Jeff Gordon, known for his steady demeanor both on and off the racetrack, recently spoke about the pivotal moments of his racing career with RACER magazine. During the detailed interview, Gordon candidly reflected on his major choices, outlining his most significant Jeff Gordon NASCAR career decisions and the regrets some of them brought.
Gordon’s Defining Moment: Joining Hendrick Motorsports
Throughout his racing career, Jeff Gordon established himself as one of the sport’s top competitors, amassing 93 NASCAR Cup victories—surpassed only by legends Richard Petty and David Pearson. Gordon recounted the turning point in his career, crediting team owner Rick Hendrick and Hendrick Motorsports for shaping his path.
“The game-changer for me was the opportunity that came along thanks to Rick Hendrick and Hendrick Motorsports,”
Jeff Gordon shared in his interview with RACER magazine. At the time, Gordon was racing for Bill Davis Racing in the NASCAR Busch Grand National Series, competing behind the wheel of a Ford. His future seemed set until the offer from Hendrick emerged, prompting a challenging choice about where his loyalties and ambitions truly lay.
“I had built a good relationship with both the brand and the team, and it looked like I was going to move up to the top, NASCAR Cup, it was going to be with them. And then Rick came along,”
Gordon explained, describing the crossroads he faced. He acknowledged that changing teams would be difficult but believed the advantages at Hendrick Motorsports would be substantial for his growth as a driver.
“It was a tough decision because I knew there were going to be hurt feelings, and there were still going to be challenges. But I also knew already that it couldn’t be a bad decision because the resources that Hendrick Motorsports had, the type of person Rick is, the commitment I saw there, all made me confident. And it worked out.”
This decision marked the start of an illustrious run with Chevrolet and endorsed Gordon’s reputation as one of the sport’s most consistent drivers.
Regret Over How the Transition Was Handled
While Gordon considers joining Hendrick Motorsports his best move, he revealed his approach to leaving Bill Davis Racing is his biggest regret. The moment was particularly tough because of the close bond he had formed with car owner Bill Davis, who provided Gordon with his first NASCAR opportunity.
“Unfortunately, it goes hand-in-hand with the best decision: it was how I told Bill Davis that I was joining Hendrick,”
Gordon reflected. He recalled a poignant incident when both men traveled together to Chicago for a sponsor meeting, unaware that their racing partnership was about to change abruptly. Davis, excited about signing a potential major sponsor, was caught completely off guard by Gordon’s news.
“And I said, ‘Er, Bill, I gotta tell you something.’ Well, there was never going to be a good time to tell him this, but that was a really bad time. So yeah, I think that’s my worst decision. I should have told him long before then,”
Gordon admitted, expressing remorse for the timing and manner in which he disclosed the departure. The regret is amplified by Davis’s recent passing at the age of 74, emphasizing how deeply Gordon values the relationships from his early career.
Warm Reflections on Key Partnerships and Teammates
During the conversation, Gordon also highlighted the important people who influenced his career, from his early days on the West Coast and in Indiana, to the world of NASCAR Cup racing. He acknowledged the role of his teammates, particularly noting the impact of Ken Schrader.
Gordon’s association with Chevrolet, the famed No. 24 car, and his long list of teammates, stands out in NASCAR lore. He called Ken Schrader his best-ever teammate, emphasizing how much Schrader’s presence shaped both his professional journey and his life outside racing. These partnerships, Gordon explained, were instrumental to his legacy, alongside his championship wins and personal milestones.
Enduring Impact and Looking Ahead
Jeff Gordon’s reflections reveal a career sewn together by hard work, loyal relationships, and complex choices. The transition from Bill Davis Racing to Hendrick Motorsports remains a core part of his narrative, signifying both triumph and regret. As Gordon continues to be linked with NASCAR as an executive and ambassador, his stories and the consequences of his decisions have lasting implications for new drivers contemplating their own Jeff Gordon NASCAR career decisions.
Gordon’s honesty about his journey—from his methodical approach to racing, to the emotional weight of past decisions—underscores the depth of his impact in the sport. His willingness to discuss both the upswings and regrets brings added humanity to NASCAR’s competitive legacy.
Jeff Gordon: "Ken Schrader was my best teammate. He was supportive of the whole Hendrick organization, open to sharing ideas and information, but also someone who kept us laughing. We're still great friends to this day; I love that man." #NASCAR
Story -> https://t.co/rTPvUtJM2t pic.twitter.com/HGe7SmKbdm— Jeff Gordon Online (@JGinfo) October 2, 2025
