Despite his legendary stats and iconic victories, fans often debate his standing as the GOAT. In his 23-year-long career, Gordon secured four NASCAR Cup Series championships. He amassed more than 90 victories in the premiere series and established himself as one of the greatest of the sport. However, one of the biggest reasons for this debate is Gordon’s poor performance in the modern era of the sport.

Recently, NASCAR fans insinuated that the decline in Gordon’s performance was because of constant changes in the format of the sport. Many believe that the sport’s commercial agenda ultimately stifled his championship count.

Jeff Gordon’s rise began in the early 1990s when he joined Rick Hendrick’s Cup Series team in 1992. In his first full season in 1993, he claimed the prestigious Rookie of the Year honor. By 1995, he clinched his maiden Cup series championship with seven race wins and 17 top 5 finishes. He continued his dominance in the next three years with two more titles and 33 race wins. His consistency was key to his success. However, after the introduction of the playoff format in 2004, Gordon’s performance saw a decline as he failed to win a single title in the next 11 years. Now, as fans dissect Gordon’s career, many insinuate that the sport’s commercial agenda ultimately stifled his championship count.

The situation repeated in 2007 when Gordon built a massive 312-point lead during the regular season. The Chase reset his advantage, and he finished second to teammate Jimmie Johnson. A similar thing continued in 2014 when Gordon led the regular season with the most wins and top-10 finishes. However, he lost the title by just a single point.

Notably, Gordon himself has shared that he didn’t like the changed format. In 2015, he acknowledged the impact of this change on his career. “When I heard that news, of course, I didn’t like that. I felt the points system was just fine for me… I didn’t want to see it come down to those final 10 because not all of those final 10 were tracks that I thought suited me. And yet they suited some others well. I felt like it was not benefitting me, so, of course, I wish it hadn’t changed,” Gordon was quoted as saying by NBC Sport.

Gordon’s disappointment reflects his near misses in 2004, 2007, and 2014. However, it’s also true that Gordon had some poor performances too. He won a mere seven races in over 200 starts between 2008 and 2013. His performance declined by the time while his teammate Jimmie Johnson dominated in equal equipment. However, fans continue to debate around the reasons.

Fans debate the reason behind the decline in Gordon’s cup wins

Speaking about the same one fan noted, “The craziest thing I’m always reminded of is that without ‘The Chase’ or playoffs, Gordon would have been a legitimate seven-time champ along with Dale and The King. He was by far the biggest victim of the format changes.” This sentiment isn’t without any backing. The NASCAR championship format changes cost Jeff Gordon several potential wins since 2004. In 2004 itself, Gordon was dominant during the regular season, clinching five wins and consistently finishing in the top five. Yet, a poor showing in three Chase races relegated him to third place in the standings. Under the old points system, Gordon would have claimed his fifth championship.

A seven-time champion would have joined racing legends, Richard Petty, and Dale Earnhardt, but Gordon failed to make it. Fans have expressed a mix of frustration and optimism for Gordon’s situation. Expressing a similar sentiment, one fan wrote, “I’ve always been a Jeff Gordon fan, and I certainly think he deserved at least 1-2 championships more. But I find it very hypothetical to say that Jeff would’ve had seven titles without the Chase, we simply don’t know.” While changes to the points system certainly affected Gordon’s championship count, this was not the sole reason behind it. His inability to adapt the format in a decade and pull the best out of his machine was also one of the reasons. We can’t forget that his teammate Jimmie Johnson won multiple titles under the same format and similar equipment. Another user echoed the same and said, “Well, I’m certain Gordon does get to six. People always say this stuff, but I am super skeptical. I do believe a race here and there would be different, but things, by and large, would play out in a way that the full-season stats reflect.”

Despite this frustration, fans also praised Gordon for never speaking against the system. Some fans contrast Gordon’s silence with Earnhardt’s outspoken nature. They believe that Gordon may have avoided criticizing NASCAR leadership because of the organization’s strict culture. “Well, we see what happens when you vocally go against NASCAR leadership,” one fan remarked. In a way, the reflection of speaking out against NASCAR is ongoing at the moment, with Michael Jordan and Co. facing the heat for openly calling out the charter agreement.

Notably, Jeff Gordon has expressed his frustration about the change in format on various occasions. However, he never questioned the sanctioning body for it. He even supported the format by saying it’s best for the sport. “I think it’s exciting. Even this new format, I think, is even better. I’ve supported it and always have, even though it may haven’t always suited me. I try not to be so selfish and think about what’s best for the sport. At the end of the day, what’s best for the sport is best for me, best for our team, best for all the teams out there.’’

At the same time, Gordon’s silence is what fans believe makes someone like Dale Earnhardt an even better persona in the racing world. The Intimidator was not shy of making his feelings known, as this comment explains. “I think that’s the difference between him and Earnhardt. Earnhardt was NASCAR leadership. Earnhardt would have spoke out and fought for the legitimacy of the sport.”

Do you think that Jeff Gordon was the biggest victim of NASCAR’s format changes?