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Jeff Gordon

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Jeffery Michael Gordon is a highly influential American racing executive and former professional driver. He is widely considered one of the greatest drivers in the history of NASCAR. Gordon helped the sport reach mainstream popularity during the 1990s and 2000s. He competed full-time from 1993 to 2015. During this time, he drove the No. 24 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports. He currently serves as the vice chairman of that same team.

1995WinstonCupTrophyChampionJeffGordon
1995WinstonCupTrophyChampionJeffGordon

Gordon's journey to professional racing began with small vehicles and intense competition. He started riding a BMX bike at age four. By age five, he was racing quarter midgets. By age six, he had won 35 main events and set five track records. At age eleven, he won every single karting race he entered. In 1986, he began racing sprint cars and won three races. At age sixteen, he became the youngest driver to receive a USAC license. He even competed in sprint car races in Australia and New Zealand.

Martin Auto Museum-1990 Jeff Godon's Ford NASCAR Race Car
Martin Auto Museum-1990 Jeff Godon's Ford NASCAR Race Car

Before reaching the top level, Gordon moved through several racing series. He first raced in the Busch Series with Hugh Connerty Racing. In 1990, he drove the No. 67 Outback Steakhouse Pontiac. He then raced for Bill Davis Racing in the Busch Series. In 1992, he set a NASCAR record by winning eleven pole positions in one season. A pole position is the first starting spot in a race. These early successes earned him the Rookie of the Year award in 1991.

Jeff Gordon energy drink
Jeff Gordon energy drink

Gordon transitioned to the NASCAR Winston Cup Series in 1993. He drove the No. 24 car for Hendrick Motorsports. His early years were marked by both talent and learning. Some critics doubted him because he often pushed cars too hard. This caused several crashes during his rookie season. However, he quickly proved his skill by winning the Coca-Cola 600 in 1994. He also won the inaugural Brickyard 400 later that same year.

Jeff Gordon at Indianapolis 2016
Jeff Gordon at Indianapolis 2016

His championship years established him as a dominant force. Gordon won the Cup Series championship four times. These titles came in 1995, 1997, 1998, and 2001. He also won the prestigious Daytona 500 three times. These victories occurred in 1997, 1999, and 2005. Gordon completed three career Grand Slams. He also won sixteen Crown Jewel races. These include four Talladega 500s and six Southern 500s.

Jeff Gordon wins Phoenix - February 27, 2011 cropped
Jeff Gordon wins Phoenix - February 27, 2011 cropped

Gordon holds many significant statistical records in the modern era. The modern era of NASCAR began in 1972. Gordon has 93 career Cup wins. This is the most wins of any driver in the modern era. In 1998, he won thirteen races in a single season. This remains a modern era record. He also holds the record for most road course wins with nine. Additionally, he held the record for most consecutive races participated in with 797.

His impact on the sport is recognized by many organizations. In 1998, NASCAR named him to its 50 Greatest Drivers list. He was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2019. Economically, he was a massive success. Forbes reported his career earnings were $515 million. This made him the highest-paid NASCAR driver ever. He was also ranked as the 18th highest-paid athlete of all time. Today, he continues to influence the sport through his leadership roles.

Jeff Gordon wins Phoenix - February 27, 2011 cropped
Jeff Gordon wins Phoenix - February 27, 2011 cropped
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🖼️ Images & Media (10)
File:Martin Auto Museum-1990 Jeff Godon's Ford NASCAR Race Car.jpg
Martin Auto Museum-1990 Jeff Godon's Ford...
File:1995WinstonCupTrophyChampionJeffGordon.jpg
1995WinstonCupTrophyChampionJeffGordon.jpg
File:Jeff Gordon wins Phoenix - February 27, 2011 cropped.jpg
Jeff Gordon wins Phoenix - February 27,...
File:Jeff Gordon at Indianapolis 2016.jpg
Jeff Gordon at Indianapolis 2016.jpg
File:Jeff Gordon Darrell Waltrip FOX Sports Booth.jpg
Jeff Gordon Darrell Waltrip FOX Sports Booth.jpg
File:JeffBrookeGordon.jpg
JeffBrookeGordon.jpg
File:Jeff Gordon energy drink.jpg
Jeff Gordon energy drink.jpg
File:2015Indy500PaceCar.JPG
2015Indy500PaceCar.JPG
File:Jeff Gordon Expressway sign unveiling.jpg
Jeff Gordon Expressway sign unveiling.jpg
File:TSM350 - Jeff Gordon - Stierch 7.jpg
TSM350 - Jeff Gordon - Stierch 7.jpg
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