BRISTOL, Tenn. -- In Jeff Gordon's final full-time season, tracks have honored the four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion in their own unique way.
Friday afternoon, it was Bristol Motor Speedway's turn.
Jerry Caldwell, executive vice president and general manager for Bristol Motor Speedway, spoke of the impact Gordon has made in a career that has spanned more than two decades.
"In the sports arena, when you think of legends you think of Babe Ruth or Michael Jordan, Arnold Palmer -- the list goes on and on. And truly we have a legend right here among us," he said. "The impact that Jeff has made on our sport is monumental -- I think that is without question. Being a five-time winner here at Bristol, four-time champion, what he's done for the sport, for Bristol Motor Speedway and for the race fans, we asked ourselves, what do you do for somebody like that? How do you give him something to show our respect for what you've done for this sport and done for us for so many years?"
It wasn't long before Caldwell revealed the answer.
"You deserve to be among the legends here in Bristol with the greats Darrell Waltrip, Cale Yarborough, Junior Johnson and Dale Earnhardt," he said, standing to unveil the gift. "Jeff Gordon deserves his own grandstand.
"In 2016, we will have Jeff Gordon Terrace level at Bristol Motor Speedway on the backstretch."
Gordon expressed his appreciation and surprise, noting that the gestures from the tracks seem to get bigger and bigger.
"That's pretty big," Gordon said. "That's pretty big. When I keep saying, 'I don't think you can top that,' the tracks are competitive just like we are on the track. That's pretty cool."
And it's an honor that will live on for years to come.
"Thank you -- that means the world to me," Gordon said upon hearing the announcement. "This place is awesome. I love coming here. I’ve enjoyed competing here, but this is one of those tracks that it brings the fan out in all of us. For you to honor me this way means so much to me. I get to enjoy this honor for years to come. I’m very proud of that. I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished here and can’t thank you enough.”
