Jeff Gordon is a four time Sprint Cup Champion. Jeff Gordon is 3rd on the all-time win list with 85 victories. Jeff Gordon will be a first ballot hall of famer when he becomes eligible.
What Jeff Gordon is not these days is hot.
2012 has been nightmarish on the track for the driver of the 24 car. In the first dozen races of the year, he has more finishes of 30th or worse than he does top ten finishes.
The way the first part of the season has gone, it’s conceivable that Jeff might miss the Chase this season. If he gets on hot streak and scores some wins he might have shot.
Last year was a bounce back season for Gordon as he scored 3 wins, leading us to think he might be a championship contender this yea. That just hasn’t worked out.
Gordon started racing fulltime in 1993, and in his first 10 seasons scored 61 of his 85 wins. In the past 8 full seasons, he’s won 24 races and had two seasons with zero wins.
Jeff is 40 now, and recent history has shown that once a driver crests 40, the wins come less frequently. Even as this slide has progressed, Jeff has remained one of the most approachable drivers in the garage, and is certainly a fan favorite.
Jeff has nothing left to prove in the NASCAR world. I’m guessing he may have claimed his last championship, but not his last checkered flag.
It’s been a honor to watch Jeff Gordon rise to the pinnacle of this sport. It’s been even more of privilege do see his personality and likability grow in the face of diminished returns on the track.
Jeff Gordon, the winning race car driver has seen his best days on the track. But Jeff Gordon the man, the philanthropist, and father is looking for ever better days.