See Also: Jeff Gordon Biography
June 26, 2007
NASCAR issues teams #48, #24 penalties for Sonoma Infractions: NASCAR has issued penalties and fines to the #24 and #48 Hendrick Motorsports teams that compete in the Nextel Cup Series, as a result of rule infractions found this past weekend at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif. Both cars – the #24 driven by Jeff Gordon and the #48 driven by Jimmie Johnson – were found to be in violation of Sections 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components and/or equipment used do not conform to NASCAR rules); 20-2.1E (parts or components of the car not previously approved by NASCAR that have been installed or modified to enhance aerodynamic performance will not be permitted); and 20-2H (fenders may not be cut or altered except for wheel or tire clearance which must be approved by the Series Director) of the 2007 NASCAR rule book. The violations were found during the initial inspection process last Friday. As a result, Gordon and Johnson have each been penalized 100 driver championship points. Their respective crew chiefs – Steve Letarte and Chad Knaus – have each been fined $100,000, suspended for the next six Nextel Cup Series events until Aug. 15, 2007 and placed on probation until Dec. 31, 2007. In addition, Rick Hendrick, owner of the #24, has been penalized 100 car owner championship points as has Gordon, who is the owner of the #48.(NASCAR PR)
Hendrick Motorsports response to NASCAR: Car owner Rick Hendrick responded to NASCAR sanctions announced today involving the #24 and #48 Nextel Cup Series teams of Hendrick Motorsports. "We are disappointed in NASCAR's decision and feel the penalties are excessive," Hendrick said. "Right now, all of our options are being evaluated, including our personnel situation and a possible appeal to the National Stock Car Racing Commission. We'll take some time to decide on a direction and make an announcement regarding our plans for New Hampshire later in the week." (Hendrick Motorsports PR)
Jeff Gordon documentary to air on TNT: A documentary-style feature on the driver is set to debut on TNT and then be available as a DVD. he program, "24 x 24: Wide Open with Jeff Gordon," will debut on TNT July 7 with an extended version DVD set to be released July 10. The documentary explores the life of Gordon, both on and off the track. It includes interviews with motorsports and entertainment personalities as well as Gordon's family and friends. Gordon allowed cameras to follow him for 24 hours to film the project. (SceneDaily.com)
June 23, 2007
Gordon and Johnson OK'd for Saturday practices: Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon wasted no time returning to the track after NASCAR inspectors approved their cars. The two had an unexpected day off Friday after their cars failed to pass inspection. NASCAR deemed the front fenders on the No. 24 and No. 48 Chevrolets illegal and banned the two drivers from the day's practice and qualifying. NASCAR did, however, allow the teams to alter the fenders and send the cars back through inspection. Both teams did that Friday, but waited until Saturday morning for official approval. "Everything is fine," said Doug Duchardt, vice president of development for Hendrick. "We're way behind, but we'll just go out there and prepare today the way we would on any Saturday and hope for the best." (AP/ABC News)
June 22, 2007
J. Gordon and J. Johnson fail inspection; Neither allowed to qualify or practice: Nextel Cup Series points leader Jeff Gordon and defending series champion Jimmie Johnson, both of the Hendrick Motorsports stable, have failed inspection at Infineon Raceway. The cars of neither Gordon, the defending race champion, nor Johnson will be allowed to practice or qualify Friday. NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Poston said both cars "failed the initial inspection ... as a result of body modifications found to be outside NASCAR tolerances. The front fender [of both cars] was modified outside of NASCAR regulations. They did not meet the C2 template inspection." According to Poston, Hendrick Motorsports' No. 5 and No. 25 cars, for Kyle Busch and Casey Mears, passed inspections. Poston added, "both teams have an opportunity to repair and resubmit their cars" for inspection up to the start of practice Saturday. "Assuming they pass inspection, they can practice [Saturday] and start at the rear of the field [Sunday]," he said. (NASCAR.com) Note: Further penalties, including possible suspensions if any, will be announced next week.
