Edwards back at the track, bringing his helmet and suit "just in case"

Edwards, like he did in January at a test at Phoenix International Raceway, was on hand to help rookie Daniel Suarez – his replacement in Joe Gibbs Racing’s No. 19 Toyota – get acclimated to the track.

Edwards said he would stay as long as Suarez and crew chief Dave Rogers wanted him to, but he didn’t plan to overstay his welcome.

It was hard to watch the start of the (Daytona) 500

Carl Edwards

Edwards unexpectedly announced in early January that he no longer compete full-time in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.

“I admit I brought my helmet and driver suit today, just in case somebody needed something. But I’m having a lot of fun. I’m just so grateful to Coach (Gibbs) and everybody for letting me make the decision I made,” he said. “But it is cool coming back here and seeing everybody.

“It’s really fun.”

Not retired

Although Edwards reiterated that he had not officially “retired,” he remained steadfast that for the time being, he wanted to focus on life outside of racing.

“It was hard to watch the start of the (Daytona) 500 but once they started wrecking a little bit, it wasn’t that hard to walk away from the TV,” he said. “But this place? I love this place. I miss driving while I’m standing here.

“I think it’s actually hard to come here and be half-in and half out, so I’m going to try really hard to stick to my plan, step away and make sure I get my perspective right.

“If I decide I’m going to drive something, I’m going to do it 100 percent, but right now, I don’t know. I’m certain I wouldn’t agree to something full time right now.”