CONCORD, N.C. — His mark has been made and his final lap has been completed.
After announcing his decision to no longer compete full-time in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, Jeff Gordon sought to end his career competitively, and also with great memories.
Let’s take a look back at the moments that defined Gordon’s 2015 season.
Strong start
Gordon kicked off his final year as a full-time Sprint Cup driver by earning the first pole of the 2015 season. The No. 24 Chevrolet SS led the field to green this past February at Daytona International Speedway for the Daytona 500, with teammates Jimmie Johnson and Dale Earnhardt Jr. right behind in second and third. Since 1993, Gordon has claimed at least one pole in each of his 23 full-time seasons. The veteran driver earned an impressive four poles through the 2015 season – his most since 2008.
Chase turnaround
In his last Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, Gordon showed he was still as competitive as he was from his very first race in 1992. The No. 24 Chevrolet SS never finished outside of the top 14 in any of the 10 Chase races this season. In eight of those races, Gordon took the checkered flag inside the top 10. His average finish in the series of events was 7.6.
Final clock
On Nov. 1, Gordon took home his ninth grandfather clock after a strong, first-place finish at Martinsville Speedway. The victory was also the veteran driver’s last career win, bringing his total to 93 wins in the Cup series. Before reaching Victory Lane one final time, Gordon led 35 laps after taking the green flag from a fifth-place starting position. The No. 24 Chevrolet SS led the last 22 laps before the checkered flag waved at the 0.526-mile paper clip-shaped oval.
Championship 4
The No. 24 Chevrolet SS finished the 2015 season on a high note. The veteran driver and his team were the only ones who made the final round of the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup by securing a spot with a win during the Eliminator Round. The remaining teams advanced to the finals through point standings. While at Homestead, Gordon led nine laps in the season finale. The No. 24 Chevrolet SS ultimately finished sixth, completing the season third in the standings.
Next chapter
In 2016, Gordon will join Mike Joy and Darrell Waltrip as an analyst for the FOX Sports broadcasts of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. He will also continue to work alongside Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports, as the duo continues their lifelong partnership and friendship.
“The really good news is that we are going to do a lot of things together," Hendrick said of Gordon. “He’s not going to drive a race car, but he’s going to be in the booth and help us with the team. We’re going to get to do some things together that we haven’t had the time to do.”