June 20, 2007
Jeff and Ingrid announce the birth of Ella Sofia Gordon: Earlier today, Jeff Gordon and Ingrid Vandebosch welcomed a new daughter into the world. Ella Sofia Gordon was born at 9:09 a.m., weighed 7 pounds, 1 ounce and was 20 inches long. “It’s been an absolutely incredible experience,” Gordon said. “Ingrid came through amazingly and we’re both really happy and overjoyed. We can’t wait to get home and start our lives together as a family.” The four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion will travel to Northern California later this week and is scheduled to participate in all on-track activities at Infineon Raceway, site of this weekend’s NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race. (JeffGordon.com)
June 18, 2007
Jeff Gordon knew of Earnhardt deal in the process; Johnson surprised by signing: Privately he listened to team owner Rick Hendrick agonize over the arduous, closed-door maneuvering to sign Dale Earnhardt Jr. "Rick was going back and forth, back and forth," [Jeff] Gordon said. "He was like, 'Man, I would love to do this,' and at the same time, 'I don't know how I'm going to do it.' And, 'Should we do it?' " Gordon didn't waver. "I was very supportive of it from the beginning," he said, sitting in the lounge of his team transporter during preparations for today's Citizens Bank 400. On the other hand, reigning Nextel Cup Jimmie Johnson, the other resident star at Hendrick, "really was surprised," Johnson said, when he learned of the blockbuster signing just before it was announced Wednesday. (LA Times)
July 13, 2006
No penalty for J. Gordon: NASCAR spokesman Jim Hunter said officials considered Sunday's wreck a "racing incident," and Gordon's post-race comments didn't change their minds. Hunter said Gordon might have tried to knock Kenseth aside but wasn't trying to spin him out - a distinction Hunter compared to a pitcher hitting a batter in the back instead of the head. (Salem-Journal)
Gordon offers no apology: {Jeff} Gordon, at Indianapolis Motor Speedway this week with the rest of the NASCAR contingent for the tour's major pre-race test for the Brickyard 400, said he'd like to clear the air with Kenseth before Sunday's Lenox Industrial Tools 300. But Gordon said that he hasn't changed his opinion of their Chicago run-in, even after seeing the replays. "My thoughts haven't changed," Gordon said. "I take full responsibility for it. I know I didn't intentionally try to wreck him. "I also know I had a great run on him. We were running down to final laps. He had already shown me the sign a couple of times of how hard he was going to fight for that position. I definitely stepped up the aggressiveness a notch, and I got into him and spun him. I didn't mean to spin him. "But if that little touch - which I thought was going to happen - would have (just) moved him up the track and gotten me the position, then it wouldn't even be an issue right now." (Salem-Journal)
July 10, 2006
J. Gordon likes Montoya's move to NASCAR: Four times series champion Jeff Gordon believes Colombian Formula One driver Juan Pablo Montoya will be a big hit when he switches to NASCAR next year. "I think it's extremely exciting. I've spoken to Juan Pablo a couple times at some of the F1 races that I've been to," the 34-year-old said after winning at Chicagoland Speedway on Sunday. Gordon and Montoya, then at Williams, have known each other since they swapped their race cars for a day before the 2003 U.S. Grand Prix at Indianapolis. "I thought he did a great job in my car then. It showed me that he's got a lot of talent and he's going to bring a lot of talent. I think that he brings a lot more than that," said Gordon in post-race news conference comments posted on his personal web site. (Reuters)
July 7, 2006
J. Gordon featured on ESPN SportsCenter's Make-A-Wish Series: ESPN and the Make-A-Wish Foundation will collaborate for a unique 10-part SportsCenter series titled “My Wish” beginning Sunday, July 9. As part of the initiative, 10 children across the country with life-threatening medical conditions will have sports-related wishes granted. Each story and experience will be the subject of a SportsCenter feature segment airing July 9-23, hosted by Emmy Award-winning reporter Chris Connelly. Wishes range from pitching with Roger Clemens to coaching the Philadelphia Eagles to a NASCAR experience with Jeff Gordon to basketball-themed activities with Kobe Bryant and Tracy McGrady to a day with Derek Jeter and much more. (ESPN PR)
June 30, 2006
J. Gordon to race 24hrs at Daytona: In a press conference at Daytona International Speedway today, SunTrust Racing car owner/driver Wayne Taylor (and his Surrey Sport LLC company) and SunTrust Racing announced that four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon will co-drive the No. 10 SunTrust Racing car with Taylor and his fellow 2005 Daytona Prototype co-champion Max Angelelli in the 45th annual Rolex 24 At Daytona, January 27-28, 2007. "Of all the NASCAR drivers, Jeff's the guy," said Taylor, a Rolex 24 At Daytona overall winner in 1996 and 2005. "He proved again last weekend his road racing skills are outstanding when he won at Sears Point. I think he's going to be an asset to the team for the Rolex 24." "This is something that I've wanted to do for a long time and I'm really looking forward to it," said Gordon, driver of the No. 24 DuPont Chevrolet in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series. "It was important to me to do this with a quality team like Surrey Sport, and I'm looking forward to teaming up with two champions, Wayne and Max." (Grand American Road Racing)
June 25, 2006
Gordon king of the road: Jeff Gordon captured Sunday's Dodge/Save Mart 350 Nextel Cup race on the road course at the Infineon Raceway. The No.24 Hendrick Motorsports driver crossed the finish line 1.251 seconds ahead of Ryan Newman. The victory was Gordon's first of the season and 74th of his Cup career. The win, a record fifth at Infineon, was his first since the fall race at Martinsville. "I didn't know if we were ever going to win another one of these races," said Gordon. "I knew this team was something special, we just hadn't had a chance to really show it." (Sports Network - Points - Results)
J. Gordon engaged: It was reported on NASCAR on FOX pre-race show by Darrell Waltrip, Jeff Gordon is engaged with his girlfriend of nearly three years. Gordon proposed to girlfriend Ingrid Vandebosch Saturday night.
