Charlotte, NC (Best E Casino) - After starting his 900th race last week at the California Speedway, Ricky Rudd will be forced to sit out this week's event at the Richmond International Raceway due to an injured left shoulder. It will be the first time in his career that Rudd has missed a race due to injury.

"The wreck tore a bunch of ligaments and tendons," Rudd said. "I'm out at Richmond."

Kenny Wallace will replace Rudd on Saturday night in the final race of the Nextel Cup "regular" season.

Rudd was knocked unconscious and injured his shoulder during a lap 181 crash in Sunday night's Sharp Aquos 500. Rudd was treated and released from the Loma Linda University Medical Center on Sunday before returning to Charlotte. He saw a specialist on Tuesday and will begin a rehabilitation program in hopes of racing at New Hampshire on September 16th.