Gordon should cruise into the Hall of Fame
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — When Jeff Gordon’s name is presented to a panel of voters for the NASCAR Hall of Fame, the debate should be short and simple.
Yes, Gordon gets a slot. He is on today’s ballot in his first year of eligibility, and there should be zero discussion regarding his worthiness. The four-time Cup Series champion played a massive role in moving stock car racing beyond its Southern roots and into the national landscape. Business models changed because of Gordon, a driver who appealed to Madison Avenue advertisers and fans of more established American sports.
He was the personality NASCAR needed, and it certainly didn’t hurt that he won so frequently.
Gordon’s debut was the 1992 season finale, which was Richard Petty’s final race. Gordon earned his first victory in his second full season and his first series title the year after that. His 93 victories and 81 pole positions both rank third on NASCAR’s all-time lists for the Cup Series, and he’s a three-time Daytona 500 winner and five- time winner at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Gordon also won at every Cup Series track on the circuit during his career except for Kentucky, made 805 career starts and briefly came out of retirement to help Hendrick Motorsports when Dale Earnhardt Jr. was sidelined with a concussion. Gordon is only three years removed from full-time competition and just 46.
“On one hand, I’m excited,” Gordon said of today’s vote. “On the other hand, I’m … too young to go into the Hall of Fame.”
Gordon said he will wait for the voting results like every other nominee. But he has been part of past ceremonies, most recently when he helped induct
“... That ceremony now, what it means to be in the Hall of Fame is on a whole other level than what it’s ever been.” – JEFF GORDON
his former crew chief, Ray Evernham, and Gordon admitted he’s looking forward to the day his name is called.
“I’ve gone to the Hall of Fame for the inductions many times and seen some great speeches and legends in our sport, so whenever that day comes, it’s a huge honor,” he said. “I’m thankful that timing has definitely been on my side, and 10 or 15 years ago, the Hall of Fame was not what it is today. That ceremony now, what it means to be in the Hall of Fame is on a whole other level than what it’s ever been.”
There are 20 nominees, but only five will be selected by the panel of 58 voters (one of those is a combined vote from fans), and the 2019 class is one of the toughest yet to predict.
Davey Allison and Alan Kulwicki, drivers who died in the prime of their careers — in aviation accidents a year apart — could potentially split voters.
Another debate could center on current team owners Joe Gibbs, Roger Penske and Jack Roush, with the first two on the ballot for the second time and Roush there for the third time. Drivers on their teams have won a combined 392 Cup Series races.