CONCORD, N.C. -- Jeff Gordon competed in his final NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race driving the No. 88 Chevrolet SS this past Sunday at Martinsville Speedway.
The driver filled in for Dale Earnhardt Jr. in eight races on the 2016 circuit, logging two top-10s -- at Dover International Speedway and Martinsville Speedway.
With Alex Bowman filling in for the remaining three races of the season, Gordon climbed into the No. 88 Nationwide Chevrolet SS for the final time Sunday before claiming his best finish of the season -- sixth place.
"I had a lot of fun out there," Gordon said following Sunday's race. "It is great to be here in front of all these awesome short track and Martinsville NASCAR fans. It’s just a special place to me and I had a lot of fun and had a great car."
Gordon rolled off the grid in 10th and quickly found himself racing inside the top five following the first caution of the race. Caught on pit road when a caution was brought out, Gordon went a lap down but was able to take a wave-around and rebound for a sixth-place finish.
Hendrick Motorsports owner Rick Hendrick said that Gordon gave a strong performance and could have won the race.
"It's really tough to be out of the car and jump back in and race with these guys without having the week‑to‑week input into the car," Hendrick said. "I thought he did a great job. In the middle of the race, he was coming."
Overall, Gordon was happy with the results.
"I'm very proud of this team, proud of my performance," Gordon said. "Best finish I've had in this car. Good way to finish my run this year in the No. 88 Chevy."