[2] Born in Chatsworth, Georgia, and raised in Dalton, Ridley was a fan of cars from a young age.
In 1967, he purchased Joe Lee Johnson's 1963 Ford Mustang at the age of 25.
At that time, he had only been racing and affiliated with NASCAR for a year, joining the professional leagues in 1966.
[3] 1967 would be the beginning of Ridley's career, participating in many NASCAR races throughout Georgia, such as in Lakewood, Trenton, and Byron.
Italics – Pole position earned by points standings or practice time.