Daytona 500 win eludes many top drivers Feb 16, 2008
Ricky Rudd, Terry Labonte, Mark Martin and many more have endured close calls, multi-car crashes, blown engines, broken parts, tire failure, pit-road problems and just about every other kind of turmoil imaginable at Daytona International Speedway. They've run up front, spent entire races in the back of the pack, had early exits and podium finishes. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Driver departures mean changes for NASCAR and the fans Feb 16, 2008
Longtime fan favorite Darrell Waltrip retired after the 2000 season, and Rusty Wallace, Terry Labonte and Ricky Rudd have since followed. So, where does that leave the millions of fans who rooted for those drivers, joined their fans clubs and bought their souvenirs. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Memories abound for The King as Daytona 500 runs its 50th Feb 15, 2008
"But we could hang onto them. It was Bobby, Buddy Baker, Dale Earnhardt and Ricky Rudd racing all together. With 17 or 18 laps to go, Bobby comes in to get two tires and gas, and the rest of them followed. I told Richard halfway through the race that new tires weren't helping with speed, so whatever I do, just bear with me. We came in, just got gas and wound up winning that race.". Petty didn't always win. (USA Today -- Sports)
Yates team struggling for survival Jan 25, 2008
After Gilliland won the pole at last year's Daytona 500 and finished sixth, and now-retired Yates driver Ricky Rudd qualified second and finished 26th, Yates went into a free-fall. Gilliland didn't have another top 10. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Kings of youth Jan 9, 2008
Whoever it was who first said, "Youth is wasted on the young'' -- George Bernard Shaw, songwriter Sammy Cahn or the nosy guy on the porch in that Jimmy Stewart movie -- must have had the NBA in mind. With an occasional exception like the Portland Trail Blazers. The San Antonio Spurs, the closest thing these days to an NBA dynasty, routinely start four players age 30 or older (Bruce Bowen, 36; Michael Finley, 34; Fabricio Oberto, 32; and Tim Duncan, 31). So will the perennially contending Detroit... (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- NBA)
ESPN shrugs off dwindling NASCAR ratings Nov 22, 2007
" Rusty Wallace has hung it up, Mark Martin has cut way back, Dale Jarrett hasn't been competitive lately, Ricky Rudd is hanging it up after some unproductive years. "The research shows we've done a good job of bringing in new viewers, and we're doing well in the coveted younger demographics," Feinberg said. "But in the 55-plus area. "Well, are there too many races, have we lost too many of the great stars, is there too much international now, is it that Junior isn't winning? We're all working... (Scripps Howard News Wire)
Johnson cruises to second consecutive NASCAR title Nov 19, 2007
Ricky Rudd was smiling after his 906th and final Cup start that ended with a 21st-place finish. He is second on the career starts list to Richard Petty (1,184). (USA Today -- Sports)
Homestead weekend includes a long list of lasts for drivers, cars, crew chiefs and sponsors Nov 18, 2007
The race will also end the 32-year Cup career of Ricky Rudd. I've had an incredible career, but it's time for me to find a rocking chair somewhere, said Rudd, who came back from a one-year sabbatical to run one last season with Robert Yates Racing at the age of 50. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
A disappointed Tony Stewart ready to see '07 season end Nov 18, 2007
Ricky Rudd, who made a record 788 consecutive starts at one point in his career, is retiring after Sunday's Ford 400. He'll start 38th in the field. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Rudd will put a wrap on career today Nov 18, 2007
Ricky Rudd, who made a record 788 consecutive starts at one point in his career, is retiring after today's Ford 400 ... Ricky Rudd set to make 906th start. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Lack Of Championship Drama Nov 17, 2007
In 2002, Dale Jarrett, Sterling Marlin, Bill Elliott, Ricky Rudd, Bobby Labonte, and Mark Martin were still winning races. Rusty Wallace, Jeff Burton and Terry Labonte were still competitive. (Suite101.com)
