Ricky Rudd, Carl Edwards inducted into NASCAR Hall of Fame - ESPN

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — One of the toughest drivers in NASCAR history joined one the most enigmatic drivers of the modern era as the newest inductees into the Hall of Fame in a star-studded Friday night ceremony.

Ricky Rudd, known as the «Ironman» for his 788 consecutive starts over a 32-year career, was feted for his grit. Following a crash the week before the Daytona 500, Rudd's eyes were so swollen he used duct tape to keep them open so that he could race. In reality, it was injuries to his ribs that bothered him most, for week, but was overlooked because of the tape keeping his eyes open.

Another time, when the cooling system in his car failed, his team tried to help by pouring water into his firesuit. But the process backfired and Rudd suffered second-degree burns. He finished the race and did his media obligations laying on the ground.

«He had a job to do, and nothing was going to stop him,» said seven-time NASCAR champion and fellow Hall of Famer Richard Petty.

Rudd also didn't stand down to anyone — he told The Associated Press his father taught him young how to handle bullies — and his ability to defend himself prevented many confrontations that might have happened during NASCAR's rougher days.

Hall of Famer Jeff Gordon recounted a time the two crashed into each other and had to share an ambulance to the care center. Gordon said he was so relieved to see Rudd already seated in the front seat because if they'd been in the back together, Gordon figured he was about to lose a fist fight.

«He's a guy who demands respect and deserves to be in the Hall of Fame,» said fellow Hall of Famer Rusty Wallace.

Also inducted Friday night was Carl Edwards, a popular driver who abruptly quit the sport after his second controversial