June 19, 2006:
J. Gordon angry with teammate Johnson: Jeff Gordon was upset with Hendrick Motorsports teammate and good friend Jimmie Johnson during Sunday's 3M Performance 400 Nextel Cup race at Michigan International Speedway. He led 50 of the first 68 laps, but it was a pair of three-wide encounters with Johnson that raised Gordon's ire. Gordon spoke to his crew over the team's radio about his displeasure, and the conversation was picked up by Fox television broadcasters. "I'll definitely talk to him about it," Gordon said as rain pelted the garage after the race was called. "I didn't understand why the second he got a chance to take me three-wide when I was trying to pass somebody, [he did]. "We had a good car, and we were taking our time, making some passes, and he got inside me, made it three-wide twice. I just didn't think it was necessary at the time, and I was just asking for him to give me a little bit of a break and explain to me what was going on." (Scene Daily)
June 17, 2006:
J. Gordon to Co-host Regis and Kelly: Jeff Gordon is scheduled to co-host the popular daytime talk show “Live with Regis and Kelly” on Tuesday, June 20. The four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and driver of the No. 24 DuPont Chevrolet will fill in for host Regis Philbin. “Live with Regis and Kelly” is in its 18th year of national syndication and continues to wake up millions of Americans each day. “Live with Regis and Kelly" is executive produced by Michael Gelman and has been distributed in national syndication by Buena Vista Television since 1988. Produced by WABC-TV in New York, Live with Regis and Kelly" airs in over 200 markets across the country. Check local listings for time and channel. (Performance PR Plus PR)
June 7, 2006:
Gordon and Smith inducted into Wall of Fame: NASCAR NEXTEL Cup driver Jeff Gordon and Speedway Motorsports Chairman and CEO O. Bruton Smith will share center stage during the Dodge/Save Mart 350 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup weekend as both will be inducted into Infineon Raceway's Wall of Fame. Gordon and Smith will join NASCAR drivers Rusty Wallace and Mark Martin, who were the first inductees when construction of the Wall of Fame was announced at the 2005 Dodge/Save Mart 350 weekend. Other inductees include Warren Johnson from the NHRA, and Miguel Duhamel and Rich Oliver from the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA). The ceremony will take place on Friday, June 23, at 11:20 a.m. (Pacific) in the Wine Country Winner's Circle, which is adjacent to the main grandstand in the paddock. Race fans are invited to the ceremony honoring both men. The Wall of Fame is located behind the main grandstand and will be open to the public during race weekend. (Infineon Raceway PR)
May 31, 2006:
Jeff Gordon 450th start: Another milestone in a storied career is upon Jeff Gordon as he looks forward to making his 450th consecutive NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series start at Dover International Speedway. Commemorating 73 wins and four championships is remarkable in that no other current driver can lay claim to that level of success. (HMS PR)
April 23, 2006:
Gordon not happy about drivers selected for test: Jeff Gordon expressed his dismay regarding Goodyear's selection of drivers for tire tests this season. His concern is understandable considering NASCAR severely limited testing this season. It is curious why Gordon, a four-time champion, has been excluded from testing this season, especially from this week's session at the Brickyard, where he leads all drivers in victories. (Yahoo! Sports/Sporting News)
March 28, 2006:
Gordon Fined by NASCAR for shove: NASCAR announced today that Jeff Gordon, driver of the #24 DuPont Chevrolet, has been fined $10,000 as a result of his involvement in an altercation on pit road after the completion of Sunday’s NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway. Gordon has also been placed on probation until Aug. 30, 2006. Gordon was in violation of Section 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing) of the 2006 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup rule book. (NASCAR PR)
March 14, 2006:
J. Gordon spends day in Texas: Critics who suggest Jeff Gordon is too restrained or corporately polished for his own good should see the man go all giddy as he bombs and strafes Las Vegas Motor Speedway in a fighter jet simulator. The prosperous race car driver spent Monday in North Texas on a quick promotional stop for the upcoming Samsung/RadioShack 500 at Texas Motor Speedway. Gordon flew in via private jet directly from Las Vegas, where he finished fifth in Sunday's UAW-Daimler Chrysler 400. His stop here was built around a visit to Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, where the 73-time winner got an up-close look at an F-16, then spent some quality time inside Lockheed Martin's elaborate F-35 fighter jet simulator. Gordon crashed on one simulated run while trying to bomb the desert speedway. "It was fun," he said a few minutes later. "I could have stayed there all day." He gave it a shot; officials finally had to coax him out of the simulator to continue making the day's media rounds. (Dallas Morning News)
March 9, 2006:
J. Gordon wax to be unveiled: Madame Tussauds was set to unveil a life-size wax statue of four-time NASCAR champion Jeff Gordon this week, adding Gordon to its SPEED attraction at the Venetian Resort Hotel Casino in Las Vegas. SPEED is an interactive attraction dedicated to auto racing. It was opened in August 2005 with a $200,000 wax figure of the late Dale Earnhardt, a seven-time NASCAR champion. Adrian Jones, general manager of Madame Tussauds Las Vegas, said that Gordon consistently has been voted one of the most popular sportsmen in the U.S. "and is heavily requested by our guests." (AZ Daily Star)
Feb. 21, 2006:
Jeff Gordon Foundation host charity poker tourney: March 8, 2006 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nev., The Jeff Gordon Foundation will present The Jeff Gordon Foundation Poker Classic. This most unique style ever formatted will allow celebrities, sports personalities and poker pros -- playing on behalf of the foundation -- to join the final 25 tables of play, guaranteeing any regular buy-in player the opportunity to gear up against some of their favorite stars. Jeff Gordon, Chris Moneymaker, Tony Stewart, Robert Williamson III, Chris “Jesus” Ferguson and many other celebrities will walk the red carpet starting at 10:15 a.m. and will begin poker play at 11:00 a.m. in the Caesars Palace Poker Room. Media will have access to the poker room at the beginning and at the end of play. (Jeff Gordon Foundation PR)
Feb. 7, 2006:
J. Gordon to use Holograms to protect merchandise: #24-Jeff Gordon will begin using sequentially numbered holograms to authenticate his signature on collector's items and merchandise. John Bickford, the vice president and general manager of Jeff Gordon Inc., said the idea originated after the company that oversees Gordon's business interests discovered many forgeries on eBay. "We felt we had a responsibility to the fan to do all we could to protect them," said Bickford, who estimated JGI spent more than $50,000 on development. "Hopefully other athletes will see the value in this, and they'll begin to use a similar process. I anticipate I'll be getting calls from business agents of people like Barry Bonds or A-Rod." The hologram will make its debut Friday during the For Race Fans Only program on QVC. Within a few months, fans will be able to register the items at www.JeffGordon.com. (USA Today)
Jan. 10, 2006:
Dupont PRS Scheme: Dupont will continue the partnership with PRS Guitars by joining them in January at the NAMM show, the world’s largest trade-only music product show with more the 74,000 attendees and over 1,300 exhibiting vendors. Dupont will be bringing along Jeff Gordon’s new Dupont Hot Hues NASCAR machine to the annual PRS Party being held at the Grove of Anaheim on January 20, 2006. This display is the latest in a series of cooperative efforts between the two companies. For over five years, Dupont Coatings have been used on virtually every PRS guitar as the final high gloss coating that gives the guitar mirror-like sheen. Dupont’s Hot Hues line offers a metallic opaque paint so impressive that PRS brought a discontinued guitar line back into production to take advantage of the colors. PRS’ use of these colors opened the door of opportunity to join Dupont in 2004 and 2005 at the SEMA Automotive Show in Las Vegas Nevada, the largest aftermarket auto show in the world. In September 2005, PRS designed and built the trophy for the Chevy Rock & Roll 400 which matched the Dupont Hot Hues pace car. (PRS)
Gordon to be keynote speaker at Vegas Children's charity: Las Vegas Motor Speedway and Speedway Children’s Charities will honor Las Vegas legend Mel Larson at the inaugural “Night of Champions” Tuesday, Jan. 31 at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. All proceeds from the dinner, which features four-time NASCAR champion Jeff Gordon as keynote speaker, will go to the Las Vegas chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities. Plans call for the event to be conducted on an annual basis, each year honoring a member of the community. “This is a fitting tribute to Mel Larson,” said Chris Powell, LVMS general manager. “Mel has worn many hats in the motorsports world, and he also was a pioneer in marketing in Las Vegas during his days with Circus Circus. Mel’s done it all, from driving, publicizing and promoting motorsports events to bringing hundreds of thousands of people to Las Vegas with his marketing innovations. Few have meant more to our community.” Larson provided much of the inspiration and guidance in conceptualizing Las Vegas Motor Speedway. He worked closely with the speedway’s original ownership during the early and mid-1990s and is a longtime friend of O. Bruton Smith, chairman of Speedway Motorsports, LVMS’s parent company. “I’ve known Mel for 50 years, since his driving days and his days of promoting events in the southwest,” Smith said. “He’s been a true innovator in everything he’s done, and he’s long been a champion of charitable causes. Neither the racing world nor the city of Las Vegas would be the same without his contributions. We’re thrilled to honor Mel in this way.” In addition to his speech, Gordon will take part with Larson in a meet-and-greet session during the reception. The speedway also will recognize the 2005 season champions at its drag-racing facility, The Strip, and its 3/8-mile oval, The Bullring. The evening will begin with a reception at 6:30. The meet-and-greet, limited in number, with Larson and NASCAR’s Gordon is set for 7-7:30 with dinner and the program to follow. To purchase a table or tickets for this event, please contact Janae Melvin at (702) 632-8242. (LVMS PR)
Jan. 5, 2006:
J. Gordon to co-host "Live with Regis and Kelly": On January 20, Jeff Gordon is scheduled to make his eighth appearance as co-host on the popular daytime talk show “Live with Regis and Kelly.” The four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and driver of the No. 24 DuPont Chevrolet will fill in for host Regis Philbin. “Live with Regis and Kelly” is in its 18th year of national syndication and continues to wake up millions of Americans each day. “Live with Regis and Kelly" is executive produced by Michael Gelman and has been distributed in national syndication by Buena Vista Television since 1988. Produced by WABC-TV in New York, Live with Regis and Kelly" airs in over 200 markets across the country. Check local listings for time and channel. (Performance PR Plus)
Jan. 3, 2006:
Stewart and Gordon participates in “A Race To Patriotism”: The 10th Anniversary of the American Veterans Awards “A Race To Patriotism” announced NASCAR drivers Tony Stewart and Jeff Gordon have joined the “Race To Patriotism” and recorded Public Service Announcements (PSA’s) to help promote the Military Spouse “Angel” Award. The Military Spouse “Angel” nomination deadline is Sunday, February 12, 2006. The Military Spouse Award is an ongoing, annual award that is open to all military families. There will be two Department of Defense (DoD) award recipients who will be honored, in addition to a military retiree (served 20 years or more) and a military veteran (served less than 20 years). (PSAs available at AVA website)
Dec.. 9, 2005:
