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.

Members from all across motorsports will gather at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte to celebrate the Hall's newest inductees.

Carl Edwards left NASCAR abruptly in 2016 and has mostly stayed away since, making his Hall of Fame induction all the more special to him.

NASCAR had a 63-year backlog of Hall of Fame-worthy drivers, owners, mechanics, crew chiefs, and executives when its Hall opened in 2010. Drivers and crew chiefs must be retired for three years to become Hall-eligible. Retired drivers Carl Edwards and Ricky Rudd will be inducted on Friday in Charlotte.

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.

Holman-Moody won 96 races and 83 pole positions with a group that included NASCAR Hall of Fame drivers Bobby Allison, Fred Lorenzen, Fireball Roberts, Joe Weatherly and Pearson. Moody died in 2004 at age 86.

NASCAR Hall of Fame induction ceremony on February 7 in Charlotte will honor Carl Edwards, Ricky Rudd, Ralph Moody, and Dr. Dean Sicking.