Jeff Gordon
Jeffery Michael Gordon, born August 4, 1971, in Vallejo, California, is one of the most celebrated professional stock car racing drivers in NASCAR history. Renowned for his versatility and competitive spirit, Gordon enjoyed a prolific NASCAR Cup Series career primarily driving the No. 24 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports. He holds numerous records and is widely regarded as a transformative figure in modern NASCAR.
Early Life and Background
Raised in California, Jeff Gordon showed an early interest in racing, beginning with quarter midget cars and progressing through go-karts, sprint cars, and midget cars during his youth. His remarkable talent emerged quickly, winning multiple national karting championships and laying the foundation for his move into stock car racing. He transitioned to the NASCAR ranks in the early 1990s, making his Cup Series debut in 1992 and gripping the sport’s attention with his youth and skill.
Career
Gordon competed full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series from 1993 to 2015, with Hendrick Motorsports, carrying the iconic No. 24 Chevrolet. Over 25 seasons, he amassed 93 Cup Series wins, making him third on the all-time wins list and the leader in the modern era (since 1972). His record includes victories across diverse track types, including the most wins at restrictor plate tracks (12), road courses (9), and 2.5-mile superspeedways (11), proving his exceptional versatility.
He is a four-time Cup Series champion (1995, 1997, 1998, 2001), the youngest modern-era champion at age 24, and a three-time Daytona 500 winner. Gordon also claimed prestigious victories like five Brickyard 400s and six Southern 500s, earning a total of 21 “Crown Jewel” race wins, the highest in NASCAR history. Known for his consistency, he won at least one pole in 23 consecutive seasons, a NASCAR record.
After retiring from full-time competition in 2015, Gordon ran a part-time schedule in 2016 before moving into broadcasting as a FOX NASCAR analyst. He remains engaged in the sport as a team co-owner alongside Rick Hendrick, having stakes in the No. 24 and No. 48 teams.
Off-Track Ventures
Outside racing, Gordon is a prominent philanthropist and businessman. He founded the Jeff Gordon Children’s Foundation focused on pediatric cancer and has engaged in various charitable and community projects. He has made numerous media appearances including television hosting and voice acting in the “Cars” movie franchise. Gordon also invests in business ventures related to motorsports and real estate.
Net Worth
Jeff Gordon’s net worth is estimated to be well over $200 million, accruing substantial earnings from race purses, endorsements, media work, and business investments. He was among the highest-paid athletes globally during his racing peak and continues to generate income through team ownership and media roles.
Personal Life
Gordon married Ingrid Vandebosch in 2006. The couple has two children. His parents, Carol and William Gordon, supported his early racing ambitions, and he maintains close family ties. Gordon is known for a private personal life balanced alongside his professional commitments.
Recent Controversies
Jeff Gordon has maintained a largely controversy-free public profile. There have been no significant recent controversies reported, and he is respected for his sportsmanship and professionalism on and off the track.
Key Highlights from Season 2024 and 2025
While no longer an active racer, Gordon remains influential in NASCAR through his co-ownership of Hendrick Motorsports teams. During 2024 and early 2025, he continued his broadcasting career with FOX Sports and contributed to strategic team decisions that saw competitive performances from Hendrick drivers. His legacy influences rising drivers and the sport’s direction, maintaining Gordon’s stature as an enduring icon in motorsports.