Jeff Gordon will not race full-time on the NASCAR circuit after the upcoming 2015 season.
“I won’t use the ‘R-word’ because I plan to stay extremely busy in the years ahead, and there’s always the possibility I’ll compete in selected events, although I currently have no plans to do that,” Gordon said. “I don’t foresee a day when I’ll ever step away from racing.”
Gordon informed his Hendrick Motorsports team Thursday morning at around 9 a.m. before making the public announcement. The Hendrick Motorsports stable includes popular drivers Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Jimmie Johnson, who offered their congratulations via Twitter.
“Hard to imagine this is @JeffGordonWeb last full season. Tons of respect for him and what he’s accomplished thus far. A total professional,” Earnhardt Jr. wrote.
Gordon is a four-time series champion. At 43, he is entering his 23rd season on the circuit and ranks behind only Richard Petty (200) and David Pearson (105) in career wins with 92.
He won four races last season and finished sixth in the final points standings. Gordon has no major health issues but has been bothered by back soreness in recent years.
Hendrick Motorsports will not immediately name a replacement for Gordon’s No. 24 car. Several drivers will get consideration, including developmental Hendrick driver Chase Elliott.
Gordon is likely to be heavily involved with Hendrick Motorsports well beyond this season. He is a part owner of Johnson’s No. 48 car and has been with the company since 1992. He signed a lifetime contract in 1999.
“He’s one of the biggest sports stars of a generation, and his contributions to the success and growth of NASCAR are unsurpassed,” owner Rick Hendrick said. “There’s been no better ambassador for stock car racing and no greater representation of what a champion should be.”
Gordon’s season begins at Daytona next month. He’s a three-time Daytona 500 winner and five-time Brickyard 500 champion.
“I thought long and hard about my future this past year and during the offseason, and I’ve decided 2015 will be the last time I compete for a championship,” he said.