Gordon says he was OKd to miss banquet: In his first public comments since being criticized by NASCAR for failing to attend the year-ending Awards Gala, four-time Cup champ Jeff Gordon fired back Friday, saying NASCAR gave its blessing for Gordon to skip the dinner at New York’s Waldorf-Astoria so he could compete in an all-star race in Paris the following day. Gordon—who was in the Big Apple Friday for a promotional appearance—said that NASCAR initially had no problem with him missing the Champions Week festivities. “I was in a unique situation where I was 13th or 14th in points, got invited to go over to Paris for that event [the Race of Champions], which I missed out on last year,” Gordon told the Press in an exclusive interview. “I agreed to go, not expecting to be at the banquet for 11th or any other position. And when the conflict came up, I talked to the higher-ups in NASCAR, and they told me, ‘Hey, we understand. You’ve got a commitment and you can’t be here this year.’” Since instituting the top-10 Chase for the Championship two seasons ago, the 11th-place driver has been recognized at the Awards Gala as the highest finishing non-Chase competitor. Gordon’s comments Friday sharply contradict those of NASCAR spokesman Jim Hunter, who said Tuesday that that the sanctioning body was “extremely disappointed” in Gordon, along with Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and other non-Chase drivers who failed to show. “I’m pretty disappointed in some of the things that were said,” Gordon said. “I understand that they want to get as many drivers there [as possible], and being a past champion, I want to be there as the champion. But I also want to be there to accept any award that I can.” (Long Island Press)
Dec.. 7, 2005:
NASCAR disappointed with Earnhardt, Gordon and others: NASCAR officials are “extremely disappointed” in Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and other drivers who failed to attend the season-ending awards ceremonies. “It was very disappointing to NASCAR and the entire industry that drivers did not show up for various awards,” spokesman Jim Hunter said Tuesday. “It shows a lack of respect for the history and tradition of the sport.” NASCAR president Mike Helton plans to speak with the drivers who failed to attend last week’s ceremonies in New York, Hunter said. The sanctioning body also is considering ways to ensure future attendance. NASCAR has held its season-ending ceremonies in New York the past 25 years, handing out numerous awards during a weeklong celebration capped by a black-tie banquet in the grand ballroom of the Waldorf Astoria. Gordon, who finished 11th in the standings, skipped the banquet because he was in Paris preparing to compete in the Race of Champions all-star event. Actor Will Ferrell, pretending to be Gordon, accepted the $1,075,386 payout — which included a $250,000 bonus for finishing 11th — on Gordon’s behalf. Gordon’s absence was glaring because under NASCAR’s new points system the 11th-place driver is awarded a spot at the banquet as a reward for being the highest finishing driver outside of the Chase for the championship. (MSNBC.com)
Nov. 23, 2005:
Watch Team USA, including Jeff Gordon compete: HDNet will give U.S. racing fans an exclusive front-row seat December 3 as NASCAR superstar Jeff Gordon and X-Games champ Travis Pastrana compete in the 2005 Race of Champions - Nations Cup, live from the famous Stade de France in Paris. The entire event will be available for the second year in a row to U.S. television viewers in the highest quality 1080i high-definition television (HDTV), only on HDNet, Saturday, December 3 at 11:00 a.m. ET, followed by a prime-time encore presentation at 9:30 p.m. ET. The 18th annual Race of Champions - Nations Cup is an end-of-season international racing showdown featuring two exciting competitions. First, in the Race of Champions, 19 the world‘s best drivers compete in a series of head-to-head heats in identical cars to determine the individual “Champion of Champions.” Then, in the Nations Cup, the same drivers compete in national teams of two in a bid to determine “The World‘s Fastest Nation.” Team USA is sponsored by Centrix Financial, who has chosen four-time NASCAR champ Gordon and five-time X-Games Motocross champ Pastrana to compete against top drivers from all the major world class championships, including World Rally, Formula 1, Champ Car, IRL, Rally-Raid, DTM, Le Mans, and GP2. “HDNet is proud to be the exclusive broadcast home of the Race of Champions - Nations Cup once again,” said Mark Cuban of HDNet. “This is the only event of its kind where top U.S. competitors represent their country against the best drivers from around the world. You won‘t want to miss the action!” (HDNET PR)
Nov. 10, 2005:
Gordon to compete in France: #24-Jeff Gordon, and five-time X-Games gold medalist and rally driver, Travis Pastrana, will represent Team USA in the 18th Race of Champions - Nations Cup, Dec. 3 at the 70,000 seat Stade de France in Paris. Three years ago, Team USA - Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson and Colin Edwards - won the event. Approximately 10 countries with drivers from many racing disciplines, including NASCAR, Formula One and World Rally Championship, will take part in the prestigious international competition. (GM Racing PR)
Nov. 9, 2005:
J. Gordon trying different setups: Jeff Gordon says his team has gone away from some of the setups Jimmie Johnson uses because they weren’t working for Gordon. The four-time series champion has struggled on tracks 1.5 miles long and says some of that is because he doesn’t share the same driving styles as his teammates at Hendrick Motorsports, including Johnson. “I’ve been telling them all year I can’t drive it like that,’’ Gordon said. “That’s what I’m so proud with Steve (Letarte, new crew chief) is that we were able to start on a clean sheet. He said, 'All right, let’s start from scratch. I’ve been hearing you talk on the radio all year long, you don’t like this and this is what you need. Let’s try to give you that.’ “We went to Atlanta and we took all the aero guys from Hendrick Motorsports and said, 'Give Jeff that feel.’’’ (Pilot Online)
Oct. 29, 2005:
Where's the drivers? The grand opening of Jeff Gordon Racing School on Tuesday at Lowe's Motor Speedway included a public relations snag for the four-time Nextel Cup champion. Kasey Kahne, Jeremy Mayfield, Jamie McMurray, Casey Mears, and Elliott Sadler were advertised to appear along with Gordon for photo opportunities at an event where ticket prices ranged from $350 to $5,000. None showed up, and their team representatives all confirmed Friday the function wasn't on their driver's itinerary. (Atlanta Journal Constitution)
Oct. 22, 2005:
Gordon Sweeps Martinsville in '05: Jeff Gordon made a late-race strategy decision to stay on the track during a caution and it helped him captured Sunday's Subway 500 Nextel Cup at the Martinsville Speedway. The No.24 Dupont Chevrolet took the checkered flag 0.236 seconds ahead of runner-up Tony Stewart. The victory was Gordon's fourth of the season and 73rd of his "Cup" career. "I'm so proud of this guy here," said Gordon said hugging his crew chief Steve Letarte. "He made the call that won this race today. I've been telling people how talented he is and I think today definitely showed that." Stewart brought the 43-car field to the green flag and led the first lap to earn the all-important five point bonus. Then on the next lap he gave way to Ricky Rudd. But Stewart only let Rudd enjoy the lead for two laps before re- asserting his dominance at the top. Gordon, a seven-time winner at Martinsville, was the man on the move, breaking into the top-10 for the first time on lap 21. (Sports Network - Points - Results)
Oct. 22, 2005:
J. Gordon blast NASCAR on Lowe's track conditions: "I can't understand how anybody can touch a track without NASCAR knowing about it or being able to provide input," Gordon said. "And it seems like only after we have major issues do we see them get involved. "NASCAR needs to have experts (involved) who really know a lot about these tracks and these tires. NASCAR has to have somebody representing NASCAR in these things ... and Goodyear, and race teams too. The more we work together, the fewer issues we'll have." Formula One drivers have their own safety committee, which rules on whether or not a track is safe enough to race on. But NASCAR drivers have no such committee, and they have to rely on NASCAR officials. So Gordon said that NASCAR officials should occasionally hold "a real drivers meeting ... to let people talk, whether it be about safety or the rules. "They did it once at Richmond, I thought it was one of the best things they ever did. It was about safety. But there are other concerns just as vital to this sport - competition, respect on the track, and issues with tracks." (Salem-Journal)
Oct. 13, 2005:
J. Gordon raises money for charity: For the fifth straight year, NASCAR driver Jeff Gordon held a benefit dinner to help fight leukemia. The event, sponsored by Time Warner Cable, took place Wednesday night at the Westin hotel in uptown Charlotte. News 14 Carolina’s own Mike Solarte served as master of ceremonies. Gordon's interest in helping others fight the disease stems from his own personal experience. "The awareness came through personal friends, like Rick Hendrick, who dealt with leukemia,” he said. “He really opened up my eyes, through his illness, of the need out there for bone marrow transplants and for donors to help out the recipients that can't find donors within their immediate family." One marrow donor got a special gift at the dinner. Jim Wallace, who had signed up to be a donor at a Hendrick Motorsports event, met Gloria Dunford – the recipient of his gift – for the first time. (Video & Photos highlights available at News 14)
Jeff Gordon going non-smoking for two races in '06: Friday at Lowe's Motor Speedway, however, GlaxoSmithKline will announce that four-time Cup series champion Jeff Gordon, one of the sport's most high-profile drivers, will drive two races in 2006 with Nicorette as the primary sponsor of his No. 24 Chevrolet. The stop-smoking product also will be an associate sponsor all year for Gordon's team. "NASCAR has done great things for us, and we're trying to take it to the next level," said Steve Kapur, senior brand manager for NASCAR programs for GSK. "The more people the program is visible to and the more people we have talking about it, the better connection we'll have with NASCAR fans." GSK made its first sponsorship deal in NASCAR earlier this year, teaming with seven-time champion Richard Petty to start a "quitting crew" and with Chip Ganassi Racing as an associate sponsor on its No. 41 Dodges. GSK will continue its relationship with that team as well, Kapur said. (Miami Herald)
Gordon to test new Corvette: Four-time NASCAR Cup champion Jeff Gordon gets behind the wheel of the new Chevrolet Corvette Z06 at Road Atlanta with SPEED Channel’s popular Test Drive program and host Tommy Kendall on Oct. 22 at 6 p.m. ET. “I had never been to Road Atlanta and I got the opportunity to drive one of the best Corvettes they’ve ever brought out,” Gordon said on SPEED’s NASCAR This Morning. “(The Z06) has a lot of power, handles fantastic and looks great – I had a blast.” Footage was also shot at the famed Le Mans road course in France with Corvette factory driver Johnny O’Connell. “This program brings together two great Chevrolet champions – Jeff Gordon and Corvette,” said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. “There is no better example of the interaction between racing and production than the advanced technology that is shared by the championship-winning Corvette C6.R race car and the award-winning Corvette Z06, a 505-horsepower supercar that you can drive every day.” In addition to the new Corvette, SPEED Channel’s Test Drive program also has looked at the Pontiac GTO, Mitsubishi Eclipse, Ranger Rover Sport, and Jeep’s Grand Cherokee and Commander. Still on tap for SPEED this season are Test Drives with the Mercedes AMG cars and the Chrysler SRT line. (SPEED TV)
Oct. 6, 2005:
Jeff Gordon Poker Tournament: The Jeff Gordon Foundation and Harrah’s have teamed for a new series of No Limit Hold’em Tournaments beginning in November at Harrah’s casinos. The series of No Limit Hold’em Tournaments provide motorsports fans, Hollywood celebrities, NASCAR drivers and poker enthusiasts an opportunity to go “all-in” to support The Jeff Gordon Foundation. The series of high-stakes poker events, which will include events at several Harrah’s casinos, will culminate with a championship event to be held in March 2006 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The championship is scheduled the week of the annual race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and will be held at Caesar’s Palace, one of Harrah’s premier casinos. (Jeff Gordon Foundation PR)
