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End of an Era - thanks for the memories Jeff Gordon

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#1
Danny Steyn

Danny Steyn

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This past weekend was really moving for me to watch Jeff Gordon in his final drive

 

I have been a Jeff Gordon fan ever since I met him in 1994 at an amusement industry trade show in Miami after arriving in the States. I had no idea what NASCAR was or who Gordon was, but I saw this strange car, all painted in the Dupont rainbow colors and a young driver in a rainbow fire suit, looking kinda lost as the hall was quite empty. So being a car guy I walked up to him, introduced myself and started chatting with him about the car.  I am sure we spent several hours over the next few days chatting about life, racing and other stuff.

 

He was charismatic, friendly, approachable and nothing but a pleasure to chat to. So easy to relate to.

 

Back then there was no internet, no Google and I still couldnt afford a TV so it was about 6 months later that I figured out who Jeff was, and what a high profile and accomplished racer he was, which made his friendliness and accessibility so much more remarkable. Jeff made me take an interest in NASCAR and I have been a fan of his ever since, even during the years where nothing was going his way.

 

To see his last season come together like this was very special, but more importantly to see the respect he has from all the drivers around him, that is what we all strive for. And to see my other hero's Lewis Hamilton and Mario Andretti on his crew stand for the race, WOW! What a tribute!

 

And the cheer when he got to the lead early in the race was something special! I kick myself for not going to see his final race. Glad that my friend Alex Acosta got to experience it first hand.

 

Jeff - thanks for the memories, and I look forward to seeing you as a commentator next year.


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Danny
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#2
mhiggins10

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Rumor is that won't be the last time we see him behind the wheel.  Racer ran an article where his agent mentioned that he has a keen interest in Le Mans, and may run the Daytona 24 or Sebring 12 in a year or two.

 

Would be pretty damn cool to see him running a C7R (or C8R?) at la Sarthe as the third driver with Gavin and Milner... (throwback to Earnhardt running a C5R years ago).  And since Gordon has a karting background (moreso than the typical dirt track ladder guys), you know he can turn right as well.


Bona fide - A bonafide Spec Miata driver

#3
Jim Drago

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I agree, true Champion on and off the track and a real ambassador of motorsports in general. Hard not to be a fan or root for that guy last week.
Jim


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NASA Champs Winner - NASA Champs Winner Hoosier Super Tour points Champion - Hoosier Super Tour points Champion ARRC Champion - Won the ARRC Race in a Spec Miata Series Champ - Won a points based series in a Spec Miata BFG Supertour Winner - Majors Winner - Circuit of the Americas Winner - We have a Winnah! - Won their 1st race... Congratulations! June Sprints winner  - June Sprints winner June Sprints winner  - June Sprints winner June Sprints winner  - June Sprints winner June Sprints winner  - June Sprints winner SCCA National Champion - Won SCCA Runoffs at Road America SCCA National Champion - Won SCCA Runoffs at Road America

#4
Jim Creighton

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I was at Jeff's first race at Atlanta Motor Speedway and Richard Petty's last race. Got to see Alan Kulwicki win his Championship in the Hooters sponsored car. Little did I know that that sponsorship would change 1/3 of my life. It was Kulwicki's death that brought about the sponsorship of the Hooters 2000, Hooters Cup and Hooters Pro Cup series that I have worked for now 22 years. Got to meet many of the Cup guys over the years including Jeff. This past year alone, I signed in the likes of Rusty Wallace, Joe Nemechek, Jeff Burton, Ward Burton, Bill Elliott, Todd Gilliland and 2015 Champion Kyle Busch. While Kyle was in rehab, he came to three of our races and spotted for his developmental drivers. They carried him up to the spotters stand and he stood on two casts for over three hours while his two cars ran two 150 lap races, I also saw him give a little boy in a wheel chair his hat as he was being carried back to the pits. He had his guys stop and put him down beside the boy so the mother could get a picture.
 
I also heard from good source that Jeff plans to runs some "fun" races. Since the big fire incident with Jr, most of the owners have highly suggested their drivers not put themselves at risk.
 
Jeff's replacement Chase Elliott is a class act and will be a Champion some day.

#5
FTodaro

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I remember when Jeff first started racing NASCAR and enjoyed watching it more then, than I do now. I think he was a good ambassador for auto racing. Unlike some that i watch on the TV today. I would imagine its hard not to want to do some form of racing, as i am sure he was having as much fun as work over the years.


Frank
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#6
MotoFusi

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I want to say it here publically, Jeff Gordon can race my Miata anytime he chooses. Open invitation! Of course it has to be on the east coast and if it's not Mid Ohio Jeff would have to kick in some tow money and it would be really cool if he brought some sponsorship but not required. :help:


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