness in his voice.

Yet, Edwards is one of the best NASCAR drivers of his generation. The humble 45-year-old won 28 NASCAR Cup Series races in a career that culminated with his enshrinement in the NASCAR Hall of Fame in February. 

On May 25, Edwards will once again be one of the stars of a NASCAR telecast, though he’ll trade in a firesuit for a suit and tie and a steering wheel for a teleprompter as he provides analysis for Prime Video’s pre- and post-race coverage of five NASCAR Cup Series races. 

Edwards’ retirement in January of 2017 shocked the NASCAR world. After all, he was fresh off a Championship 4 appearance in 2016, and while he heartbreakingly lost the championship, he was at the top of his game. 

But Edwards, being a man who knows racing isn’t the end game of his life, was content with his career. In his Hall of Fame induction speech in February, he said he was grateful not to have won the championship in 2016. When Kyle Larson offered Edwards the opportunity to practice his car at North Wilkesboro while Larson qualified for the Indianapolis 500, Edwards politely declined. 

After being mostly radio silent in the years following his retirement, Edwards began to creep back into the NASCAR scene. He was at Darlington in May of 2023 when he was recognized as one of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers. He drove the pace car at Kansas in September of 2024, and was the honorary starter at Darlington in April. 

Starting on May 25, he’ll be one of the faces of Prime Video’s studio coverage of NASCAR as he works alongside host Danielle Trotta and fellow driver-analyst Corey LaJoie. 

Nearly a decade removed from his retirement from NASCAR, Edwards said that after getting to know the Prime Video crew, he knew it was the right time to come back to the sport, albeit in a different capacity. 

“I’ve been shocked at the way the sport has welcomed me,” Edwards told Yardbarker in a virtual news conference on Monday. “I really know what it’s like to be part of the NASCAR family. It’s a really good feeling.” 

Edwards wasn’t sure about the opportunity to work with Prime Video – until Sr. Coordinating producer Alex Strand and others from the team came to his house in Columbia to talk with him. 

“They came all the way to Columbia, Missouri,” Edwards said. “We had a heck of a fun day. As we sat around my table, at my house, with my family, I realized that this Prime team, they’re fans. They love sports. They love being at the events. All of that came together. NASCAR welcomed me back for five races. I thought, ‘This will be an adventure. My family’s coming with me. Why not? Let’s go do it.”

After talking with fellow talent in Steve Letarte — a former crew chief with a decade of TV experience — and fellow Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr., Edwards knew that the opportunity was one he couldn’t pass up. 

“I’m just so grateful that Prime came all the way out to Missouri and talked me into this,” Edwards said. “The timing just feels right.” 

For everyone who watched Edwards’ race, seeing him come back to NASCAR feels right, too. 

All quotations obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted.

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If you’re wondering where to watch the Coca-Cola 600 without getting stuck in a maze of subscriptions and blackout rules, here’s some good news: this year’s race is easier to catch than you might think. The Coca-Cola 600 NASCAR event — one of the biggest races on the calendar — is happening Sunday, May 25 at 5 p.m. ET, live from Charlotte Motor Speedway. It’s the kind of race that feels like summer officially clocking in. And, it’s all streaming on one platform. Prime Video.

This isn’t just any race — it’s the 66th running of the Coca-Cola 600, the longest event in the NASCAR Cup Series. Four stages. 600 miles. 40 drivers. For fans, the Coca-Cola 600 sits right up there with the Daytona 500 and the Southern 500 — but what makes this one special is the sheer test of endurance. It starts in the late afternoon, rolls into dusk, and wraps under the lights. 

So let’s talk streaming. NASCAR on Prime Video is a thing now — not for every single race, but they do have exclusive rights for some of them, including the Coca-Cola 600. And if you’ve been wondering how to watch NASCAR on Prime, the setup is actually quite easy.

How to Watch the Coca-Cola 600 on Prime Video

Here’s how it works: if you’ve got Prime Video, you’re already halfway there. Amazon has partnered with different sports channels through Prime Video Channels, and some NASCAR events — including the Coca-Cola 600 — are available to stream live. No need for five logins or jumping between apps. Just head to Prime Video and toggle to the Sports section.

