CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Ricky Rudd was clearing away leaves by his pool when he got an anonymous text message that he might want to make the 20-minute drive south to Charlotte — quickly.
Rudd knew right away that he was finally getting into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in his eighth year on the ballot.
The tough-as-nails driver from Virginia was selected as part of the Class of 2025 on Tuesday along with driver Carl Edwards and mechanic and race strategist Ralph Moody, who made it in on the pioneer ballot.
They will be officially inducted into the Hall of Fame on Feb. 7 at a ceremony in Charlotte.
“You don’t think about the Hall of Fame when you’re racing,” Rudd said. “But after you retire and drift away from the sport there is a little bit more importance. ... I always tried to make sure I was in town on this day just in case got a phone call.”
Microsoft's AI chatbot will remember everything you do on a PC
Khloe Kardashian seen for the first time since OJ Simpson's death
Police build a case against Lego gang: Thieves steal $300,000 worth of high
Kristin Smart's murderer Paul Flores is stabbed in California jail
Stanford, UCLA to meet for NCAA title in women's golf
Harrison Ford rocks out with wife Calista Flockhart at Jimmy Buffet tribute concert in LA
Indiana mother Raeleigh Phillips charged with murdering nine
DAN WOOTTON: Has Meghan swerved the Coronation because she can't stand the thought of being booed?
Emma Weymouth channels wedding chic in a white gown at Cannes Film Festival
Kristin Smart's murderer Paul Flores is stabbed in California jail
Trump campaign video includes references to a 'unified Reich'
Thierry Henry predicts Phil Foden's stunning goal in 3