Thirty years after Jeff Gordon’s inaugural NASCAR Cup win at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, he returns as the Hendrick Motorsports vice chairman. This weekend, he oversees the team with the top two drivers in points, while William Byron continues the legacy of the No. 24 car.
Away from the track, Gordon is part of the negotiating committee for Cup teams, working on extending the charter agreement with NASCAR beyond this season.
In a recent session with reporters, Gordon discussed these topics and more. Here’s a summary of that conversation, edited for clarity.
Reflections on the 1994 Brickyard 400 Win:
Gordon recalled winning in Charlotte in May 1994, which boosted the team’s confidence. As Indianapolis approached, they put in significant effort, excited to compete. The historical significance of the event was clear, though there was uncertainty about its future. The enthusiasm from fans and the event’s scale made it a memorable experience. Winning the race was unexpected and life-changing, setting the No. 24 team on an incredible journey.
Charter Agreement Negotiations:
With no charter agreement in place seven months before next year’s Daytona 500, Gordon remains optimistic. Although the process has taken longer than expected, there have been moments of progress and setbacks. Currently, he feels positive as teams have collaborated to present a fair proposal to NASCAR. Despite differing opinions, there is a general consensus on the proposed compromises. Hendrick Motorsports is preparing as if they will run a full schedule next year, maintaining an optimistic outlook.
Chase Elliott and the No. 9 Team’s Turnaround:
Gordon highlighted the challenges of returning from injury, as seen with Alex Bowman and Chase Elliott. The latter’s recovery process affected his performance and mindset. By the end of the year, the team made progress in setups and consistency. Elliott and crew chief Alan Gustafson strengthened their relationship and committed to improvement, leading to wins and building confidence and momentum for the season.
Dynamics Among Hendrick Motorsports Drivers:
Gordon observed increased communication and collaboration among the teams this year. As the season progresses, the drivers will need to balance competing against each other with the overall team strategy. Hendrick Motorsports encourages hard racing while maintaining respect and aiming for collective success.
NASCAR Penalty System:
NASCAR’s recent penalties have raised questions among fans. Instances include Layne Riggs being held for two laps after a wreck, Carson Hocevar fined $50,000 for an incident under caution, and Bubba Wallace fined $50,000 for post-race contact. Corey LaJoie, however, was not penalized for triggering a multi-car crash. NASCAR’s senior VP of competition, Elton Sawyer, explained that each situation is evaluated individually. Factors like race context, driver intent, and the severity of the incident are considered.
Race of Champions:
NBC Sports analyst Steve Letarte anticipates top teams leading at Indianapolis. He expects strong performances from drivers like Denny Hamlin, Martin Truex Jr., and the entire Joe Gibbs Racing team. Hendrick Motorsports and Team Penske are also predicted to be competitive, setting up a challenging race with numerous contenders.
International Cup Race:
NASCAR is likely to hold a Cup race outside the U.S. in the future, with Canada or Mexico as potential sites. However, scheduling and logistical challenges, such as transporting equipment, need to be addressed. NASCAR aims to expand globally, recognizing significant opportunities beyond the U.S.
Key Statistics:
- Several drivers have no prior Cup starts on the Indianapolis oval.
- Team Penske has one Cup win on the oval, compared to 20 Indianapolis 500 victories.
- Six drivers ended long winless streaks this season.
- Seven drivers have competed in both the Indianapolis 500 and Brickyard 400 in the same season.
- Pit stalls at Indianapolis are among the narrowest and longest on the circuit.
- The Cup Series is in its longest stretch without a break in the modern era.
