Jeff Gordon honored at Dover International Speedway
DOVER, Del. (Oct. 2, 2015) – In a year
filled with farewells and reminiscing, Jeff Gordon – and his entire
racing family – was presented with a unique tribute to his remarkable
racing career.
On Friday, Dover International Speedway, as well as
local elected officials, made special presentations to Gordon in
advance of Sunday’s “AAA 400” NASCAR Sprint Cup race in recognition of
his contributions to the track and sport.
Gordon, 44, a five-time Dover NASCAR Sprint Cup
Series race winner, received 90 miniature “Miles the Monster” trophies
for himself, his crew and Hendrick Motorsports team members in North
Carolina. Each trophy is inscribed with the individual’s
name, as well as the following quote from Hall of Fame professional
football coach Vince Lombardi:
“The achievements of an organization are the results of the combined effort of each individual.”
Gordon announced earlier this year that 2015 would
be his final full-time season in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. He is
planning to join Fox Sports as an analyst during its 2016 NASCAR
broadcasts.
“This is amazing – I don’t know how we’re going to
get all these home but thank you very much,” Gordon said. “Our guys are
going to appreciate this very, very much.”
Gordon’s connection with Monster Mile fans began
early, as Delaware chemical giant DuPont served as the primary sponsor
of his No. 24 car for several seasons. The iconic multi-colored paint
job on both his Chevrolet and the fire suits of
the No. 24 team’s pit crew led to their designation as the “Rainbow
Warriors.”
“I’ve always enjoyed Dover,” Gordon said. “This
does remind me of how much Dover and Delaware have meant to me. Coming
up to Wilmington and visiting DuPont every year, it was always special
coming here. You always want to have success in
your sponsor’s home.”
In addition to the trophies, Gordon received praise
from Dover Motorsports Inc. CEO Denis McGlynn, as well as Dover Mayor
Robin Christiansen, Delaware State Sen. Brian Bushweller and Delaware
State Rep. William Carson. Christiansen named
Gordon an honorary citizen of the City of Dover, while Bushweller and
Carson read recognitions from the Delaware State Senate and Delaware
State House of Representatives, respectively.
Gordon will be looking for a strong finish in
Sunday’s “AAA 400” NASCAR Sprint Cup race to ensure his advancement in
the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup playoffs. Gordon is 10th in the
point standings, 11 points ahead of Dale Earnhardt
Jr. in the 12th spot. Twelve drivers will advance out of the Monster
Mile with their championship dreams intact.
Gordon hasn’t earned a NASCAR Sprint Cup victory since last fall at Dover International Speedway.
“I hope that my last victory didn’t come here last year. I hope it comes here this year. And then, maybe one more at Homestead.”
Friday’s ceremony was just one of the many Gordon
tributes planned for the weekend, which also includes a Saturday
doubleheader with the “Drive Sober 125” presented by the Delaware Office
of Highway Safety NASCAR K&N Pro Series East race
at 9:30 a.m. and the “Hisense 200” NASCAR XFINITY Series race at 3:30
p.m.
On Lap 24 of the “AAA 400,” the entire Daktronics
scoring pylon will display the No. 24. Gordon has driven the No. 24
Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports in all 789 of his career NASCAR
Sprint Cup Series starts.
Other events honoring Gordon during the Monster
Mile’s latest NASCAR weekend include a “Thanks Jeff!” billboard
displayed at Turn 2 and the souvenir program and fan guide for the “AAA
400” NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race prominently feature
Gordon on the cover.
In addition, Gordon is set to be honored in 2016
with a permanent plaque on the Miles the Monster statue in Victory Plaza
and a fan event. The plaque will detail Gordon’s achievements at the
Monster Mile, as well as his entire NASCAR career.
More information on 2016 plans will be shared during the offseason.
Sunday’s “AAA 400” will feature the first
eliminations of NASCAR’s 16-driver Chase for the Sprint Cup playoff.
Four drivers will be eliminated from title contention following the
checkered flag. For more race information, or to purchase
tickets, visit DoverSpeedway.com or call 800-441-RACE. You can also
keep up with the Monster Mile at
Facebook.com/DoverInternationalSpeedway, or on Twitter at @MonsterMile
and Instagram at @MonsterMile.
JEFF GORDON CAREER STATISTICS
Birthday: Aug. 4, 1971
Hometown: Vallejo, Calif.
First Sprint Cup race: 1992
Current Crew Chief: Alan Gustafson
Sprint Cup Series Championships: 4 (1995, 1997, 1998, 2001)
Daytona 500 wins: 3 (1997, 1999, 2005)
Sprint All-Star Race wins: 3 (1995, 1997, 2001)
Gordon at Dover International Speedway
Starts: 45
Laps completed: 17,989 of 18,909 (95.13%)
Laps led: 2,389
Wins: 5
Poles: 4
Average start: 11.9
Top 5 finishes: 18
Top 10 finishes: 26
DNFs: 5
Average finish: 11.4
Gordon’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Career
(through Sept. 27, New Hampshire)
Starts: 789
Laps Completed: 226,133
Laps Led: 24,860
Wins: 92
Poles: 80
Top 5 finishes: 323
Top 10 finishes: 468
