Storyline: Jeff Gordon has had a legendary career. What makes it so legen- wait for it. Actually don’t wait for it because Jeff didn’t wait to step onto the NASCAR scene as a champion- DARY!
Courtesy: usatoday.com
For those of you who don’t follow NASCAR closely, or even at all, this great sport is losing a part of its history. A representation of the Number 24, Jeff Gordon is retiring from NASCAR after the current season is over. It will truly be a big loss for NASCAR, with the departure of such a great driver.
Jeff Gordon has achieved many things. Out of all 63 drivers who have represented the Number 24 car, Gordon is the most successful one. In fact, all 92 victories that belong to said car are because of Jeff Gordon. These 92 wins not only make him the winniest number 24 racer, but also third on the all-time wins list.
Courtesy: thepawnshop.com
In addition to all these victories, he’s put together an extensive list of championships. He is a 4-time Sprint Cup champion, winning the championship in ’95, ’97, ’98, and ’01. His lesser known success goes beyond a typical NASCAR speedway. Jeff Gordon is a man of great versatility. This adaptability comes in the form of road-courses. Gordon has obtained 9 wins on courses in such places like Sonoma, California and Watkins Glen, NY. He’s acquired more than half of these wins at Infineon Raceway (5).
He’s also notched 12 wins on race tracks designed specifically for speed; these tracks being Talladega Superspeedway and Daytona International Speedway. The wins were split between each track at 6 a piece. Talk about adaptability.
He also set a milestone as the first driver to win a race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway; in 1994, when NASCAR debuted at the track.
Jeff Gordon’s off-track influence is another aspect that makes him one of NASCAR’s greatest. At just 24 years old, he became one of the youngest Sprint Cup champions in NASCAR history; second only to Bill Rexford (who won it at age 23). Being such a young driver and a major champion paved the way for other young professionals. It made them feel a sense of hope seeing their peer achieve something so great.
He also brought in the aspect of younger drivers beating seasoned veterans. While Dale Earnhardt was still the top guy in NASCAR, Jeff Gordon came in, along with crew chief Ray Evernham, and dethroned him.
It’s safe to say that Jeff Gordon will be a shoe-in for the Hall of Fame. Not to mention he can also sit pretty on that $126 million in winnings over his career. He can live the rest of his life a world-famous, rich, hall of fame racer.
This goes out to Grandpa and Mary.
