Rudd extended his streak of years with at least one victory to 16 with a memorable victory over the heat and the field in the fall race at Martinsville, but that was his only top-five and he had more did-not-finishes (seven) than top 10s (five). Rudd will get his engines from PenskeŽs new program in 1999, meaning heŽs not totally on his own.
Career
In 1997, he scored biggest of 19 career victories in Brickyard 400,
winning $571,000 on way to career best $1,975,981. Earlier win at Dover
gave him two wins in season for first time since 1987. Has won at least
once for 15 straight years. After Brickyard, things went haywire. Out of
top 25 in nine of last 13 races to skid from eighth to 17th in points.
In 1996, he finished sixth in Winston Cup points. Won at Rockingham in October to extend streak of winning at least one race a year to 14 straight seasons (won at least one race in each season since 1983 -- never more than two victories in a year), second longest active streak, behind Dale Earnhardt's 15. Had five top-5s and 16 top-10s to go along with his '96 victory.
Has finished out of top 10 in points only once since 1981. After a 5th place finish in 1994, the Rudd Performance Motorsports team dropped to 9th in the standings for 1995 but brought in best single season career winnings. Had 16 top-10 finishes and pulled out an end of the season win at Phoenix.
Enjoyed successful season in 1994 as first year owner-driver of Tide-sponsored RPM Racing. Won at Loudon, N.H., in 1994 for his 15th career victory. As of 1994, he had five hundred Winston Cup starts, 15 wins, 21 poles and $8,685,611 in career winnings through 1994 (6th all-time). Finished 5th in 1994 Winston Cup standings.
Began racing motocross and go-karts in late 1960s. 1977 Winston Cup Rookie of the Year. First Winston Cup race, 1975. First win came in 161st start, Budweiser 400, June 1983, at Riverside. First pole came in 96th attempt, 1981 Virginia 500 at Martinsville. Known as road-racing extraordinaire. Raced four seasons for Rick Hendrick before breaking off on his own. Runner-up to Dale Earnhardt for 1991 Winston Cup title. Won 1992 IROC title.
Enjoys outdoors, boating and water sports. Says his role as owner is a spark to an exciting second life in Winston Cup racing. Wife, Linda and son, Landon.
Sources: NASCAR Press Guides, Star and News staff reports.