After a career that spanned four different decades, Ricky Rudd will make his 906th, and final, start this Sunday in Florida. Nov 14, 2007
It seems appropriate that two of racing's most intriguing talents, driver Ricky Rudd and owner Robert Yates, exit the Cup stage together after Sunday's race at Homestead. Matthew O'Haren/Icon SMI. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
Jimmie Johnson wins 4th straight race Nov 13, 2007
The Associated Press Published: November 12, 2007. Jimmie Johnson took command of the Nextel Cup championship Sunday, winning at Phoenix International Raceway to open a daunting lead over teammate Jeff Gordon in the race to the title. (International Herald Tribune -- Sports)
Season's surprise Nov 4, 2007
Secondary Navigation. NASCAR driver Clint Bowyer prepares for practice on Saturday. (Yahoo News -- Auto Racing)
Prep cross country, vollehyball, soccer, football, NFL Nov 4, 2007
(88) Ricky Rudd, Ford, Owner Points. 40. (Yahoo News -- Auto Racing)
Rich: The sexiness of fearlessness Nov 4, 2007
Your Connection to the. Web Search powered by YAHOO. (Athens Banner-Herald)
College football, soccer, prep football, NFL Oct 22, 2007
(23) Ricky Rudd, Ford, 504, $96,308. 28. (Yahoo News -- Auto Racing)
Motorsports highlights Oct 11, 2007
Ricky Rudd: Returns to action in the NASCAR Nextel Cup race at Charlotte on Saturday after missing five weeks with a separated shoulder suffered at California Speedway. David Blaney: Third-place finish at Talladega on Sunday was the best yet for a Toyota in a Nextel Cup race. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Rudd to return on Saturday Oct 10, 2007
The Associated Press Ricky Rudd will get back behind the wheel of the Robert Yates Racing No. 88 Ford this week at Lowe's Motor Speedway after missing five weeks with a separated shoulder. "My shoulder still is not at 100 percent yet," said Rudd, who will retire at the end of the season. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Sports in Brief | Landis' Tour win will go to runner-up Oct 10, 2007
Ricky Rudd will get back behind the wheel of the Robert Yates Racing No. 88 Ford this week at Lowe s Motor Speedway near Charlotte, N.C., after missing five weeks with a separated left shoulder. Elsewhere: IndyCar Series champion Dario Franchitti will make his NASCAR debut in the Craftsman Truck Series race at Martinsville Speedway on Oct. 20. (Yahoo News -- Auto Racing)
In Brief: Kaepernick takes over as Nevada quarterback Oct 10, 2007
Ricky Rudd will get back behind the wheel of the Robert Yates Racing. No. 88 Ford this week at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Charlotte, N.C., after missing five weeks with a separated left shoulder. (Modesto Bee, CA)
Junior's chief gets '08 head-start at Hendrick Sep 22, 2007
Ricky Rudd drove the No. 88 for most of this season until a separated shoulder forced him out of the car. Kenny Wallace will drive the car Sunday at Dover International Speedway. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
Junior's New Ride Sep 20, 2007
Junior's memory of No. 88 includes drivers like Waltrip, Bobby Allison, Rusty Wallace, Ricky Rudd and Dale Jarrett, whose last win at Talladega in 2005 was the last for a No. 88 car. "This number is very respected," Earnhardt said. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
Jeff Gordon will make 500th NASCAR start Sunday Sep 14, 2007
"I was talking to Ricky Rudd at California, and 900, that's a lot," Gordon said, referring to Rudd's 900th career start, at Fontana, Calif. "I can't believe that it's going to be 500. That's a lot of seasons, a lot of good seasons.". (Boston Globe)
Yates to retire at end of season Sep 8, 2007
The team fielded cars for Dave Allison, Ernie Irvan, Ricky Rudd, Kenny Irwin and Elliott Sadler. The team currently fields Cup cars for Ricky Rudd and David Gilliland, and the two started on the front row for this year's season-opening Daytona 500. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Former series champ Bobby Labonte set to join NASCAR's elite 500 club Sep 6, 2007
