Chesapeake’s Ricky Rudd officially inducted to into NASCAR Hall of Fame as the Crown Jewel of Racing’s Elite

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — In a ceremony that celebrated grit, legacy, and unmatched tenacity, NASCAR’s 2025 Hall of Fame inductees were announced. At the forefront was Ricky Rudd, the Chesapeake native known as the “Ironman,” who was honored alongside a diverse group of legends, including Carl Edwards and the late Ralph Moody. But it was Rudd, a driver whose career spanned 32 years and saw him complete 788 consecutive races, who truly stood above the rest.

Rudd’s induction wasn’t just about the numbers—though his streak of consecutive starts remains a record. It’s the moments behind the wheel that define his place in NASCAR lore. When a crash before the Daytona 500 left his eyes swollen and barely able to open, Rudd used duct tape to keep his eyelids up just so he could race. Injuries to his ribs went mostly unnoticed during that race, overshadowed by the spectacle of his taped eyelids.

But that was just one chapter in a career filled with remarkable feats. On another occasion, Rudd raced through intense pain when his car’s cooling system failed. To try to help, his team poured water into his firesuit—but the solution backfired, causing second-degree burns on Rudd’s body. Yet, he finished the race, staying committed to his team and his job, lying on the ground during his media obligations after the checkered flag.

As seven-time NASCAR champion Richard Petty put it, “He had a job to do, and nothing was going to stop him.” Rudd’s legendary toughness transcended the track. He also earned a reputation for standing his ground and refusing to let anyone push him around. NASCAR’s rougher days required a certain level of toughness, and Rudd had it in abundance.

Hall of Famer Jeff Gordon recalled an unforgettable moment: after a crash between the two, they ended up sharing an ambulance to the care center. Gordon joked that he was relieved to see Rudd seated in the front seat—because if they’d both been in the back, Gordon was sure a fistfight would have ensued.

Rusty Wallace, another Hall of Fame great, captured Rudd’s essence perfectly, saying, “He’s a guy who demands respect and deserves to be in the Hall of Fame.”

In stark contrast to Rudd’s story of resilience and unyielding strength was Carl Edwards, who also entered the Hall of Fame Friday night. Edwards, known for his charm and popularity, had a career that, for many, was as enigmatic as it was successful. Edwards’ decision to leave the sport abruptly after his 2016 title loss shocked the NASCAR world, and his return to the sport after years of silence has been met with curiosity. But Edwards himself admitted to his faults, acknowledging a “facade of reputation” and the “self-centered” nature of his past actions on and off the track.

Despite Edwards’ complicated relationship with his peers, Hall of Fame owner Joe Gibbs spoke highly of his star power and dedication, calling him “a real credit to our sport.”

While Rudd’s story of resilience stands out in this class, other inductees also left their marks. Ralph Moody, who helped revolutionize NASCAR racing through the Holman-Moody Racing team, was inducted on the pioneer ballot. His work with drivers like David Pearson and Mario Andretti, as well as his wartime service, earned him the respect of generations. Dr. Dean Sicking, responsible for the life-saving SAFER barrier, and long-time motorsports writer Mike Harris were also honored with the Landmark Award and Squier-Hall Award for NASCAR Media Excellence, respectively.