HAMPTON, Ga. – Friday afternoon, a surprise was waiting for Jeff Gordon as he stepped into the Atlanta Motor Speedway media center.
Atlanta Motor Speedway President and General Manager Ed Clark was there to present Gordon – or rather, his son – with a gift.
It was a Bandolero from U.S. Legend Cars.
"That is amazing," Gordon said. "Leo is going to want to sleep in this thing at night. I have a feeling this might end up in his bedroom for a year or two before he can drive it. That is awesome. Thank you so much."
The presentation comes on the heels of last season's presentation at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, when Gordon was given the No. 24 from the scoring pylon – and he proceeded to win his record fifth Brickyard 400 on what the Indianapolis mayor dubbed Jeff Gordon Day.
The difference on Friday was that the gift was for his children.
"I appreciate you not giving me anything," Gordon laughed. "And I really appreciate it not being a rocking chair."
Gordon made his Cup debut at Atlanta Motor Speedway, and noted that the track holds "a special place in my heart."
So the track's gestures have meant even more to the driver.
"I was watching practice earlier with XFINITY and I saw the 'Thanks 24' out there in the grass," he said. "It really put a big smile on my face. I appreciate all the effort you and your staff have done. Not just this weekend, but over all the years."
It surely won't be the last gift Gordon is given as he navigates his final full-time Sprint Cup Series season, but the driver said the best presents he has received have been the memories fans have shared with him.
"That's been my favorite part of the season so far," he said. "I met with a group of fans earlier today, and just to hear their stories and share pictures – whether it is on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or in person – it's amazing to experience that with them and it takes you back to those memories."