As Jeff Gordon transitioned from champion driver to influential executive, the responsibility of continuing the Rick Hendrick legacy in NASCAR racing has brought new challenges and rewards for the former driver. Since becoming Vice Chairman at Hendrick Motorsports in 2022, Gordon has navigated the pressures of maintaining a standard set by one of the sport’s most iconic leaders.
Jeff Gordon’s Journey from Driver to Executive
Jeff Gordon built an illustrious career with Hendrick Motorsports, racing for the team from 1992 until his retirement in 2015. With three Daytona 500 wins and four NASCAR Cup Series championships, Gordon’s place among the sport’s elite is firmly established. In 1999, he became an equity owner, deepening his connection to the organization he called home for over two decades.
In his current role as Vice Chairman, Gordon stands just below Rick Hendrick, the team’s owner and chairman, in the management structure. His responsibilities include active participation on NASCAR’s team owner council and serving as a member of the organization’s diversity, equity, and inclusion committee. Before stepping into this executive position, Gordon sharpened his analytical skills as a race analyst with Fox Sports, a role he held after retiring from the driver’s seat.
The Challenge of Preserving a Racing Legacy
Looking beyond the track, Jeff Gordon has spoken candidly about the challenges his role entails, as well as the expectations attached to the Hendrick name in NASCAR. The process involves more than overseeing races—it includes taking the team’s identity, culture, and performance to new heights.
“There’s bucket list items and a branding legacy play for Hendrick Motorsports and Rick Hendrick. We started with this idea that Jim France had with Garage 56. I’m so proud of our efforts and the collaboration that’s gone on to bring that to life. It’s a lot of work and it’s very challenging. People may not understand that. Even though we’re in a class of our own, there are still targets with high expectations that we want to meet,”
—James Gordon, Vice Chairman, via Forbes.
Gordon’s record in the NASCAR Cup Series stands among the greats—he ranks third all-time in race wins, only behind Richard Petty and David Pearson. Even after stepping away from full-time competition, his influence in the sport remains significant.
Leaving Broadcasting Behind for a Larger Purpose
After a successful run as a Fox Sports NASCAR analyst, Gordon chose, in 2021, to leave broadcasting behind to devote himself fully to Hendrick Motorsports. This decision was motivated by his deep passion for the organization and desire to contribute at the highest level, especially as the team continued to be a leading force in NASCAR.
“I cannot put into words what Hendrick Motorsports means to me. In many ways, it’s my home, and the people here are my family. I’ve never lost my passion for the organization, for our sport, and for the sheer challenge of racing and winning at the highest level. Being part of the competition is where I’m happiest and feel I can make the biggest contribution to the continued, long-term success of the team,”
—Jeff Gordon, Vice Chairman, via team statement.
Gordon’s commitment came at a time when the team roster included top-tier drivers like Kyle Larson, Alex Bowman, William Byron, and Chase Elliott. Their performance has underscored Hendrick Motorsports’ dominance, with the team holding leading positions in the NASCAR Cup Series standings.
The Enduring Impact of Gordon’s Leadership
As Hendrick Motorsports continues to set the pace in NASCAR, Jeff Gordon’s dedication to sustaining the Rick Hendrick legacy in NASCAR racing signifies a blend of tradition and innovation that shapes the future of the team and the sport itself. His leadership ensures that the organization adapts to new challenges while delivering competitive excellence, inspiring both his colleagues and the next generation of drivers to maintain the high standards set by Rick Hendrick and those who came before.
