Every year, three deserving candidates are elevated to NASCAR’s perpetual glory from a list of fifteen nominees by an induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame. The list includes racers, owners, crew members, track operators, promoters, media, and other contributors who have made significant contributions to the sport.

The batch of 2024 included members of NASCAR’s famed ‘Alabama Gang,’ Donnie Allison, 7-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion Jimmie Johnson, and his crew chief Chad Knaus, the only crew chief in the history of the sport to have 5 back-to-back Cup Series championships. What a moment for the duo to be included together. Now, a new batch of veterans is ready to be added to the list, forming the ‘batch of 2025.’ In the list are Carl Edwards, Ricky Rudd, and Ralph Moody. In a recent interview with Flo Racing, Carl Edwards reminisced about the special moment.

Carl Edwards is headed to the NASCAR Hall of Fame

Have you ever wondered how NASCAR Hall of Famers are selected? How much success is enough to make that grand list including Dale Earnhardt and Richard Petty? According to the NASCAR Hall of Fame website – The voting panel submits a total of 65 ballots, which includes one ballot from a nationwide fan vote, to determine the three inductees (two from the Modern Era Ballot and one from the Pioneer Ballot) who are chosen to take their place in history as the next Class of the NASCAR Hall of Fame. The 2025 electees will have the Induction Ceremony in Charlotte on Feb 7th, 2025.

NASCAR achievements and impact on the sport are the primary qualifications for Hall of Fame induction. The voting for the current session concluded, out of which Rudd received 87% of the Modern Era ballot votes and Edwards got 52%; Also among the nominees was Jeff Burton, who came in 4th in votes. In the pioneer ballot, the late Ralph Moody received the maximum votes. Edwards, in a recent interview with Flo Racing, talked about the humbling experience.

He said, “It’s been so cool. I didn’t expect to be in the NASCAR Hall of Fame at. So for the sport to bestow that honor on me was humbling. And it reminded me that this is a big family and especially the way I stepped away so abruptly for them to still welcome me here and the people in the sport to be so kind to me um it’s really reminded me of how fortunate I am. Everything the sport’s done for me is very special.”

But what makes him and his fellow inductees worthy of induction into such an elite and coveted group? Let’s take a look at all the achievements of our new Hall of Famers that gave them the iconic spot.

Achievements of the 2025 NASCAR Hall of Famers

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First up is Carl Edwards, a Missouri native known for his signature backflip, who started his career with dirt racing back home. He amassed 72 NASCAR wins, including 28 Cup victories. Rising through the ranks from Trucks to Cup with Roush Fenway Racing, he clinched the 2007 Xfinity Championship and was a consistent Cup contender, finishing second twice. Despite never winning a Cup championship, his impact earned him a spot among NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers in 2023. Edwards’ retirement announcement came as a shock to many in 2016. Securing 3 Cup victories and a 4th place in the drivers ranking, Edwards suddenly left, stating that he wanted to spend time with his family now.

Secondly, Ricky Rudd, a 33-year Cup veteran, clinched 23 wins and 29 poles, driving for racing titans like Richard Childress Racing, Bud Moore Engineering, the team which also had Dale Earnhardt and Fireball Roberts, and lastly for Hendrick Motorsports. The 1977 Rookie of the Year, known for his aggressive style, was a consistent winner, capturing at least one race for 16 consecutive seasons (1983-1998). Like Edwards, he was also recognized as one of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers. He retired in 2007.

Lastly, Ralph Moody, a five-time Cup winner, co-founded Holman-Moody in 1957. The team dominated NASCAR in the 1960s, fielding cars for legends like Pearson and Allison. With two Cup titles and a Daytona 500 victory, Holman-Moody amassed 96 wins and 83 poles before disbanding in 1973.

Do you remember watching any of their races? Share with us in the comments as we celebrate our Hall of Famers.