THE DON HUNTER COLLECTION

RODE HARD AND PUT UP WET

When the cars of Ricky Rudd and Jody Ridley made contact during the 1984 Busch Clash at Daytona, it sent Rudd into a terrifying series of flips that left Rudd with severely bloodshot eyes and dizziness.

Rudd later quipped in the March 1, 1984 issue of Grand National Scene, "I'm pretty angry (with Ridley). I'd like to go punch him in the nose, but he might want to fight and I'm not up to it." When asked how he was managing his discomfort, Rudd was quoted as saying in jest, "What am I doing for pain? Cocaine. A couple lines a day."

In one of the most heroic performances in the history of NASCAR, Rudd drove at Richmond two weeks later with his eyes taped open, the upper half of his body covered in ointment, wrapped in bandages and outfitted with a special pad. It's amazing enough that Rudd even competed in the event ... but he also won it.