Ricky Rudd
Ricky Rudd is amongst NASCAR’s 50 Greatest Drivers. Named stock car racing “Iron Man”, Ricky Rudd set a Cup-record of 788 straight races between 1981 and 2005. A very consistent NASCAR driver, Ricky Rudd is known for his top-standard of driving. Ricky Rudd has left an indelible mark on the history of NASCAR racing and remains a NASCAR icon.
Ricky Rudd was born in Chesapeake of Virginia, USA on 12 September 1956. From the young age of 8, Rudd had an interest in racing as he began competing in go-kart races. A talented performer behind the wheel, Ricky Rudd was the winner of the International Karting Federation National Championship in 1971. After participating in both karts and motocross races he advanced to NASCAR’s top series as a Winston Cup driver in the year 1975. Rudd’s first major NASCAR race took place in Rockingham where he came in 11th place after starting in 26th position. In 1977 he was given the title of NASCAR Rookie of the Year. He later joined his father’s NASCAR team. He gained numerous victories during the 1980s. In 1991 Ricky Rudd came in 2nd at the NASCAR Winston Cup. He followed this in 1992 by winning the International Race of Champions.
Ricky Rudd has many great achievements to his name. One of these was his win at the 1997 Brickyard 400 held at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. That same year he had his 500th consecutive start in the NASCAR Winston Cup. Rudd had wins at Pocono and Richmond in 2001 At the end of his 2002 season, Rudd became a part of Wood Brothers Racing. Between 1975 and 2003 Ricky Rudd had posted 23 wins, 191 Top-Five finishes and 361 Top-Ten finishes.
Ricky Rudd decided to take a break from NASCAR driving at the end of the 2005 season. He stood in from time to time for Tony Stewart in 2006, and made a come-back in 2007 before retiring from the sport. Rudd was amongst 2007’s inductees into the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame. A truly skilled, reliable and talented NASCAR driver, Ricky Rudd continues to support NASCAR from the sidelines.