Joe Gibbs Racing driver Matt Kenseth has admitted his team-mate Carl Edwards’ decision to step away from NASCAR took him by surprise.
Kenseth has won 38 races in the top-tier of NASCAR, with 614 race starts over 19 years and a Cup title victory in 2003.
He completed tyre testing with Goodyear on Wednesday in Las Vegas and shared his thoughts on Edwards’ NASCAR exit afterwards.
“I didn't find out until late Sunday night, and I was probably as shocked as anybody else was," he is quoted by the NASCAR website saying.
“I guess the more I think about, probably the less surprised I am knowing some of the conversations we've had in the past. He's a great teammate, and a great competitor.
“You hate to see him go, but on the other hand, it's what he wants to do so I applaud him for doing it.”
Kenseth and Edwards spent two stints as team-mates. During the Wednesday press conference, Edwards admitted Kenseth was the first competitor he talked to about his decision.
Edwards will be replaced in the No.19 Toyota Camry at Joe Gibbs Racing by Xfinity champion Daniel Suarez.
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