The other drivers in Gibbs' Cup series stable, who drive Toyotas, are
Edwards' move was widely expected. The 35-year-old Missouri native already had said he would leave
Known for his celebratory back flips after race wins, Edwards has 23 career victories in the Cup series, including two this season.
"To be able to bring a driver the caliber of Carl Edwards on board to launch our fourth team is just a thrill," Joe Gibbs, the Hall of Fame NFL coach, said in a statement.
Joe Gibbs Racing also said it signed driver Daniel Suarez to compete in NASCAR's second-tier Nationwide Series. Suarez currently races in NASCAR's Mexico Toyota Series.
The team also said it launched a diversity initiative to give more opportunities to Mexican and Latin American drivers.
Follow @PeltzLATimes for more motor racing news