Richard L. He could be the uncle of actor Skeet Ulrich and former NASCAR Nationwide Series driver Jason Rudd. Rudd is called the “Iron man” of NASCAR; holding the record for most consecutive starts in NASCAR racing. In the finish of the 2005 season, Rudd had made 788 consecutive starts. He was named the 2006 Virginian of the Year and was inducted in the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame in 2007. In October 2010, he was chosen to the Hampton Roads Sports Hall of Fame, which honors those who’ve contributed to sports in southeastern Virginia.
Following the 2007 season, and a 32 year career, Rudd lives at his house in Cornelius, North Carolina. In 2007, Rudd was inducted in the 2007 Virginia Hall Of Fame as well as in 2010, he was chosen to the Hampton Roads Sports Hall of Fame that honors those who’ve contributed to sports in southeastern Virginia. Rudd now resides what he calls “a very easy lifestyle” along with his family. After the statement he said, “I am truly getting excited about another phase. It is likely to be lots of enjoyment working with all the gang at SPEED.”. On February 17, 2014 Rudd was inducted to the Daytona Beach Stock car Hall of Fame by Rotary International.
Will be driving the #21 Wood Brothers Ford Motorcraft Ford at Daytona [January 2003]
2
After coming out of retirement and driving the 2007 season for Yates Racing, he is now officially retired for good. [January 2008]
3
His final win as an owner-driver came at Martinsville Speedway in September 1998. The cooling system in his car broke down with him leading the race with 58 laps to go, and this, coupled with outdoor temperatures in the upper 90's, caused him to suffer burns and blisters on his body and heat exhaustion. He finished the race and won, but conducted all his post-race interviews on his back wearing an oxygen mask.
4
Finished a career-high 2nd in Winston Cup points in 1991 to Dale Earnhardt.
Drove three seasons for Wood Brothers Racing and retired after the 2005 season. Was out of racing for a season before coming out of retirement and driving the full 2007 season for Yates Racing.
7
In his 2007 "comeback season", he won a Gatorade Twin 125-mile qualifying race at Daytona and sat on the outside pole for the 2007 Daytona 500.
8
1997 winner of the Brickyard 400.
9
Won at least one race every season from 1983 to 1998, but never more than two in a season. Was winless in his last year as an owner-driver, 1999, and his first year with Robert Yates in 2000, but rebounded to win twice in 2001 and for the last time in 2002. Ironically, both his first (Riverside) and last (Infineon) career wins came on road courses in California.
10
1977 Rookie of the year
11
Has driven for: Al Rudd, Bill Champion, DiGard Racing, Richard Childress, Bud Moore, Kenny Bernstein, Hendrick Motorsports, Rudd Performance Motorsports, and Robert Yates Racing.
12
In 1983, Ricky Rudd won his first NASCAR race at the Defunct Riverside International Raceway in Riverside, California.
13
Has almost 700 starts in a race car
Actor
Title
Year
Status
Character
Stroker Ace
1983
NASCAR Driver
Thanks
Title
Year
Status
Character
Yellow Mountain Road: The James Hylton Story
2007
TV Movie special thanks
Self
Title
Year
Status
Character
Dallas
2013
TV Series
Himself
Sharp Aquos 500
2007
TV Movie
Himself
2007 Pennsylvania 500
2007
TV Movie
Himself - Driver: #88 Combos Ford
NASCAR Nextel Cup Allstate 400
2007
TV Movie
Himself - Driver: #88 Snickers Ford
Sony HD 500
2005
TV Movie
Himself
Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500
2004
TV Movie
Himself - Driver: #21 Motorcraft-Rent-A-Center Ford