Four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon delighted everyone with his Chili Bowl Nationals appearance this week. The California native has a long history with dirt racing and in 2025, he is back on the sidelines, watching the best of the best tear it up in Tulsa. But what made Gordon return to his grassroots?

Starting his career on dirt tracks, Gordon quickly ascended to NASCAR’s oval circuits. With more than 90 race wins, he cemented his place as one of the sport’s all-time greats. Despite his unparalleled success in stock car racing, Gordon’s passion for dirt and Midget racing has never waned.

While fans are eagerly anticipating fierce competition between top names like Kyle Larson and Christopher Bell, Gordon’s presence at the event has garnered significant attention. The vice president of Hendrick Motorsport has revealed his biggest motive behind attending the iconic event.

Jeff Gordon is eyeing the next big talent

Jeff Gordon has been one of the biggest superstars in dirt racing since his early days. Even when he was making his way into the NASCAR world, he participated in the Chili Bowl event in 1990, becoming the first active NASCAR driver to do so. In the ongoing season, Gordon made his return to the iconic Tulsa track as the grand marshal of the event. However, ahead of the Saturday battle, Gordon revealed his hidden plan to join the event.

In a candid interview with FloRacing, Gordon revealed that he is here to scout young talents and groom them as upcoming drivers for Hendrick Motorsports. He said, “Don’t think that I’m just here as a fan watching some dirt racing. We’re gonna keep our eyes open at all times for the next, you know, young talent to come up—the next Kyle Larson, the next Tony Stewart, whatever it may be.”

Gordon’s advocacy for Midget Racing goes beyond words. Matt Weaver, a senior motorsports reporter, credited him for convincing HMS team owner Rick Hendrick to allow drivers like Kyle Larson and Alex Bowman to participate in dirt and Midget events. “He’s the reason Kyle Larson and Alex Bowman have been allowed to race Sprint Cars and Midgets when Mr. H otherwise wouldn’t allow it,” Weaver wrote on social media.

This shift in HMS policy has not only benefited its drivers but has also brought significant attention to grassroots racing. Larson’s continued success in Midget racing, including back-to-back Chili Bowl victories in 2020 and 2021, has further solidified Gordon’s belief in the importance of these platforms for discovering talent.

Gordon further emphasized that Hendrick Motorsports is actively scouting for young talent across both pavement and dirt tracks. “We’re looking for the best talent that’s out there, whether it’s short track on pavement or short track on dirt. And if we can find him young enough, you know, we can groom them. We can put them in our system and hopefully bring them up and get them ready to be a Hendrick Cup driver.”

Gordon’s comments reflect the mindset that is driving Hendrick Motorsports. Earlier, this month HMS announced to signing of the 19-year-old dirt racing sensation Corey Day. A prodigy in dirt racing, Day’s accomplishments include 10 victories, 25 top-five finishes, and 44 top-10s in 2024 alone. He also made history as the youngest-ever winner of the Turkey Night Grand Prix by defeating Kyle Larson.

The 2021 Cup Series champion was full of praise for the 19-year-old as he saw Day as a mirror into the past. “He’s probably the only one that… I feel like looks like me almost out there… You know, same sort of driving style and all that, very versatile, can hop in anything, and can figure it out.” Day’s versatility was on full display when he stormed to victory lane in his asphalt Late Model debut last year driving for JR Motorsports at Hickory Motor Speedway.

This played a significant role in Day’s selection under the HMS driver development program. In the upcoming year, he will participate in multiple races in the Xfinity, Truck, ARCA, and Trans Am series with the support of the team. Gordon also praised Larson for identifying Day; “Kyle Larson vouches for him, so it was an easy decision.” This comment highlights the role established stars play at HMS in identifying future talent.

Chase Elliott makes a comeback to grassroots racing

Trending

1

Tony Stewart & Leah Pruett Invest $2.25 Million in a Life-Changing Cause

2

Fed Up Chase Elliott Launches Sarcastic 5-Word Jab at NASCAR’s Shenanigans

3

Shell-Shocked Dale Earnhardt Jr Explores 50-Year Old Unsolved Mysteries of His Dad’s Daytona Legacy

4

Kyle Busch’s Future in Doubt as Richard Childress & Rick Hendrick Could Lose Drivers

5

Michael Jordan’s Battle Against NASCAR Could Carry a Heavy Cost for Others

Jeff Gordon and Kyle Larson aren’t the only HMS stars involved in dirt racing. 2020 NASCAR Cup champion Chase Elliott recently returned to his roots at the SpeedFest Super Late Model event in Cordele, Georgia, an event he has won three times. This marked Elliott’s first appearance in grassroots racing since 2023. Despite starting 18th in qualifying, Elliott showcased his resilience by securing a top-five finish in the main event.

Speaking about his comeback, Elliott reflected on the importance of on-track experiences during the NASCAR off-season. He said, “It’s not just about getting back in the car. Competing in these races helps keep me sharp. The drivers here are some of the most skilled in NASCAR, even if they’re not racing at the Cup level. The quality of racing is parallel to what we see on Sundays.”

It’s worth noting that NASCAR strictly bars drivers from practicing at NASCAR venues during the off-season. They just allow simulator racing which often doesn’t give better preparations to the drivers. However, HMS allowing its drivers to go and race in other leagues justifies its legacy and record of being the most successful team in the sport.