Labonte will join active drivers Ricky Rudd, Bill Elliott, Dale Jarrett, Mark Martin, Kyle Petty and Michael Waltrip in reaching the mark. The 43-year-old Labonte, the 2000 series champion, is the youngest active driver to hit 500 starts. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Injury catches up with tough Rudd Sep 6, 2007
The Associated Press NASCAR iron man Ricky Rudd, who once taped his eyes open to race, will be unable to compete because of injury for the first time in a career spanning more than a quarter century ... "Rudd set a record with 788 consecutive starts over 25 seasons. He sat out all of last season -- racing only once, as an injury substitution for Tony Stewart -- and returned to a full schedule this season.Rudd, who made his 900th career start on Sunday at California, said last month that he'll... (News & Observer -- Sports)
Ex-Irish player from Harding to play at IPFW Sep 6, 2007
Ricky Rudd, who once taped his eyes open to race, will be unable to compete for the first time in a career spanning more than a quarter century because of a separated shoulder. BASEBALL. (Yahoo News -- Auto Racing)
Johnson's back: Reigning Cup champ seems to be turning up heat Sep 5, 2007
Reed Sorenson, however, lost a tire on Lap 174 and then Jeff Gordon got loose on Lap180 and hit Jeremy Mayfield, who then turned David Reuitmann to set off a crash that involved six cars and left Ricky Rudd favoring his left arm or wrist after hitting the wall. Rudd was taken to a local hospital for further evaluation. (Columbus Telegram, NE)
Crew chief will follow Earnhardt to Hendrick Sep 5, 2007
He launched Hendrick Motorsports in 1984 with the No. 5, and its won 27 races with Geoff Bodine, Ricky Rudd, Terry Labonte and Busch behind the wheel. Labonte drove it to the 1996 championship. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Earnhardt's fifth likely not enough Sep 3, 2007
Ricky Rudd yesterday joined Richard Petty as only the second driver to make 900 career Nextel Cup starts. But the 50-year-old Rudd, who has announced this is his final season, didn't make it to the finish. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Victory Lane Sep 3, 2007
(37) Ricky Rudd, Ford, 17941. (35) Robby Gordon, Ford, 15942. (News & Observer -- Sports)
NASCAR-NEXTEL Cup-Sharp AQUOS 500 Results Sep 3, 2007
(37) Ricky Rudd, Ford, accident, 179. 41. (International Herald Tribune)
Video: Nutrition Comes to NASCAR Sep 2, 2007
Mars, Incorporated debuts Generation Max(TM) as students start back to school and driver Rudd celebrates 900th career start HACKETTSTOWN, N.J., Sept. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Prolific NASCAR driver Ricky Rudd celebrates his 900th career start at the California Speedway on Sept. 2nd - a milestone achieved by just one other driver in this beloved sport. For this race, Rudd's #88 Snickers(R) Ford Fusion will be outfitted with a new brand - Generation Max(R) - a groundbreaking line of snacks from Mars,... (PR Newswire)
Notebook: Kenseth hoping to build on success Sep 2, 2007
"We tested at Winchester (Ind.) for Bristol, and before I even took the checkered flag in qualifying, I had a message waiting for me on my cell phone from Darrell. He was pretty impressed with our lap (16th quickest) and was pretty proud that he helped contribute in some way that led to our result. I'm just glad that Darrell can be a part of this.''---STAT OF THE WEEK: Ricky Rudd will hit a major milestone Sunday when he becomes the second driver to start 900 races in NASCAR's top series. Rudd... (MSNBC -- Sports)
Does King rule over all? Sep 2, 2007
On Friday afternoon, Ricky Rudd, who will make his 900th career start tonight as No. 2 on that all-time list to Petty, said Yarborough had skills that made him special as a driver. No one I ever saw could push a car harder than Cale, said Rudd, who indicated that success today in NASCAR is as much a byproduct of the engineer as it is the driver. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Analyzing the NASCAR scene . . . Sep 1, 2007
Ricky Rudd will make his 900th career start in Sunday's Sharp Aquos 500 at California Speedway, another milestone in a career that's coming to an end. Rudd will retire, at least from full-time Nextel Cup competition, after this season. (Columbus Telegram, NE)
Paved with good intent Sep 1, 2007
