CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Ricky Rudd was clearing away leaves by his pool when he got an anonymous text message that he might want to make the 20-minute drive south to Charlotte — quickly.

Rudd knew right away that he was finally getting into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in his eighth year on the ballot.

The tough-as-nails driver from Virginia was selected as part of the Class of 2025 on Tuesday along with driver Carl Edwards and mechanic and race strategist Ralph Moody, who made it in on the pioneer ballot.

They will be officially inducted into the Hall of Fame on Feb. 7 at a ceremony in Charlotte.

“You don’t think about the Hall of Fame when you’re racing,” Rudd said. “But after you retire and drift away from the sport there is a little bit more importance. ... I always tried to make sure I was in town on this day just in case got a phone call.”