A Tribute to Jeff

Jeff Gordon is one of the all-time greatest NASCAR drivers. He is a legend amongst most fans and will go down as arguably the greatest of all time. Jeff Gordon began his racing career in 1992 in the NASCAR Busch Series. In his first season he set the rookie record for most polls in a season (most times starting a race in the 1st position). Jeff began his career in 1992 racing for Bill Davis Racing co. while driving a Ford Thunderbird. He was prepared to sign with Roush-Fenway Racing later that year, but that fell through. Later that same year Hendricks Motor Sports owner Rick Hendricks noticed Jeff at Atlanta Motor Speedway and signed him 2 days later. The next season he moved into the Winston Cup series (the best series) and won the opening race while sitting at the poll position. He finished 14th in the standings and won the Rookie of the year award. He hit a rough patch in 1994 and many thought he would not make it in the Winston Cup Series; however, in 1995 he would take 1st place in the Series while recording wins at Rockingham, Atlanta, Bristol, Daytona, New Hampshire, Darlington and Dover. He would finish 300 points over 2nd place Dale Earnhardt. In 1996 he won at Richmond, Darlington (both times), Bristol, Dover (both times), Pocono, Talladega, Martinsville, and North Wilkesboro, but finished in 2nd place behind 1st place driver Terry Labonte. He would win the title again in 1997 and again in 1998 where he set the record for wins in a season with 13, most consecutive wins with 4, and most consecutive top 5 finishes with 17. Gordon’s next and final title came in 2001 where he won 6 races and finished 344 points ahead of Tony Stewart. Gordon would go on to have some pretty good years until the 2008-2010 years where Gordon only won 1 race. He finished in 3rd place in 2009 and became the first driver in history to accumulate $100 million in career earnings. Gordon then went on a 66 race losing streak until he finally won at the Aaron’s 499. Gordon had a lot of milestones in 2013, including starting in his 700th consecutive race at the Bojangles 500 and in the same race would get his 300th top 5 finish after finishing in 3rd place. In 2014 Gordon won 4 times for the first time since 2004 and to mark the anniversary of his 20th NASCAR season it was proclaimed “Jeff Gordon Day.” In his final season in 2015 Gordon would finish 3rd in the standings falling just shy of his 5th title

Jeff Gordon holds many records including, 93 career wins ranking 3rd all-time; however he ranks 1st all-time for most wins since 1972 when the poll era began. He holds the record for the most restrictor plate race victories with 12, the most road course win with 6 and the most consecutive road course wins with 6. Gordon was the first racer in history to surpass the $100 million earning mar. He holds the record for the most wins at Indianapolis Motor Speedway (5)    Kansas Speedway (3, tied with Jimmie Johnson), Pocono Raceway (6) and Sonoma Raceway (5). He finished in the top 5 for championships 10 times and had 4 1st place finishes. Finally Jeff Gordon holds the record for the most consecutive start with 797 starts, let me say that again 797 straight starts spanning from November 15th 1992 to September 27, 2015 breaking Rickie Rudd’s record of 788 straight races.

Personally Jeff is my favorite racer of all time; he’s just a fantastic driver and a great person. He certainly must be in the consideration for the best of all time if not the best. With all of these records and accomplishments, he is easily a first ballot hall of famer and possibly the best of all time. What do you think? Comment below!

Written by Kenny Quinn

Like this post? Share it or follow us on social media!