There have been a few legendary NASCAR drivers throughout the history of the sport. However, Jeff Gordon stands out as one of the most iconic drivers in the history of the sport. It was with Hendrick Motorsports that Jeff Gordon began his NASCAR career in 1992. Over the course of the team’s history, he made 797 starts between 1992 and 2015. In 2016, he came out of retirement to compete in eight races. The fact that he has won 93 races throughout his career makes him one of the most successful drivers in the sport.
Gordon, who began his NASCAR career in 1992, quickly made a name for himself as a fierce competitor on the track. He won his first Cup Series championship in 1995, becoming the youngest driver to ever win the title at 24 years old. He would go on to win three more championships in 1997, 1998, and 2001.
Throughout his career, Gordon was known for his consistency and ability to win races. He won at least one race in every full season he competed in, with a total of 93 career wins. He ranks third on the all-time wins list, behind only Richard Petty and David Pearson.
Gordon was also known for his ability to adapt to different types of tracks. He won on every type of track on the NASCAR circuit, including superspeedways, short tracks, road courses, and intermediate tracks. This versatility made him one of the most complete drivers in the sport’s history.
Off the track, Gordon was also a class act. He was a spokesperson for many charities and was known for his philanthropy. He also was one of the sport’s biggest ambassadors, helping to grow the sport’s popularity during his career.
Despite his success on the track, he did not have an easy road to the top. He faced many challenges and obstacles throughout his career, including a string of disappointing seasons in the mid-2000s. However, he never gave up and always found a way to come back stronger.
In 2015, Gordon announced his retirement from full-time racing, but he continues to be involved in NASCAR as a commentator and team owner. His legacy in the sport will be long-lasting and his impact on NASCAR will be felt for years to come.