Wallace to replace injured Rudd

Rudd sustained a left shoulder separation in an accident during the Nextel Cup race at Fontana, and further checks have confirmed that he has broken ligaments and tendons, which limit the movement of his left arm.

Kenny Wallace, who is one of the drivers in contention for Rudd's seat at Yates for next year, will be given the chance to prove his worth at the wheel of the No. 88 Yates/Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing Ford at Richmond on Saturday night.

For Rudd, the driver with the record for the most consecutive Nextel Cup starts, it will be the first time he will have to miss a NASCAR race due to injury.

In 1984, he won at Richmond with his eyes taped so that he could keep them open, as he still was suffering from considerable swelling due to an accident two weeks before during a qualifying race at Daytona.

"It's pretty disappointing to me to miss the race this weekend in Richmond," said Rudd. "I've never missed a race due to an injury but I still feel lucky because it could've been a lot worse.

"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. I'd like to thank Kenny for being able to step in this weekend."

Rudd's recovery from his shoulder injury will be reviewed on a weekly basis, but it is still uncertain when the 50-year-old, who turns 51 next week, will be able to get back behind the wheel.

Wallace has competed this season in the No. 78 Furniture Row Chevrolet, making the field ten times before being released from his contract. He also raced for Kyle Petty at Michigan, after the Petty Enterprises driver injured his wrist at Watkins Glen.

In 23 starts at Richmond, Wallace has an eleventh place in 1998 as his best result. He also started from the front row in 1999 and has led only three laps at the 0.75-mile oval.