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For the first time in his NASCAR Cup Series career, Ricky Rudd will miss a race because of injury.
The left shoulder separation Rudd suffered last Sunday at California Speedway will prevent him from competing in this weekend's Chevy Rock & Roll 400 at Richmond International Raceway, the veteran driver told ESPN.com on Tuesday.
The wreck "tore a bunch of ligaments and tendons," Rudd said. "I'm out at Richmond."
Rudd will be evaluated on a week-to-week basis to determine his return to competition.
Kenny Wallace will replace Rudd in the No. 88 Ford.
Rudd said he'll still attend the race to assist in any way possible, including driver/team communication.
Rudd, who made his 900th career Cup Series start Sunday at California, separated his left shoulder and was briefly knocked unconscious in a wicked wreck on lap 181 of the Sharp Aquos 500.
The last time Rudd was unable to compete because of injury was early in his career, when he'd only begun dabbling in stock car racing. At the time he was racing motorcycles, and a compound fracture of his arm ended his season.
"Yeah, that was the only time and we really didn't have a true schedule, so to answer [the] question, no, I've never had to miss a race due to injury -- until now," Rudd said.
Marty Smith is a contributor to ESPN's NASCAR coverage. He can be reached at [email protected].
The left shoulder separation Rudd suffered last Sunday at California Speedway will prevent him from competing in this weekend's Chevy Rock & Roll 400 at Richmond International Raceway, the veteran driver told ESPN.com on Tuesday.
The wreck "tore a bunch of ligaments and tendons," Rudd said. "I'm out at Richmond."
Rudd will be evaluated on a week-to-week basis to determine his return to competition.
Kenny Wallace will replace Rudd in the No. 88 Ford.
Rudd said he'll still attend the race to assist in any way possible, including driver/team communication.
Rudd, who made his 900th career Cup Series start Sunday at California, separated his left shoulder and was briefly knocked unconscious in a wicked wreck on lap 181 of the Sharp Aquos 500.
The last time Rudd was unable to compete because of injury was early in his career, when he'd only begun dabbling in stock car racing. At the time he was racing motorcycles, and a compound fracture of his arm ended his season.
"Yeah, that was the only time and we really didn't have a true schedule, so to answer [the] question, no, I've never had to miss a race due to injury -- until now," Rudd said.
Marty Smith is a contributor to ESPN's NASCAR coverage. He can be reached at [email protected].
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