When Jimmie Johnson found out on TV about Jeff Gordon’s quiet second marriage in Mexico

Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon were more than just teammates at Hendrick Motorsports for 16 years, bagging a total of 11 Cup Series championships. They were close pals, frequently hanging out from the time Gordon divorced in 2003 until Johnson tied the knot in 2004, with Gordon even attending Johnson's wedding.

Yet, when it came to Gordon's second wedding to Ingrid Vandebosch in November 2006, the event was shrouded in such secrecy that even his closest friends, including Johnson, were left out of the loop. Johnson, surprised by the clandestine nature of the affair, commented on being kept in the dark (via The Augusta Chronicle). He said:

"I saw it on Regis and Kelly of all things. And then when Jeff got back in town (Thursday) night, I got a phone call from him saying you probably heard, but I'm a married man."

Gordon was previously married to Brooke Seale, a Miss Winston Cup Model. However, their marriage, however, ended in divorce in 2003 amid allegations of marital infidelity involving a professional model named Deanna Merryman. After his divorce, Gordon was associated with Amanda Church before getting engaged to Vandebosch in June 2005.

Reflecting on the tight-lipped nature of his second wedding, Gordon shared his thoughts while gearing up for the Checker Auto Parts 500 at Phoenix International Raceway:

"The sport is getting bigger and more popular, and you do have to be somewhat guarded sometimes to maintain that privacy."

Later on, Johnson came to appreciate the need for privacy at Gordon's wedding. He explained that with Gordon being a four-time champion, holding the wedding in the U.S. or publicizing it would have compromised the intimacy and essence of the ceremony they desired.

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Rick Hendrick comments on his bond with Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson

Rick Hendrick once likened Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson to his sons during an episode of Cars and Culture back in December 2021, expressing deep affection and pride. He recounted:

"It’s amazing. They’re like my sons, you know, both of them."[at 29:03]

Hendrick delved into his initial encounter with Gordon, recalling the immediate recognition of his potential. He said:

“I saw Jeff and said, ‘Man, this kid has got all the talent’. I took a chance. Didn’t have a sponsor. And everybody thought I was crazy. [...] It changed the whole landscape of racing.” [at 29:10]

Hendrick shared a similar sentiment about Jimmie Johnson, recalling the first time he saw the current Legacy Motor Club team owner, race stadium trucks at just 16 years old. Hendrick advised Chevrolet and Herb Fischel, saying, "You need to watch this guy."

Today, Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson are channeling their efforts into enhancing their respective teams, Hendrick Motorsports and Legacy Motor Club, striving for excellence in every facet.