Many of his former competitors were shocked to see him on the Yard of Bricks; it was the first time most had seen Rudd since his final Cup Series race in 2007.

The NASCAR Hall of Fame has announced its 2025 inductees. The class includes Ricky Rudd, Carl Edwards, and Ralph Moody, with Dr. Dean Sicking receiving the Landmark Award for his contributions to safety in motorsports.

Edwards, who will be inducted into the sport’s Hall of Fame on Friday alongside Ricky Rudd and Ralph Moody, initially felt nervous to return to the track when the fan favorite driver was invited to NASCAR’s 75th anniversary celebration.