Drivers have long exhibited sportsman spirit, pushing their limits despite adversity. Take Ricky Rudd, for instance—his 1984 crash in the Clash nearly cost him his vision, yet he returned to the Daytona 500 with taped eyes the next week and finished 7th. This is just the tip of the iceberg regarding his stellar achievements. Racing alongside legends like Jeff Gordon, he demonstrated adaptability, talent, and an unrelenting drive to win. This same resilience has defined NASCAR’s greatest champions, proving that true legends rise above challenges.

Dale Earnhardt embodied that same fighting spirit when he clinched victory at Watkins Glen in 1996, racing with a broken sternum. His relentless passion cemented his place in the NASCAR Hall of Fame and, much like Rudd’s career, he reflected the same level of grit and dedication. When the NASCAR community gathered in May to vote for Hall of Fame inductees, it was clear that those who exemplify perseverance deserve recognition. If Earnhardt has rightfully earned his place, here’s why Ricky Rudd should have earned it much earlier than 2025.

Rudd’s illustrious career testifies his place in the NASCAR Hall of Fame

There are very few drivers who can claim that they have raced door to door with three seven-time champions – Richard Petty, Jimmie Johnson, and Dale Earnhardt. Ricky Rudd is one of them. Rudd’s versatility and raw skill were apparent from the beginning. He could handle any race car, adapt to different conditions, and push through challenges that would sideline many others. Rudd continued to strive hard and he accounted for a 16-year-long streak where he had at least one victory in each of the races.

Speaking of the achievements that Rudd has accounted for so far, NASCAR recently released a video congratulating him for his Hall of Fame induction. It said, “This is Ricky Rudd, but you probably know him better as the Rooster, his nickname. Rudd won 23 races in a career that lasted 32 years between 1975 and 2007. This included a 16 year streak during which he won at least one race every season. His 906 career starts ranked second only to Richard Petty… He’s made of iron, this guy. Ricky Rudd, welcome to the NASCAR Hall of Fame.”

His entry into the NASCAR Hall of Fame list adds another feather to the Hendrick Motorsports team’s cap. Before this, drivers like Jeff Gordon, a four-time champion, were honored in 2019, while 1984 Cup Series Champion Terry Labonte earned his place in 2016. Consequently, Jimmie Johnson, one of the sport’s most decorated drivers with seven championships, joined the Hall in 2024. Dale Earnhardt Jr., a fan favorite and two-time Daytona 500 winner, was inducted in 2021. Three-time Cup Series Champion, Darrell Waltrip, who raced part-time for Hendrick, was recognized in 2012, and Mark Martin, who also had a brief but impactful tenure with the team, entered in 2017.

For four years, Rudd was a part of the legendary Hendrick Motorsports team, from 1990 to 1993. This is when he drove the No. 5 Chevrolet and went on to earn four of his 23 Cup series victories, along with 35 top-5 finishes. He also finished second in the 1991 standings with Hendrick Motorsports, his best-ever finish. Rudd accounted for 788 consecutive starts a record at the time, later broken by HMS’ Jeff Gordon with 797. His sheer passion was exhibited twice when, despite medical pitfalls, he made it to the track. While one was during his Daytona 500 appearance in 1984, another one was with second-degree burns in 1998!

On a scorching afternoon, his cooling system failed just five laps into the race at Martinsville. This left him without relief from the relentless heat. In an attempt to help, his crew poured water into his suit. However, disaster struck—the system malfunctioned, drenching him in scalding water instead. It led to second-degree burns on the driver. Despite this, given his passion and grit, he chose not to quit. Ricky Rudd’s relentless determination, versatility, and resilience have cemented his place among NASCAR’s legends. With a career defined by passion and remarkable achievements, his induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame is not just deserved—it’s long overdue. 

Rudd says he had almost given up on the hope

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With a career spanning over three decades and 23 wins across every type of track, Ricky Rudd justifies his passion. From short ovals like Martinsville and Dover to road courses like Riverside and Sonoma, as well as high-speed venues like Michigan and Indianapolis, he has claimed it all. However, it seemed for long that the possibility of Rudd making it to the NASCAR Hall of Fame was a distant idea. 

Reflecting on the same sentiment, Rudd said, “I resided in the fact it wasn’t going to happen.” However, once the voting lines opened, things went in his favor. Speaking of the victory, an ecstatic Rudd stated, “All of a sudden, I got a huge percentage of the votes. When I looked at it [the letter], I said, I didn’t even remember that. Those were some good numbers (laughing). I don’t know if anyone ever read it or saw it. But someone was going to bat for me hard and I have no idea who it was.”

This Friday evening, Ricky Rudd will finally receive the recognition he deserves as he’s inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Fans across the racing world will be cheering for the Chesapeake, Virginia, native as he takes his rightful place among the sport’s legends.