Nextel Cup veteran Ricky Rudd, 50, will make his 900th career start in tomorrow's Sharp Aquos 500 at California Speedway. "This is a record that just kind of sneaks up on you," said Rudd, who holds NASCAR's mark with 788 consecutive starts from 1981-2005. (Boston Globe)
Kyle Busch confirms JGR's shift to Toyota Sep 1, 2007
Mr. 900: Ricky Rudd said the fact he's be making his 900th career start means one thing. "I'm old," he quipped. (USA Today -- Sports)
With the recent influx of F1 drivers, is stock-car racing abandoning its roots? Aug 31, 2007
899:Career starts for Ricky Rudd, 50, who run in his 900th Nextel-Cup race on Sunday at California; both totals are the most among active drivers, and the second most all-time. 158:Points separating 13th-place Dale Earnhardt Jr. from 12th-place Kurt Busch in the Nextel Cup Standings heading into Sunday's race. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
Kahne ends drought with pole win at Bristol Aug 25, 2007
Carl Edwards, another Roush driver, was sixth, followed by Ryan Newman, Ricky Rudd, Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Burton. Kurt Busch, whos holding down the 12th and final spot in the Chase for the championship standings, qualified 19th. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Pit passes: By Bill Center Aug 23, 2007
Ricky Rudd, 50, has announced he will retire at the end of this season. Drivers Jeff Gordon (Steve Letarte) and Jimmie Johnson (Chad Knaus) got their crew chiefs back on Tuesday after both served five-week suspensions for technical violations on the Car of Tomorrow. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Prep football, golf, NFL, WNBA Aug 22, 2007
(22) Ricky Rudd, Ford, 201, $104,808. 34. (Yahoo News -- Auto Racing)
Hamlin hammers home Busch win at MIS Aug 22, 2007
--- Sounds as if Iron Man Ricky Rudd has unofficially announced his retirement at the end of the 2007. He will wind up as the driver with the second most career starts (911), with only the King Richard Petty with more at over 1,000. (Altivista Journal, VA)
Marlin set to make his return at Bristol Aug 22, 2007
Reports are that Furniture Row officials are hoping to convince Marlin and Ricky Rudd, who is considering retirement, to split the schedule for the 2008 season. Kenny Wallace had been driving the No. 78 car, but he stepped down as driver of the car last week to become a team consultant. (Columbia Daily Herald, TN)
Ricky Rudd Retires Aug 21, 2007
Ricky Rudd is almost 51 and the grueling Nextel Cup schedule has finally taken its toll on the one-time NASCAR ironman. "To run this schedule week in and week out, week in and week out, it's more demanding than it used to be," Rudd said at Michigan International Speedway, where NASCAR was still trying to run the rain-delayed 3M Performance 400 on Monday. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Sports)
'It's clear' to Rudd now he's ready to retire Aug 21, 2007
Steve Helber / APRicky Rudd drove in a record 788 consecutive races from 1981 through 2005 before sitting out the 2006 Nextel Cup season ... - Ricky Rudd is almost 51 and the grueling Nextel Cup schedule has finally taken its toll on the one-time NASCAR ironman. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Longtime NASCAR star Ricky Rudd will retire at the end of 2007 – probably Aug 21, 2007
Longtime NASCAR star Ricky Rudd will retire at the end of 2007 probably ... Ricky Rudd is almost 51 and the grueling Nextel Cup schedule has finally taken its toll on the one-time NASCAR ironman. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
NASCAR's Rudd to Hang Up Driver's Suit Aug 21, 2007
Ricky Rudd walks to his garage after practice for the NASCAR 3M Performance 400 at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, Mich ... (AP) -- Ricky Rudd is almost 51 and the grueling Nextel Cup schedule has finally taken its toll on the one-time NASCAR ironman. (Yahoo News -- Auto Racing)
Federer breezes past Blake for No. 50 Aug 20, 2007
Ricky Rudd said he plans to retire from the Nextel Cup series after this season. The 50-year-old Rudd is in his 28th season as a full-time driver in the Cup series. (Boston Globe)
Report: Rudd plans to retire from Cup series Aug 20, 2007
