Ricky Rudd will miss his first Nextel Cup Series race because of injury Saturday. He separated his left shoulder last weekend at California Speedway.
Nextel Cup and Busch Series driver Kenny Wallace will drive for Rudd this weekend at Richmond, Va. Wallace has made 11 starts this season and most recently served as a substitute driver for Kyle Petty.
"We'd like to thank Kenny Wallace for driving the No. 88 car this weekend at Richmond," said team owner Robert Yates. "Our focus is to get Ricky well so that he can finish out the season with the No. 88 team, but we are excited to have Kenny behind the wheel this weekend."
A Charlotte-area physician specializing in shoulder and elbow injuries examined Rudd Tuesday and determined surgery was not necessary. Rudd will begin a rehabilitation program this week.
"I've never missed a race due to an injury, but I still feel lucky because it could've been a lot worse," he said. {quot}Obviously, the fact I cannot race at Richmond, my home track, upsets me, but I will be there with the team this weekend to assist in any way I can.
Charlotte Observer | 09/04/2007 | Wallace to sub for Rudd this weekend