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Carl Edwards is 32 years old. He is the son of Mike Edwards (actually Carl Michael Edwards I) who was a fine driver in his own right on the midget and modified stock car circuits in the Midwest. As of this writing, Carl II’s career earnings have topped $52 Million.

Edwards started his NASCAR career in 2001 on the Craftsman Truck Series. After just partial seasons, he joined Rousch Racing for a full year in 2003. He went on to win 3 races and Rookie of the Year honors in that season.

He made the move to the big leagues in 2004, competing on a limited basis in the NEXTEL Cup series, driving his familiar #99 car. Beginning in 2005, Edwards raced for Rousch full-time in both the NEXTEL and Busch series. He had a strong debut year, but suffered a sophomore slump in 2006 with no wins.

2007 was a better year for Edwards, who won the Busch Series Championship going away. By 2008, Edwards was ready to compete for the big prize and came within a few points of winning the Sprint Cup Championship.

2009 started poorly for Edwards. NASCAR fans will remember the 99 car going airborne into the fence at Talladega that year. Although he walked away unscathed, Edwards was never quite the same for the rest of the season, finishing without a single win.

2010 saw Edwards continue to excel in the Nationwide Series, finishing second in points for the third year in a row. After a slow start on the Sprint Cup, he gained traction in the second half of the season and finished fourth.

2011 was the year of Carl – almost. He finished the year in a dead heat with Tony Stewart but lost the Sprint Cup Championship on a tie breaker.

Edwards seems to move just as fast off-track as he does on. He has appeared on several TV shows including 24 and The Price is Right. He is the co-owner of a record label. His wife is a doctor and a serious hottie. The couple has two children.

With the 2011 season in the books, Edwards will spend the off-season working on a Civil War mini-series to air in 2013. That, and preparing to take the crown in 2012.

(U.S. Air Force photo)