DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) – Through driver changes, network shuffles, a new championship format and NASCAR’s push to reinvent itself, the one constant for more than two decades has been Jeff Gordon behind the wheel every week of the iconic No. 24.
Well, it’s time to buckle up for what’s going to be Gordon’s final ride.
The four-time NASCAR champion will report to Daytona International Speedway this week to begin preparations for his final season-opening Daytona 500. Gordon said last month he will give up full-time driving at the end of 2015, and while he didn’t rule out racing a little in the future this will be his final appearance in the “Great American Race” that kicks off the season Feb. 22.
It will be the beginning of what will surely be a NASCAR season packed with tributes to Gordon, whose storied career includes pushing the sport into mainstream visibility.
Gordon does not want the focus to be on him every week for 38 races. He doesn’t want it to become a sideshow.