You just can’t take the race out of a hall of famer
Life is good for Jeff Gordon.
He is juggling post-retirement life quite fabulously, mixing in broadcast duties for Fox Sports, working with his former sponsor Axalta, and has hands-on duties as a partner in Hendrick Motorsports.
He went on a family vacation to Indonesia last year and plans on visiting the Greek Islands this summer.
And he is starting to pick up the well-deserved accolades of a fabulous career, including his NASCAR Hall of Fame nomination and recent induction into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in Daytona Beach.
But a wheelman never gives up on his first love.
Gordon said he remains smitten at the prospect of driving again, likely in Martinsville, for a Camping World Series Trucks race.
“Under the right scenario I would consider it,” he said before his induction last week. “It would take more than me to be in that race. I think I would have to convince some other friends of mine.
“Call it the Seniors Tour,” he said, breaking into a laugh.
Those “friends” may include his former teammate Dale Earnhardt Jr. or, better yet, his broadcast partner Darrell Waltrip, now 71. All it takes is just a little prodding and convincing.
“Me and DW joke, ‘OK, what’s the track we can both get in there and get it done?’” Gordon said. “And we both say, ‘Martinsville!’ If I can get DW, that would really be good.”
What say you, Mr. Waltrip? I reached out via text.
“He thinks he’s king of Martinsville. I challenge that!”
I suggest they do it and make NASCAR Great Again.
“Jaws would bring tears to the Rainbow Warrior. And he knows it!”
I think it’s on, boys!
Now for logistics: Martinsville has two truck dates: Saturday (not going to happen) and Oct. 27 (that would be the one). Gordon, 46, likes the feel of the track, mostly because it’s a mainstay that has weathered time very well. Mark your calendars, everyone. It’s Jaws vs. The Rainbow Warrior.
Is it too soon to suggest this is a perfect sponsorship match for one of Gordon’s partners, AARP?