CONCORD, N.C. -- The Brickyard has always held a special place in Jeff Gordon's heart.
“The Brickyard 400 sticks out so much to me because I am from California via Indiana, and the first big race I remember watching on TV was the Indianapolis 500," Gordon said. "For me to be able to compete at Indianapolis Motor Speedway was something I dreamed of."
And for 21 races at the track, he has done more than just compete. He has set all-time records there in wins, poles, top-five finishes (five more than any other driver), top-10s (six more than second) and laps led.
The 43-year-old driver’s five victories at The Brickyard are tied with former Formula 1 driver Michael Schumacher for most among drivers at the famed speedway -- and they stand alone at the top among all NASCAR drivers.
It started with the inaugural event in 1994, and he found Victory Lane again in 1998, 2001, 2004 and the most recent race in 2014.
“The 2014 Brickyard 400 win was the biggest moment of my career so far," No. 24 team crew chief Alan Gustafson said. "I can’t wait to walk back in the place and hear (Indianapolis Motor Speedway PA announcer) Dave Calabro introduce us as the defending Brickyard 400 champions. When you hear that, your body is like a tuning fork. That is special.”
Gordon said he's ready for a "very, very special weekend" as he returns to the track for his final Brickyard 400.
"To me, personally, Indianapolis Motor Speedway is just the ultimate track that I get to compete on," he said.
Hear much more from Gordon on what the track has meant to him and his career in the video below.