“He doesn't always utilize his talents”: When Jeff Gordon critically assessed a two-time NASCAR champion’s on-track attitude

NASCAR Hall of Famer Jeff Gordon had once shared his thoughts on fellow Cup Series driver and former champion Kyle Busch for being unable to make the most of his abilities. A two-time champion, Busch secured his first Cup Series title the same year Gordon retired from NASCAR.

NASCAR Hall of Famer Jeff Gordon achieved 93 Cup Series wins during his 25-year career, all driving the iconic #24 for Hendrick Motorsports. His first victory came at the 1994 Coca-Cola 600, marking the start of his dominance. A four-time Cup champion, Gordon's career highlights include a record-setting 13-win season in 1998.

In a 2010 interview with Jeff Gluck, Gordon was asked to answer a few questions about his celebrated NASCAR career. One of the questions was who Gordon thought to be the best driver in the Cup Series. Gordon answered the question with the names of two legendary drivers of the sport and criticized both of them, despite their talents. (via SB Nation)

"Can I have a two-part answer? It's a combination of Tony (Stewart) and Kyle (Busch). I think sometimes Kyle just gets too aggressive and doesn't always utilize his talents the best he possibly can. And then I think Tony sometimes needs that extra push of motivation to utilize his talent."

He then shared that Tony Stewart might be a better driver than Kyle Busch.

"To me, I think Tony is one of the most talented drivers I've ever raced against."

After retiring from NASCAR in 2015, Jeff Gordon has now transitioned into a leadership role at Hendrick Motorsports, where he earned his four Cup Series championships. He now serves as the vice chairman of the organization, contributing to its continued success in NASCAR.

---

“We need him” - When Jeff Gordon addressed Tony Stewart’s NASCAR retirement

Jeff Gordon once expressed his hope that Tony Stewart would continue competing in the NASCAR Cup Series. Gordon, who retired in 2015, shared his thoughts ahead of Stewart's retirement announcement in 2016. Following Stewart's win at Sonoma Raceway, Gordon remarked that Stewart's talent and passion made him a valuable asset to the sport.

"Let's talk Tony into sticking around a little longer then because it obviously sounds like we need him."

"You know, I think all of us as we get older, our tempers and our... I guess our fuse...just gets a little bit shorter and you lose patience, and I don't know if that's just when you get into the later stages of your career or if it's just getting older and part of it."

After retiring, Tony Stewart remained deeply involved in NASCAR as co-owner of Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR). However, SHR announced its departure from the sport following the conclusion of the current season, marking the end of an era for the championship-winning team.