Jeff Gordon Retiring From NASCAR, But Will ‘Stay Extremely Busy’
It’s official. NASCAR driver Jeff Gordon will be retiring sooner than many of his biggest fans and critics might like.
Hollywood Life reports that Gordon will be retiring from NASCAR at the end of the 2015 season.
The 43-year-old stock car champion also confirmed the news in a statement posted on the Hendrick Motorsports website Thursday.
“As a race car driver, much of what I’ve done throughout my life has been based on following my instincts and trying to make good decisions. I thought long and hard about my future this past year and during the offseason, and I’ve decided 2015 will be the last time I compete for a championship.”
Gordon also confirmed that his decision does not mean that his working relationship with Hendrick Motorsports is not ending anytime soon. Jeff even mentions that he may also return to the driver’s seat of a stock car for select events.
“I won’t use the ‘R-word’ because I plan to stay extremely busy in the years ahead, and there’s always the possibility I’ll compete in selected events, although I currently have no plans to do that.”
Jeff Gordon posted a picture of himself breaking the news to Team Hendrick on his official Twitter page on Thursday.
Letting team know this will be my final year competing for a championship. pic.twitter.com/s7aH8OpGQZ
— Jeff Gordon (@JeffGordonWeb) January 22, 2015
I’m proud of the career I’ve had & knew this day would come, but I’ll be involved with @TeamHendrick for many years to come. — Jeff Gordon (@JeffGordonWeb) January 22, 2015
Running final full-time @NASCAR season in 2015 -> http://t.co/D0ZybzZpxR. #Team24 pic.twitter.com/G5UAr3ulHY
— Jeff Gordon (@JeffGordonWeb) January 22, 2015
Gordon further explains in his statement that he does not foresee a time when he will ever step away from the racing world completely, especially since he is such a big fan of motor sports in general.
Jeff assures his fans that he will continue to stay involved with Hendrick Motorsports as an equity owner and partner alongside Rick Hendrick.
“It means so much to have the chance to continue working with the owner who took a chance on me and the incredible team that’s stood behind me every step of the way.”
Jeff Gordon also credits racing for providing him with the numerous opportunities that have been “extraordinarily rewarding and fulfilling” in his life, including the work that is being done with the Jeff Gordon Children’s Foundation. The celebrated NASCAR driver admits that his efforts will be focused on another one of his biggest passions when he is no longer driving – pediatric cancer research.
Even though Gordon has his post-NASCAR plans mapped out, Gordon assures his fans and critics that nothing will change about the 2015 season – he is still focused and determined to do his best behind the steering wheel of his iconic vehicle.
“My primary focus now and throughout 2015 will be my performance in the No. 24 Chevrolet. I’m going to pour everything I have into this season and look forward to the challenge of competing for one last championship.”
For nearly 23 years, Jeff Gordon has been the man behind the wheel of the No. 24 Chevrolet SS for Hendrick Motorsports – racking up a career total of 92 wins along the way.
Throughout his career so far, Gordon has won four Cup championships and 77 pole positions. Jeff is currently ranked third in all-time victories – behind NASCAR Hall of Fame legends David Pearson and Richard Petty.
[Image Credit: Motor Sports Talk]
