For the first time in more than 20 years, Mike Edwards will not be driving or working as a crew chief at the NHRA’s season-opening Winternationals which begin Friday and conclude Sunday in Pomona, Calif. Edwards won this event in 2010.

Edwards, the 2009 Pro Stock world champion, sold his Pro Stock operation to Chris McGaha this past offseason.

“While we may not know what the future holds, we are confident in who holds our future,” Edwards said. “Lisa and I are blessed to have made many great friendships and worked with some of the best sponsors in the sport and will cherish those relationships as we move forward. We are not certain how our drag racing family will be a part of that, but we put our faith in God that he will guide us in the direction we need to go.”

Although Edwards is unclear what his racing future holds, he’s keeping his options open. His main focus right now is recovering from his Dec. 10 shoulder surgery. During the surgery, doctors reconnected his torn rotator cuff, and reconstructed his left bicep.

“Rehabilitation is moving forward,” he said. “It is not fun, but it is what I am focusing on at the moment. I am on-track with the program my doctors and therapist have put me on, so that is encouraging. The part that has made it a bit easier to fight through the pain has been the well-wishes from other drivers and fans.

“All of you do not know how much that really does help,” Edwards added. “I would like to thank everyone for the many prayers and support over the last few months. It has not been an easy process to learn to lean on people just to do simple things. While I still have a long way to go in rehab, I’m making progress.”

Edwards definitely left his mark so far on the NHRA Pro Stock ranks. He has 40 career Pro Stock victories, 56 No. 1 qualifying positions, and 13 career top 10 finishes. He also holds the Pro Stock elapsed time world record at 6.471 seconds. 


Additionally, he captured NHRA Modified world championship in 1981.

Last year, Edwards finished fourth in the Pro Stock points on the strength of six wins and an incredible 15 No. 1 qualifying positions.

 “Over the last 25 years Lisa and I have lived our dream,” Edwards said. “We have been so very blessed to have had the opportunity to compete in drag racing and especially in Pro Stock. But, the most important part is we have had the opportunity to share our faith and that has always been the reason we have gone to the track - to help kids and adults strengthen their faith.”