Widely considered to be one of NASCAR’s greatest and most influential drivers of all time, Jeff Gordon played a pivotal role in helping the sport gain mainstream popularity in the 1990s and 2000s. A record holder in several categories, Gordon’s most significant achievement was the fact that he started in every race from April 1992 to 2015.
And it could have gone even longer had physical discomfort not become a persistent issue for the current Hendrick Motorsports Vice Chairman. The now-53-year-old’s declining physical condition led to him speaking to his boss and deciding to take off his racing gloves for good.
Increasing Physical Discomfort Led to Jeff Gordon Stepping Away From NASCAR
Speaking to Youth Inc. in an interview several months ago, Gordon finally opened up on why he chose to retire in 2015. It began back in “2005 or 2006” when Gordon started experiencing lower back pains and spasms while driving. “But it really started getting bad around 2010.”
The former No. 24 Chevrolet driver then started physical therapy to get over the pain, but things didn’t get much better. It was at this moment that Gordon went to Hendrick Motorsports owner Rick Hendrick and said, “I don’t know how much longer I’m going to be able to do this.”
Describing his situation further, he said he was in too much pain throughout the race and every time he got out of the car to be able to continue.
Looking back at the decision, Gordon has no regrets, particularly because of where he is at with FOX and Hendrick Motorsports. The retired driver has a good plan in place with both organizations and is working hard on making them a reality.
Debuting in April 1992 with HMS, Gordon raced his entire career for just one team. During his tenure, he won four Cup Series Championships and found the third-most wins in NASCAR history.
With three Grand Slams and 16 Crown Jewel race wins Gordon also holds the records for most wins in both categories. With 93 career victories, the Vallejo-born former driver also holds the record for the most wins in the modern era of NASCAR.
Furthermore, Gordon also boasts the record for most wins in one season of the modern era, with 18 wins in 1998. With several more records to his name, Gordon was aptly inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2019.