Sep. 28, 2005:
Jeff Gordon Lends A Helping Hand To Hurricane Katrina Victims in Humanity Plaza: On Tuesday, Jeff Gordon stopped by “Humanity Plaza” in New York City to lend support to families displaced by Hurricane Katrina. NBC News “Today,” Habitat for Humanity International and Warner Music Group joined forces in this effort to help build homes for those affected by Katrina, and they have transformed Rockefeller Plaza into a ‘round the clock’ construction site through Friday night. “I heard about this great effort, and I wanted to be a part of it,” Gordon said. “I’m fortunate to have the time to come out here and help, and I’m amazed at the number of people who have volunteered their time. “We do a lot with charities through the Jeff Gordon Foundation, but this is a great opportunity to be hands on and make a difference. So many people have been affected by Katrina. When something like that happens, we all have to chip in, try to make a difference and rebuild.” Gordon’s primary sponsor, DuPont, has already donated $1 million along with products and services to the relief effort. In addition to the $1 million donation it made right after Hurricane Katrina, DuPont will make an additional donation – up to $1 million – equal to the funds contributed to the DuPont Hurricane Katrina Fund. Please visit www.DuPont.com for more information. (Performance PR Plus)
Sep. 15, 2005:
Loomis to join Petty Enterprises
Hendrick names Letarte Gordon's crew chief: With Robbie Loomis’ move back to Petty Enterprises, Hendrick Motorsports owner Rick Hendrick today introduced Steve Letarte as crew chief of the #24 entries driven by Gordon, a four-time Cup Series champion. Letarte will call his first race Sunday at Loudon, N.H., less than 70 miles from his hometown of Cornish, Maine. Letarte, 26, has been with the #24 team full-time since 1996, winning three Cup titles under the tutelage of crew chiefs Ray Evernham, Brian Whitesell and Loomis. He has worked as a tire specialist, mechanic and car chief. “To have a chance like this with Hendrick Motorsports is incredible,” Letarte said. “I couldn’t ask to work with a better driver or a more talented group of people. I’m committed to continuing the winning tradition of this team, closing 2005 on a positive note and pushing toward Jeff’s fifth championship next year.” Letarte takes over a crew with a pair of pole positions and three victories this season. Only two NEXTEL Cup teams have more wins in 2005. “I’m sad to see Robbie leave,” Gordon said. “We made a great team and had more wins ahead of us, but the Pettys presented him with a fantastic opportunity. For him, it was time for a change and I’m happy he’s found the right fit. “I’ve worked with Steve for more than 10 years and we already communicate extremely well, both on and off the track. The team has a ton of confidence in his abilities, so we’re looking forward to the last 10 races of 2005 and getting an early jump on next year.” (Hendrick Motorsports PR)
Sep. 9, 2005
Loomis will not return in 2006: Robbie Loomis doesn't know what he'll do next season, but he does know he'll do something other than serve as crew chief for four-time NASCAR champion Jeff Gordon. "I know that I am getting ready for a change," Loomis said Friday at Richmond International Raceway. "We have been preparing for that for a year, and it could be within Hendrick Motorsports and it might be something completely different." Gordon touched off speculation about Loomis' future this week when he said on NASCAR's teleconference he didn't know if Loomis would be back in his current job. "I'm ready for like a change of season, like winter, fall, spring and summer," Loomis said. "That's been brought on more by the emotions I went through last year with my mom." Loomis' mother, Sally, went through a serious illness last year. "I probably grew more as a person last year throughout the season with what I experienced with my mom than I have all my life," said Loomis, 41. "I know I changed more as a person. Then with what we had happen last October, that helped make me a better person." (Kentucky.com)
Sep. 7, 2005
Gordon on Loomis Returning in 2006: "We talked before this season even started about Robbie's future and what he wanted to do. If it were up to me, yeah, I'd love to have him as my crew chief. With his mom and some of the illnesses she's gone through, Robbie is trying to decide right now what his plans are right now. It has nothing to do with our performance right now. I believe 100 percent in Robbie Loomis and his abilities. When we're on, there's nobody better. And because of our lack of performance this year, I really don't think Robbie should be blamed for that. It has nothing to do with whether he is my crew chief next year of not. It has nothing to do with the performance we've had this year." (NASCAR Teleconference Transcript)
Sep. 3, 2005
J. Gordon holds 5th annual go-kart challenge: The Hendrick Marrow Program of The Marrow Foundation is proud to partner with The Jeff Gordon Foundation to host the Fifth Annual Time Warner Cable Jeff Gordon Go-Kart Challenge and "An Evening with Jeff Gordon" Dinner. These benefit events will be held on Wednesday, October 12, in Charlotte, N.C. "Special events are an important part of raising funds for the Foundation," said Gordon. "I wanted to do an event that was different than the usual golf tournament or gala. The go-kart challenge is the perfect format as it allows me to have fun doing what I love and raise money for important cause." At the Time Warner Cable Jeff Gordon Go-Kart Challenge, corporate sponsors will have the opportunity to race alongside Gordon on a 1/3 mile road course at Victory Lane Indoor Karting located in Charlotte. Following the Go-Kart Challenge, Gordon will host an intimate dinner event at The Westin in uptown Charlotte, also sponsored by Time Warner Cable. "An Evening with Jeff Gordon" will feature the first-time meeting of a marrow donor and his transplant recipient. To learn more about how you can be involved in the Jeff Gordon Go-Kart Challenge or "An Evening with Jeff Gordon" please log on to www.jeffgordonfoundation.org or call (704) 455-7424. (JG Foundation PR)