Now if you don’t already have a Prime membership, it’s $14.99/month or $139/year. That gets you access to Prime Video (plus free shipping, exclusive deals, and a bunch of other stuff you’ll probably use more than you think). Once you’re signed up, just search for NASCAR, Coca-Cola 600, or head to the Sports section within Prime Video.

In short: if you’re out grilling with friends or catching it solo on the couch, Prime makes it easy to tune into one of NASCAR’s biggest nights — without overcomplicating your weekend.

For more deals on streaming services and entertainment products, check out TV Guide’s Shopping hub.

It’s a big week for NASCAR.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Given his resume, Kurt Busch knew it was a matter of when, not if, he would be selected into the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

Still, getting voted in on the first ballot on Tuesday was a huge relief for Busch, who let out an emotional sigh of relief after hearing his named called at the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

“I’m very grateful and thankful that it happened this first time,” Busch said. “You want to have that answer as fast as you can.”

Ray Hendrick and Harry Gant were also voted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame on Tuesday, while executive Humpy Wheeler was named the Landmark Award winner for his contribution to the sport. A ceremony will be held to officially induct the Class of 2026 into the Hall of Fame in March.

The 46-year-old Busch held off Jimmie Johnson to win the 2004 Cup Series championship and went on to win 34 Cup races, including at least one victory in 19 of his 21 full-time seasons on the premier circuit before he retired in 2023.

His journey to NASCAR stardom began in 2000 with a Truck Series rookie season that foreshadowed greatness. His big breakthrough came in 2004, when he became the first driver to win the title under NASCAR’s “playoff” system – a feat that proved both his excellence and adaptability.

The consistent Busch finished in the top 10 in the Cup Series standings 10 times.

“Things happened fast for me in this sport and I don’t know how or why,” Busch said. “There was no template, there wasn’t the ladder that these days you see the kids that have a system where it is going to be this or that. For me it was being in the right place at the right time and the universe smiled down on me.”

Hendrick, who died in 1990 at age 61, was the original “Mr. Modified.”

He is one of the winningest drivers of all time, with than 700 modified and late model sportsman wins between 1950-88. His success started in his home state of Virginia, where his No. 11 was well know. He won five track championships at South Boston Speedway — four modified and one late model sportsman.

He was known as a driver that was willing to race “anywhere and everywhere,” and did just that. He filled his schedule with modified and late model sportsman races across the East coast. Hendrick was known best for his wins on short tracks, but also produced victories at Talladega, Charlotte and Dover.

Despite never winning a Modified Division championship, Hendrick finished in the top 10 in the standings nine times from 1960-69.

The 85-year-old Gant, known as the “Bandit” for his long-time sponsorship with Skoal Bandits, won 18 Cup Series races, including the Southern 500 in 1984 and 1991. In the five seasons from 1981 through 1985, he finished in the top five in points four times, including a runner-up championship finish to Terry Labonte in 1984.

He also won 21 Xfinity Series races.

Members of the NASCAR Hall of Fame Voting Panel met Tuesday in an in-person closed session at the Charlotte Convention Center to debate and vote on the 15 nominees for the induction class of 2026 and the five nominees for the Landmark Award.

The 49-person voting panel included representatives from NASCAR, the Hall of Fame, track owners from major facilities and historic short tracks, media members, manufacturer representatives, competitors (drivers, owners, crew chiefs), recognized industry leaders, a nationwide fan vote conducted through NASCAR.com and the reigning NASCAR Cup Series champion (Joey Logano).

Busch and Gant both received 61% of the “modern era” ballot votes. Jeff Burton finished third, followed by Harry Hyde and Randy Dorton.

Hendrick received 31% of the “pioneer” ballot votes. Bob Welborn finished second.

Gant raced into his 50s, and still holds premier series records for oldest driver to win a race (52 years old) and a pole (54). He drove the first race car with a telemetry system installed in it at Talladega in 1985 and relayed the data to CBS during its coverage of the event.

