Jeff Gordon – Driver Extraordinaire
February 3, 2009 by Trackside
Filed under NASCAR Drivers
When someone has a golden touch, trust others to gripe about it. NASCAR #24 driver Jeff Gordon, a relatively quiet racer, has a prowess on the oval that is be rivaled by few. Often criticized, Gordon is adored by many NASCAR fans.
Born Jeffery Michael Gordon on August 4, 1971, he was bitten with the racing bug at the tender age of 5. Before reaching 18, he had already been awarded the USAC Midget Car Racing Rookie for winning three short track races. By 20, he was the youngest driver to win the season championship.
His next major racing achievement was to win the Busch Series Rookie of the Year in 1991. Richard Pettys last race, the 1992 Hooters 500 at the Atlanta Motor Speedway, was Gordons first NASCAR Winston Cup Series race in which he placed 31st. Gordons first career victory came in 1994. NASCARs Jeff Gordon has accumulated four cup victories to date. The only racecar drivers that have won more titles are Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt. Both have won seven titles.
Despite Jeff Gordons NASCAR victories, while displaying incredible driving skills, he has faced criticism from inside the NASCAR family. He has had to deal with criticism, innuendo and rumor for a number of years. Most of it has been centered around his quiet, laidback disposition on and off the track. The most debated issue was about his alleged homosexuality that dogged him relentlessly. A clean cut Californian kid that was making himself a force to be reckoned with in a southern sport, his nice clothes, neat appearance and quiet demeanor made Gordon a target by his detractors.
Dale Earnhardts death caused many in the NASCAR community to view Jeff Gordon as NASCARs next iconic figure. Jeff Gordon of NASCAR ranks among NASCARs best drivers and has accumulated a wealth of achievements. Although legends like Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt are firmly entrenched in NASCAR history, few doubt Jeff Gordon will eclipse them if he continues to excel in his driving. It is conceivable that Gordons record will become the benchmark for racers achieve in the future.
