Jeff Gordon Stereotypes

Just 3 Sundays ago on Nov 22, the Nascar(National Association of Stock Car Auto Racing) and Sports world watched and admired the end of one of the most extraordinary careers in its history, that of Superstar Jeff Gordon. What makes Jeff unusual is he broke all the stereotypes of what was once known as a “Southern only sport” to that of global implications and sponsorships and basically made Jeff Gordon an ambassador for “good guys” can succeed in the rough and tumble dangerous world of Nascar stock car racing.

Jeff Gordons roots were not that of a North Carolina born and bred short track racer but that of a cleancut kid from California whose parents Carol and John Bickford did what most parents would do for their own child who has shown

In 1997 Jeff opened by winning Nascars most famous race the Daytona 500 which he would win 3 times and went on to also win the first of 4 championships. Gordon’s career ended with 93 victories putting him at 3rd all time in victories behind only the legendary Richard Petty with 200 and David Pearson with 104. Gordon won at every track Nascar had an event at except Kentucky Motor Speedway which has only run 5 races since it’s introduction into the regular schedule. Probably the most amazing statistic of his illustrious career is his 797 consecutive starts considered among athletic Iron man as one of the truly great feats, never missing a race even though he as either hurt bad enough, sick enough or the impending birth of one of his two children nearly ending that streak.

Jeff Gordon’s personal life included a first marriage to Brook Sealey that ended in 2003. Gordon ending up meeting his new wife, Ingrid Vandebosch during a dinner in the summer of 2002. They eventually got married in 2007. The Gordon’s welcomed into the world, daughter Ella Sofia in 200 and son Leo Benjamin in 2010. Many believe that Jeff Gordon’s impending retirement at age 44 was most influenced by wanting to spend time with his children and watch them grow up.

Also, Gordon appeared in many documentaries and television stints including being the guest host 10 different times on the Live with Regis and Kelly. Gordon also was the guest host on Saturday Night Live in 2003.

Jeff Gordon won many awards. He was inducted in to several Hall of Fames including Watkins Glen International Hall of Fame. It is certain that in after the 5 year minimum that Jeff Gordon will be a unanimous first ballot inductee into the Nascar Hall of Fame.

In summary, Jeff Gordon’s greatest achievements would likely be found in his endless philanthropy. Although he amassed over $141 million in winnings and countless millions in endorsements Gordon has said he is most proud of the Jeff Gordon Children’s Hospital in Concord North Carolina and help to create with other famous athletes the “Athletes for Hope” which inspired non athletes to help volunteer their own time in community related events. Jeff Gordon partnered with AARP in 2011 through the Drive to End Hunger program which also became a sponsorship on his racecar. Jeff Gordon will begin a new chapter in his life when he joins Mike Joy