CHARLOTTE, N.C., Sept. 5 (UPI) -- Ricky Rudd, who started the 900th race of his career last week in California, will miss a start for the first time in his 31-year career because of injury.
Rudd will sit out the Chevy Rock & Roll 400 at the Richmond (Va.) International Raceway. He injured his left shoulder during a crash last Sunday.
"The wreck tore a bunch of ligaments and tendons," Rudd said. "I'm out at Richmond."
Rudd was knocked unconscious and was injured during a crash in lap 181 of the Sharp Aquos 500 in California. He was treated and released at a local hospital and was being treated in Charlotte, N.C.
He said he hoped to be ready to drive in the Sept. 16 race in New Hampshire.
Kenny Wallace will replace Rudd on Saturday night in the final race of the Nextel Cup "regular" season.
