CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Carl Edwards and Ricky Rudd represent two distinct eras in NASCAR, with their careers having undergone little overlap. Edwards made his Cup Series debut in 2004, just 67 races before Rudd concluded a remarkable 32-year racing journey. Consequently, the two never had the chance to interact or develop a relationship during their respective careers.

However, there are two significant bonds that link Edwards and Rudd: upon retiring, both drivers largely faded from the NASCAR spotlight, and they are set to return to the racing world as recipients of the NASCAR Hall of Fame induction this Friday night. They are part of a group of five individuals being honored as the latest members of NASCAR’s prestigious Hall of Fame.

Rudd made a notable appearance earlier this year when he was invited by Roger Penske to gather former Indianapolis Motor Speedway winners for a commemorative photo. This reunion took place to honor the 30th anniversary of The Brickyard. Many of his contemporaries were surprised to see Rudd, marking the first time they had caught a glimpse of him since his final race in the Cup Series in 2007. Rudd, who tends to avoid attending races, admitted he was taken aback by the warm welcome he received at Indianapolis.

“Consider that we attended over 30 races, visited the same towns, and stayed in what we dubbed the ‘trailer park,’ it felt like returning to a familiar neighborhood,” Rudd recalled, referencing his memorable 1997 Brickyard win among his 23 career Cup victories. He expressed joy in reconnecting with many of his former peers while walking through the garage at Indianapolis.

In contrast, Edwards announced his unexpected retirement following the 2016 season at the age of 36, which came after a controversial championship finale that prevented him from capturing a second title. He opted to keep his options open, refraining from labeling it as a definitive retirement at the time. Yet, much like Rudd, he departed NASCAR, vanishing from the scene until he was honored as one of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest drivers at an event held at Darlington Raceway in 2023. During this occasion, Edwards joined the Fox Sports broadcast booth, where he impressed viewers with his commentary and reflected on his life since stepping away from competitive racing.

Edwards too shared his surprise at the reception he received. “I’ve come to understand what people mean when they say ‘NASCAR is a family,'” he said. “When I walked away, I thought I was leaving everything behind — the sport, the chance to drive, and many friendships. I’m genuinely astonished that NASCAR welcomed me back in this manner, and for the first time, I feel a part of this family.”

Despite not securing a Cup title, both Edwards and Rudd left an indelible mark on the history of NASCAR.

Rudd has established himself as one of the most rugged competitors in the sport. His dedication was evident when he employed duct tape to keep his injured eyes open, refusing to miss the Daytona 500 the week following a serious crash. He holds the longstanding record for consecutive Cup starts with 788, a feat that was surpassed only by Jeff Gordon’s 797. Rudd’s upbringing in Chesapeake, Virginia, where he often found himself in the emergency room due to his adventurous spirit, was indeed reflective of his indomitable nature. His childhood antics included pretending to be Superman when he leapt off a rooftop and riding a pony in his backyard, reflecting a fearless attitude that would serve him well in racing.

His journey in NASCAR included stints with various teams, with ten different owners in total, where he made a name as one of the top road racers of his generation. Rudd earned the title of Rookie of the Year in 1977 and achieved a career-high second place in points in 1991. He recorded at least one victory across 16 consecutive seasons, which ranks among the third-longest streak in the annals of the Cup Series.

“I always focused on my goals to win every race without considering the broader picture of my career,” Rudd said, reflecting on his approach.

In contrast, Edwards entered the NASCAR scene during a financially booming time, navigating a fiercely competitive environment. He initially worked as a substitute teacher to sustain himself while pursuing a racing career, even promoting his skills with business cards that read, “If you need a driver, I’m your guy.”

Jack Roush offered Edwards a chance to drive, leading him through the ranks of Trucks, Xfinity Series, and ultimately the Cup Series. Known for his captivating backflips off the roof of his winning car, Edwards became a fan favorite. Notably, during a dramatic finish at Talladega, he humorously crossed the finish line on foot after his car crashed into the fence while contending for the win against Brad Keselowski.

After a fruitful career, Edwards switched teams from Roush to Joe Gibbs Racing in pursuit of a coveted Cup title, only to face a heart-wrenching defeat in a tie-breaker with Tony Stewart in 2011. In 2016, he was leading the final race when a dubious late caution disrupted his chances, and he chose to walk away from the sport.

Throughout his NASCAR career, Edwards amassed a total of 72 wins across all national series, with 28 victories secured in Cup races — including triumphs at significant events like the Coca-Cola 600 and the Southern 500. Despite some speculation that he left due to feeling wronged by NASCAR over title losses, he remains private about his true motivations for stepping away. Now, Edwards keeps himself busy with various endeavors in Missouri and has been approached to engage in public office, although he hasn’t confirmed his interest.

Edwards does occasionally elaborate on his life outside of racing, noting that he intends to return to the track in 2025 and has expressed interest in working in television. He also shared that he has developed a passion for sailing, where he has been building a ship for the last three years to explore the seas with his family.

Content and reflective, he articulated, “I once believed my achievements were due to my hard work and determination, but at 45, I understand it was simply that I am incredibly fortunate. All the pieces aligned for me to fulfill a dream, and I now realize how blessed I truly am.”