Aug 31, 2005
Gordon to appear on Ellen DeGeneres: On Monday, September 5, Jeff Gordon makes an appearance on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” (syndicated, check local listings). The four-time NASCAR Cup champion and driver of the No. 24 DuPont Chevrolet is the first NASCAR driver to appear on the popular daytime talk show. “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” has won two consecutive Emmy Awards for Outstanding Talk Show and this year won the Emmy Award for Outstanding Talk Show Host, and has now earned nine Daytime Emmy Awards in its first two seasons. “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” premiered on September 8, 2003. Originating from NBC Studios in Los Angeles, Calif., “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” is produced by A Very Good Production and WAD Productions, Inc. in association with Telepictures. (Hendrick Motorsports PR)
Aug 22, 2005
Gordon and Johnson featured on EA Sports NASCAR: Electronic Arts announced today that its EA SPORTS™ branded NASCAR® videogame, NASCAR 06: Total Team Control, will feature NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series teammates Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson. The two avid “gamers” personify the focus of this year’s game - Team Racing. “It’s amazing how EA continues to innovate and make the game more fun for gamers and the drivers year after year,” said Gordon, driver of the number 24 DuPont Chevrolet. Jimmie Johnson, driver of the number 48 Lowe’s Chevrolet, expanded, “The addition of the team racing really changes the game in an amazing way. It’s not just about you, the driver. Now, you are challenged to manage a whole team, using your on-track relationships with other drivers and especially your teammates to bring home the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Championship and build a racing dynasty.” ...NASCAR 06: Total Team Control for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system and Xbox® video game system from Microsoft will be on store shelves September 1st and is rated “E” for (Everyone) by the ESRB - Electronic Arts, Inc. PR More Information at www.easports.com(EA Sports PR)
Aug 19, 2005
J. Gordon doesn't like recent driver signings: Four-time NASCAR champion Jeff Gordon called the future team switches recently orchestrated by drivers Kurt Busch and Jamie McMurray disrespectful, and suspects the controversy surrounding Busch's deal will prevent him from defending last year's championship. Gordon said if he were the car owner for Busch or McMurray, "I would be finding a suitable replacement for them tomorrow. They would be gone." Gordon, who spoke to reporters Thursday while in Washington, D.C., to promote an upcoming race in Richmond, Va., also said some young drivers are overpaid. Busch, who drives for Roush Racing, and McMurray, who drives for Chip Ganassi Racing, are under contract through the end of next season. (USA Today)
Aug 11, 2005
Jeff Gordon on Larry King Live: Jeff Gordon, four-time NASCAR Series champion and driver of the No. 24 DuPont Chevrolet, is scheduled to make his fourth appearance on “Larry King Live” on Monday, August 15. “Larry King Live,” CNN’s highest-rated program, airs from 9 - 10 p.m. ET every night and is broadcast in more than 212 countries and territories worldwide.
Aug 7, 2005
So where's Jeff Gordon from Cali. or Indiana? Indiana native Ryan Newman took a jab at Gordon this weekend when asked about all the hometown drivers competing in today's race. "Gordon is not a Hoosier," Newman said. "He's just not proud of being from San Francisco." Asked about it Saturday, Gordon laughed. "Well, I'm not from San Francisco," he said. "The thing is, when I moved to Indiana, and we started putting down where my hometown was, we started putting down Pittsboro, Ind., and everyone started to pick up on that, and all of a sudden I come from Indiana. "I recognize that I'm not." (Cincinnati.com)
July 16, 2005
Gordon-Bliss not talking about incident: Jeff Gordon apparently didn't take lightly his on-track run-in with Mike Bliss during Sunday's USG Sheetrock 400 that sent Gordon into the wall. Gordon, according to sources, confronted Bliss at the airport that night over the issue. But neither man wanted to discuss that yesterday. "I've been racing with Mike for a long time, I've known Mike since I was 7 years old," Gordon said. "We had our instance on the track, and if it's not already settled - which I think it is - I've got way too much at stake to try to get back into the top 10 than to worry about what happened." (Salem-Journal)
July 15, 2005
Loomis's job secured with Gordon: Ask Jeff Gordon if he has lost any faith in his crew chief and he'll grin. Chuckle, even. Robbie Loomis' job is not in jeopardy and never has been, Gordon says. "There is not going to be any other crew chief with me than Robbie Loomis," Gordon said Friday at New Hampshire International Speedway. "He's the guy. As long as he wants to be the crew chief, he's going to be the crew chief." Gordon's recent struggles have raised questions about Loomis' job stability. Gordon maintains the problem isn't Loomis or his team. He cites lack of testing preparation as the primary culprit. "You guys always ask me, 'Have you panicked?' and I say 'No, we haven't." Gordon said. "Well, now we have (panicked), and we're going to react. Rick Hendrick is classic at overreacting when there's a situation. (NASCAR.com)
July 1, 2005
Colin Edwards in Daytona with Gordon: Colin Edwards II will be at the Pepsi 400 at Daytona this weekend, invited by NASCAR driver and MotoGP fan Jeff Gordon. Gordon had his bacon saved by Edwards at the Race of Champions several years ago and has been an Edwards fan ever since. After the car race Edwards is back in Texas on Sunday to greet his entire MotoGP team who will visit his home in Conroe and do some go-kart racing (Edwards owns a cool dozen shifter karts) and ride dirt bikes. The team leaves for NASA for a visit the next day, then Edwards is off to southern California for some PR, then Yamaha is flyinghe and his family up to Monterey via private jet. (Superbike Planet)
