NASCAR royalty gathered in Charlotte on Friday night to welcome the newest inductees into the Hall of Fame—racing icons Ricky Rudd, Carl Edwards, and the late Ralph Moody. These men, who helped shape stock car racing history, were honored alongside safety innovator Dr. Dean Sicking and legendary motorsports journalist Mike Harris.
From Hall of Famers to today’s stars, the sport’s greatest figures lined the red carpet at the NASCAR Hall of Fame, where fans packed the lobby for hours, hoping for a glimpse of their heroes.
But when Carl Edwards and Ricky Rudd arrived, the room erupted.
Carl Edwards: The Ultimate Showman Takes His Place in History
For Carl Edwards, the night was about reflection, gratitude, and one final celebration.
🔹 28 NASCAR Cup Series wins, including the Southern 500 & Coca-Cola 600
🔹 A heartbreaking runner-up finish in the closest championship battle in history (2011)
🔹 A 2007 Xfinity Series championship & 72 total wins across NASCAR’s top three series
Edwards, known for his signature backflip celebrations, admitted that during his racing career, he never took the time to truly enjoy his victories.
“So I said, we’re going to make sure there is a real celebration.”
One of his former team owners, Joe Gibbs, ensured Edwards’ entire support system from Missouri could attend by renting a plane for them.
As he stood on stage, Edwards delivered one of the most heartfelt speeches in Hall of Fame history, reflecting on his journey and the people who helped him along the way.
“I realized that all that time in the car, all that time in the shop, all the people that loved and cared about me, helped me… You didn’t just give me racing, you gave me an amazing life.”
“I can’t wait to see what you guys leave here and go do. Thanks for making me part of your family. Thank you NASCAR.”
Edwards left NASCAR at the height of his career, walking away in 2016. But on this night, he was reminded that his legacy in the sport will last forever.
Ricky Rudd: NASCAR’s Iron Man Finally Gets His Due
When it comes to grit, determination, and resilience, few match Ricky Rudd.
🔹 905 career starts—second only to Richard Petty
🔹 23 NASCAR Cup Series wins, including the 1997 Brickyard 400
🔹 A record 16 consecutive seasons with a Cup Series victory
From his very first start in 1975 at just 18 years old, Rudd became known as one of the sport’s toughest competitors.
“With the help of a lot of great people, I was able to chase a lot of dreams, and with tonight’s induction, that dream is now complete.”
Rudd also shared the personal sacrifices that came with his racing career, thanking his wife Linda and son Landon for being with him through it all.
“Linda has not only been my wife and best friend for 45 years, she mentally drove every lap with me.”
His career is filled with legendary moments, but perhaps none more iconic than his string of 788 consecutive starts, a record that stood until 2015.
On this night, Ricky Rudd’s iron will and determination were rightfully enshrined in NASCAR history.
Ralph Moody: The Man Who Built Champions
While Moody’s driving career included five NASCAR victories, his impact off the track was even greater.
🔹 Co-founder of Holman-Moody, one of NASCAR’s most dominant race teams (1957-72)
🔹 Built and developed championship-winning cars for legends like David Pearson
🔹 Helped revolutionize NASCAR car construction & safety standards
Ralph Moody’s son accepted the honor on his behalf, sharing stories of his father’s relentless pursuit of perfection and safety in stock car racing.
“For Dad, it was never just about winning—it was about creating safety, not just being faster.”
Legends like Bobby and Donnie Allison credited Moody for their own careers, proving just how instrumental he was in shaping the sport.
Dr. Dean Sicking & Mike Harris: NASCAR’s Unsung Heroes
Dr. Dean Sicking: The Man Who Made NASCAR Safer
One of the most influential safety figures in NASCAR history, Dr. Dean Sicking was honored with the Landmark Award for his groundbreaking work on the SAFER Barrier—a lifesaving innovation that changed motorsports forever.
Sicking received a standing ovation, proving that his impact extends far beyond the racetrack.
“I did not expect to win that. I was very surprised and honored.”
Mike Harris: The Journalist Who Told NASCAR’s Story
For over 40 years, Mike Harris was one of the most trusted voices in NASCAR journalism, covering the sport for the Associated Press.
🔹 Lead AP motorsports writer from 1980-2009
🔹 Told the stories of NASCAR’s biggest moments & greatest legends
Veteran NASCAR executive Mike Helton called Harris one of the sport’s greatest storytellers, ensuring that generations of fans understood NASCAR’s history through his words.
“Mike was always a gentleman journalist. While covering heroes of the sport, he himself became a well-known name.”
Final Take: A Night of Legends, Legacy, and Lasting Impact
The NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2025 represents everything the sport stands for—speed, skill, resilience, and innovation.
✅ Carl Edwards: The charismatic, high-flying showman
✅ Ricky Rudd: The toughest driver NASCAR has ever seen
✅ Ralph Moody: The genius who built champions
✅ Dr. Dean Sicking: The man who made NASCAR safer
✅ Mike Harris: The journalist who told NASCAR’s greatest stories
From record-breaking careers to life-saving innovations, these five legends shaped NASCAR’s past, present, and future.
For Edwards, Rudd, and Moody’s family, this wasn’t just a celebration—it was a moment that will live forever in NASCAR history.