Gordon, Jeff (Jeffery Michael Gordon). 1971–, American auto racer, b. Vallejo, Calif. The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing's (NASCAR) Rookie of the Year in 1993, “The Kid” became the youngest winner of NASCAR's Winston Cup in 1995. His telegenic looks and easy embrace of the national media led many to tout him as representing a new era in what had been a traditionally regional sport, but many long-time NASCAR fans found his seeming lack of grit unappealing. He repeated his Winston Cup success in 1997, 1998, and 2001, and in 1998 also won 13 races, tying the record held by Richard Petty. In his 23-year career, he tallied 93 Cup victories. Since his retirement (2015), he has raced as a substitute driver.
The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2024, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.
See more Encyclopedia articles on: Sports: Biographies