This was the Gant’s seventh time on the ballot. He did not attend the announcement ceremony on Tuesday and was not available for comment.

All three were among NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers and one of NASCAR Modified’s All-Time Top 10 Drivers.

Wheeler became synonymous with promotion and innovation.

He spent 33 years as the president and general manager of Charlotte Motor Speedway and played a pivotal role in transforming the venue into a world-class facility.

Wheeler added a new dynamic to the sport, a visionary whose leadership and creativity helped shape today’s fan experience with the introduction of dramatic prerace ceremonies and the development of night racing at superspeedways.

He was known for his innovative promotions and stunts.

New to NASCAR? You’re in the right place. With the NASCAR Playoffs storming into New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS) this September, there’s no better time to experience the high-octane thrill for the first time. Whether you’re a college student looking for a fun weekend or a curious sports fan, this beginner’s guide will get you race-day ready.

What is NASCAR?

NASCAR, short for the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, is America’s favorite motorsport, packed with high speeds, fierce rivalries and plenty of strategy. The NASCAR Cup Series is where the best of the best compete, and at NHMS, drivers will be fighting to be the first to secure a spot in the Round of 8 in the Playoffs as they continue their pursuit of the championship.

NHMS, known as “The Magic Mile,” is a challenging one-mile, flat oval track. It’s a race of precision – every corner, every pit stop and every pass counts. The race is broken into stages, and drivers earn points as they go, so it’s not just about who finishes first. It’s all about mastering the track and outsmarting opponents along the way.

If you’re never seen a NASCAR race, the Playoffs at NHMS are the perfect introduction. You’ll feel the excitement, the energy and the drama unfold right in front of you.

The Magic of Race Day at NHMS

At “The Magic Mile,” fans get more than just racing. NHMS is New England’s largest sports and entertainment facility, and race weekend feels like a festival with concerts, camping, food and non-stop action. The vibe is electric from start to finish – it’s New England’s biggest party weekend!

Race-Day Tips for First-Timers

• Arrive early to beat traffic and explore the Fan Zone.
• Bring a cooler packed with your favorite snacks and drinks (alcohol is allowed, but no glass!).
• Dress smart. Think sunscreen, comfy shoes and a hat.
• Download the NHMS mobile app for maps, schedules and updates.
• Expect loud engines. Bring ear protection!
• Don’t just watch – wander. Explore displays, games and more throughout the day.

Who to Watch

Keep an eye on NASCAR Playoff contenders like Ryan Blaney, Denny Hamlin and Kyle Larson, who thrive under pressure. Plus, the return of the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series adds even more high-stakes racing to the weekend. Don’t miss the fan-favorite Mohegan Sun 100, featuring the always-entertaining NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour.

Don’t Miss These Experiences

• The Groove: NHMS’s official party zone with live entertainment and a full bar.
• Fan Zone: Attend driver Q&A sessions, visit with NHMS partners, play games, win prizes and get hyped all weekend in the Fan Zone.
• Camping: Stay the weekend, and enjoy the after-hours party atmosphere with fellow race fans.

NASCAR is more than just a race. It’s an all-out experience. Once you feel the engines roar and the crowd erupt, you’ll be hooked.

For tickets and more information, visit NHMS.com.

CONCORD, N.C. – A special NASCAR Cup Series race on a special holiday weekend calls for some special paint. 

In what has become a Memorial Day Weekend tradition, the Coca-Cola 600, one of NASCAR’s crown jewel events, will be held at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Sunday evening. The longest endurance race on the sport’s yearly schedule, the event also serves as an occasion to remember and pay homage to the men and women who sacrificed their lives in the military. 

To that point, each car will bear the name of a fallen service member. 

A mix of speed and a little patriotism, all four schemes will look a little different this week when it comes to the Hendrick Motorsports contingent. That includes Kyle Larson’s. His No. 5 HendrickCars.com Chevy will again sport papaya accents as he makes his second attempt at the #H1100 by running the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 in the same day. 

Here’s a preview of how all four cars will look when they hit the 1.5-mile quad-oval this weekend: 

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