Jeff Gordon Racing Genesis: Former NASCAR driver Jeff Gordon recently sat down with Joe Buck, sharing insights into his roots in racing. He delved into the origins of his passion for racing, tracing it back to his stepfather’s affection for cars.
Gordon reflected, “My mom and biological father split when I was just a few months old. Then, my mom met my stepfather, a real car enthusiast who worked on cars.”
Although his stepfather didn’t drive cars himself, he sought ways to bond with his stepchildren and introduce them to new experiences. Gordon recollected, “He was very involved with us right from the start, beginning with bikes.”
At the tender age of three, Gordon surprised everyone by riding a bike without training wheels. This achievement prompted his stepfather to purchase a BMX bike and venture to the racetrack, marking the beginning of Gordon’s racing journey.
During his conversation with Buck, Gordon disclosed how his mother opposed the idea of racing bikes due to its perceived danger. Despite her reservations, Gordon’s father bought him a motorized vehicle to nurture his interest in racing.
“He had experienced injuries from motorcycle riding and wasn’t too enthusiastic about two wheels,” Gordon explained. “But in our neighborhood, kids were riding bikes, and he observed my interest in competition, despite not excelling in anything else apart from moving objects.”
It was a pivotal moment when his stepfather noticed children driving quarter midgets, sparking the idea to introduce his stepchildren to racing. Gordon vividly recalled the day when his father brought home two quarter midgets for him and his sister, an occasion that felt like Christmas.
“That day became etched in my memory,” Gordon reminisced. “Seeing those quarter midgets outside our window made me rush out and dive into the experience, feeling it was the coolest thing ever.”
This marked the genesis of Gordon’s racing journey. His progression from winning races in lower categories eventually led to a remarkable career in the Cup Series, culminating in four championships before retiring in 2015.
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Our Reader’s Queries
What does Jeff Gordon do for a living now?
Throughout his illustrious career, Gordon was a stalwart of Hendrick Motorsports, where he drove for his entire tenure. Since 1999, he has also been an equity partner in the team, serving as vice chairman and co-owner. In this capacity, he works closely with chairman and majority owner Rick Hendrick, overseeing the organization’s competition and marketing groups. As a highly respected figure in the world of motorsports, Gordon’s contributions to the team have been invaluable.
What is Jeff Gordon salary with Hendrick Motorsports?
If you’re looking to get in touch with Jeff Gordon, the 49-year-old racing legend with four championships under his belt, there are a few things you should know. His annual salary ranges from $20 to $30 million, and his net worth is estimated to be around $200 million. On top of that, he brings in an additional $20 million through endorsements. With all of this success, it’s no wonder that Gordon is a household name in the racing world.
Did Jeff Gordon ever drive a Ford?
Gordon kicked off his full-time racing career in the Busch Series in 1991 and 1992, steering Ford Thunderbirds for Bill Davis Racing. He made quite an impression in his debut year, clinching the Rookie of the Year title. The following year, Gordon made history by securing a remarkable 11 poles in a single season, setting a NASCAR record that still stands today.
Does Jeff Gordon own Jimmie Johnson’s car?
Back in 2000, Hendrick made history by signing a lifetime contract with Gordon – a rare feat in the world of sports. As part of the deal, Gordon was granted partial ownership of the team and eventually became the listed owner on Jimmie Johnson’s car, who went on to become a seven-time Cup Series champion.
