SONOMA, Calif. -- Carl Edwards misses the people, and he misses getting behind the wheel occasionally when the NASCAR Cup Series goes to one of his favorite tracks. But he doesn't sound like an athlete who feels he's missing out since his abrupt announcement in January to abandon the driver's seat.
Edwards, at Sonoma Raceway to fulfill a sponsor commitment Saturday, had not even been to a racetrack for at least three months and said he has not watched much racing because he doesn't watch much television.
The former Joe Gibbs Racing driver said he had to be briefed prior to talking to the media about the speculation of whether he could replace Dale Earnhardt Jr. at Hendrick Motorsports, or possibly join another organization for a return in 2018.
"I haven't talked to anyone and I haven't even considered coming back," Edwards said. "Not right now. It's pretty clear if I feel like I really want to do something, then I would do it.
"But like I said in January, I would talk to Coach [Gibbs] first and I haven't had any conversations about that."
Edwards, 37, has worked on his farm, gone sailing and also went to Hawaii. He seemed content in his decision when speaking to reporters just after the start of the season, and he said he hasn't had the urge to return to life as a Cup driver after spending 13 years on the circuit with 28 victories and a couple near-miss opportunities at winning a championship.
Edwards said he recently wrote Gibbs a letter, thanking him for the opportunity to race and also to step away when he wanted to quit.
"I'm probably happier and more content [than in March]," Edwards said. "You know how change is. You make a change, and there always is good and bad and there's uneasiness. But, man, I'm enjoying life, and it's good."
Edwards does stay in touch with people in racing, including friend Steve Arpin, who competes in Global Rallycross, where racers do a series of jumps as they race on a prepared course.
"That would be something that would be really fun, to just go maybe do a test or something like that. ... [But] no plans," Edwards said.
He quizzed reporters on what is going on in the sport.
"Kyle Larson, is he leading the points?" Edwards said. "That's pretty cool. That's neat to see a guy that obviously has the talent and was able to go out there and get things done."