Carl Edwards Graces ESPN Magazine's Body Issue

ESPN The Magazine hits newstands tomorrow with its new "Body Issue".  The special edition features 80 athletes from a variety of sports, including Carl Edwards from the world of NASCAR racing.

Other athletes featured on the six different covers are Adrian Peterson, Dwight Howard, Gina Carano, Sarah Reinertsen, and Serena Williams.

ESPN is honoring athletes of various shapes and sizes, genders and races in these special edition covers.

“We’ve always been committed to showing fans a different side of the sports and athletes they love,” said Gary Belsky, editor in chief of ESPN The Magazine. “This issue, from the amazing photos to the innovative journalism, is just our latest effort to do that.

"We’re very happy with the results."

The “Body Issue” spotlights three major photo acts, including "Bodies We Want", a celebration of the best bodies in sports, "Skin Games", and "Body Parts", a testament to the lengths to which star athletes go to perform for themselves and for their fans.

The various other features in the "Body Issue" explore the athletic form, female athletes' use of sexuality to promote themselves, and insuring the athletic body.  Another feature focuses on video game companies that use the athletic body to create games that represent a particular athlete.

Edwards, driver of the No. 99 Aflac Ford Fusion for Roush Fenway Racing, has always been known for his dedication to working out as part of his preparation for racing.  He has been relentless in maintaining his physical health in order to maintain his edge on the race track.

Edwards has done this in spite of a recent foot injury which occurred during a Frisbee accident and has him on crutches.

Edwards is currently competing in the Chase for the NASCAR championship.  He is in the 10th position out of 12 drivers competing for the coveted NASCAR Sprint Cup.

Edwards will next tackle the NASCAR race at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California, this weekend.

ESPN.com will host a photo gallery, featuring "behind the scenes" video from the more than 30 photo shoots produced for the "Body Issue".  The "Body Issue" is also available via ESPNMediazone.com.