(AP) -Ricky Rudd said he plans to retire from the NASCAR Nextel Cup series after this season. The 50-year-old Rudd, in his 28th season as a full-time driver in the Cup series, told the Virginian Pilot that he has informed car owner Robert Yates of his decision to step out of the No. 88 car. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Rudd plans to retire from NASCAR Nextel Cup series after 28 seasons Aug 20, 2007
- Ricky Rudd said he plans to retire from the NASCAR Nextel Cup series after this season. The 50-year-old Rudd, in his 28th season as a full-time driver in the Cup series, told the Virginian Pilot that he has informed car owner Robert Yates of his decision to step out of the No. 88 car. (Orangeburg Times and Democrat, SC)
Victory Lane: The race at a glance Aug 14, 2007
(27) Ricky Rudd, Ford, elec. 77, $89,95839. (News & Observer -- Sports)
NASCAR's top-tier teams staying in fast lane by merging Aug 10, 2007
Robert Yates Racing (Ricky Rudd). Partners with open-wheel team, Newman/Haas Racing, to get more engineers; Cup team renamed Yates/Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing. (USA Today -- Sports)
Hamlin survives brake problems to finish third Aug 6, 2007
Ricky Rudd and Bill Elliott, a pair of longtime drivers on the NASCAR circuit who returned to the tri-oval after a one-year absence, put up a pair of respectable finishes on Sunday. Rudd, winner of the June race in 2001, shook off a speeding penalty in the pits on lap 55 to register a 13th-place finish. (Scranton Times, PA)
Golf, soccer, auto racing Jul 30, 2007
(37) Ricky Rudd, Ford, 159, $179,258. 25. (Yahoo News -- Auto Racing)
Ganassi teammates sweep front row at Brickyard Jul 29, 2007
Other former Indy winners in the 43-car field include Tony Stewart 14th, Kevin Harvick 20th, Bobby Labonte 29th, Bill Elliott 32nd and Ricky Rudd 37th. Among the drivers who failed to qualify was two-time Brickyard winner Dale Jarrett. (MSNBC -- Sports)
J.J. Yeley, Robby Gordon hit wall but unhurt in practice before Brickyard qualifications Jul 29, 2007
The only others with more than 800 are Dave Marcis (883), Ricky Rudd (894), Terry Labonte (849) and Darell Waltrip (809) ... The Goodyear Eagle Speedway Radial tire combination D-4100 on the left side and D-4102 on the right was tested at Indianapolis in April by Dale Jarrett, Jimmie Johnson, Bobby Labonte and Ricky Rudd. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Edwards catches a good break Jul 27, 2007
Petty will be joined on the track, though, by two other drivers with 800 career starts: Ricky Rudd, driver of the No. 88 Snickers Ford, and Terry Labonte, who will be using his past champion's provisional to guarantee a starting spot in the 43-car grid for Michael Waltrip's No. 55 NAPA Auto Parts Toyota. "It's kind of crazy to think that this will be my 800th start," Petty said. (Boston Globe)
If Daytona is first, then Brickyard isnt too far behind Jul 27, 2007
Jarrett won the 400 in 1996 and was followed by Ricky Rudd in 1997. From 1998 to 2001, the winners of the race won the title. (Dublin Courier Herald, GA)
Mike's Garage: Stewart shoots from hip, climbs fence Jul 21, 2007
One time that always comes back to mind is at Richmond a few years a go when Kevin Harvick and Ricky Rudd got into it. The pit reporter asked Ricky what Kevin said to him after the race was over and Ricky said I could tell because he had that little yep, yep mouth going on. (Gaylord Herald Times, MI)
A new Support Series Jul 16, 2007
Think about it, guys like Bill Elliott, Mark Martin, Dale Jarrett, Darrell Waltrip, Ricky Rudd, and Kenny Schrader. Maybe through guys like Ricky Craven, Steve Park, Sterling Marlin, Kyle Petty, Kerry Earnhardt, Ron Hornaday, Dennis Setzer, Bobby Labonte, Stacy Compton, and heck maybe even James Hylton into the mix. (Suite101.com)
Scelzi's name earns fame on Sonoma wall Jul 6, 2007
NASCAR inductees have been Jeff Gordon, Ricky Rudd, Rusty Wallace and Mark Martin. "To look at that list of names ... I'm humbled, really amazed to be joining that group," Scelzi said. (Fresno Bee -- Sports)
NASCAR Nextel Cup Leaders Jul 4, 2007
19, Ricky Rudd, 2,086,570. 20, Carl Edwards, 2,046,330. (Columbus Telegram, NE)
Facts & figures Jul 1, 2007
Most consecutive starts: Ricky Rudd (30). Most poles: Cale Yarborough (8). (Orlando Sentinel -- Sports)
