“There’s so many things it prevents me from doing”: When Jeff Gordon made feelings known about retiring from NASCAR

Modified Jan 11, 2025 18:55 GMT

NASCAR: Ford Ecoboost 400 - Source: Imagn — Jeff Gordon at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 22, 2015. Image: Imagn

NASCAR team owner and former driver Jeff Gordon once shared his reasons for retiring during his last full-time season in the Cup Series. He explained that health and family were some of the main factors that contributed to his decision.

Gordon announced his retirement in January 2015 at 43 years old. He ranked third in career wins behind Richard Petty and David Pearson and in May 2015, Gordon spoke about the life sacrifices full-time racing in the series demands from a driver.

"There’s so many things it prevents me from doing. Jogging, cycling, working out on a regular basis with weights, playing with my kids — I have to be really careful with the things I do with them," Gordon said [via NY Times].

"It’s what got me initially thinking about it. If I would race longer, am I going to be walking around on crutches or in a wheelchair? That’s the real question," he added.

Jeff Gordon has 93 wins, including three Daytona 500s and five victories at Indianapolis Motor Speedway during 25 years in the Cup Series. He was named the Cup champion four times (1995, 1997, 1998, and 2001), while driving the Hendrick Motorsports No. 24 Chevrolet.

After retiring, Gordon joined FOX Sports as a NASCAR analyst in 2016. He later joined HMS as majority owner and vice chairman.

"There's no such thing as a perfect day and a perfect life" - Jeff Gordon after his final full-time NASCAR season

Jeff Gordon walks off pit road after the Ford EcoBoost 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway in 2015 - Source: Imagn

Jeff Gordon's final full-time season in the NASCAR Cup Series was strong. He earned the pole position for the Daytona 500 and went on to win four poles that year, his best performance since 2008. Gordon finished in the top 10 in eight out of 10 races during the playoff races and had an average finish of 7.6.

Gordon also won at Martinsville Speedway, where he led the final 22 laps and secured his 93rd and final career victory. After the final race at Homestead-Miami Speedway, he talked about ending the year with a win and a title.

"Well, we all know nothing would have been quite better than that and the win. But I've learned a lot in life, and there's no such thing as a perfect day and a perfect life. Just like there's no such thing as a perfect race car. They're really close and good, and at times, better than the rest. But it doesn't mean that they're ever perfect," Gordon said [via Olean Times Herald].

"Had I won this race and this championship, it would have been perfect, and I don't think I could have accepted that. I wouldn't have known how to," he added.

Jeff Gordon ended the 2015 season third in the final points standings. However, he returned to the Cup Series the following year to substitute for the injured Dale Earnhardt Jr. and competed in eight races.

About the author

Palak Gupta is a dynamic motorsports writer with a unique blend of experience in economics and a passion for storytelling. Her enthusiasm for writing and a keen interest in racing steered her toward this field. With two years of professional writing experience, Palak has previously worked with Bhoomi, a non-profit organization, and as a content executive at MoreTasks Business Solution.

To maintain accuracy and uphold journalistic integrity, Palak relies on reputable sources such as official websites, trusted news outlets, and credible channels, while also keeping an eye on trends across social media platforms and forums like Reddit. She actively follows developments in motorsports, constantly seeking unique angles for her stories to deliver fresh and engaging content to her readers.

Inspired by Ross Chastain’s unconventional yet spectacular wall ride during the 2022 NASCAR season, Palak appreciates daring moves that defy norms and capture the spirit of motorsports. Although she doesn't have a favorite driver, she admires such moments that make history.

While she recognizes that NASCAR may never reach the global prominence of Formula 1, Palak suggests expanding internationally and investing in technology to grow its audience. Palak is also an avid movie and documentary enthusiast, enjoys gardening, and loves to sketch and paint in her spare time.

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Edited by Riddhiman Sarkar