Ricky Rudd, known as the “Ironman” for his 788 consecutive starts over a 32-year career, was feted for his grit.

Ricky Rudd, known as the "Ironman" for his 788 consecutive starts over a 32-year career, and 'Cousin' Carl Edwards were ...

The 68-year-old made his mark with 23 Cup Series victories, including a thrilling win at the 1997 Brickyard 400.

But two things tie Edwards and Rudd together — when each decided to retire, both essentially vanished from the NASCAR scene, ...