Jeff Gordon Gives a 6-Word Verdict on the Driver Restrictions Argument After Major Setbacks Haunted Hendrick Motorsports Progress

A lot has been debated over how Cup Series drivers spend their time off the track. The argument was fueled when both Chase Elliott and Alex Bowman suffered serious injuries from their extra-curricular activities this season. Safe to say, Hendrick Motorsports had its struggles because of these events. However, Vice Chairman Jeff Gordon has come out to put an end to the debate.

With experience of racing over 800 times in the Cup Series, Gordon knows the mental and physical toll it can take on a driver. In fact, he could relate to it better than most as he spoke to the media recently.

Jeff Gordon reveals HMS’s stance on extracurricular activities of their drivers following major setbacks this season

Without a doubt, Hendrick Motorsports have some of the finest drivers in the Cup Series. Unfortunately, they lost Chase Elliott earlier in the season to a snowboarding injury. Because of this, he missed six races in the competition. Currently, HMS is entering the tracks without Alex Bowman, after he was involved in a sprint car crash last month.

Citing such injuries, there have been plenty of debates involving restrictions on drivers as far as their off-track activities are concerned. As is public knowledge, Kyle Larson is set to participate in the Indianapolis 500 next year. Recently, he was there to attend the practice session and was joined by Jeff Gordon to speak to the media.

With the restrictions argument ongoing, Gordon was asked HMS’s stance on the situation. The 51-year-old started off by using Larson’s example to explain it. He said, “I mean with Kyle, we’ve had this conversation a lot. He feels like that type of racing actually helps him get prepared and be sharp on Sunday in the Cup car.”

However, Gordon was specific to point out how drivers need to be responsible from their end. He said, “I think we’ve actually seen the results of that but they’ve got to make good smart decisions, be in good equipment, not take too much risk when they’re involved in that, whether it’s racing or other things.”

In fact, he even used his own example to justify how extracurricular activities play a role. Gordon said, “I can tell you I did a lot of extracurricular activity even if it wasn’t another race car throughout my entire career, and see the benefits of it.” Eventually, he gave a clear view of HMS’ stance on the matter with a straight answer. He said, “We’re going to support our guys.”

Indeed, it is great news for the drivers to get some vocal support, especially it coming from Gordon.

WATCH THIS STORY: Hendrick Motorsports Icon Throws Shade at Chase Elliott Obsession as He Demands Equal Treatment

Furthermore, there is no doubt that Gordon would be hoping for Larson to do well in the Indianapolis 500. After all, it was one of his unfulfilled dreams.

Kyle Larson gets to live Jeff Gordon’s dream as he prepares to race in the 2024 Indianapolis 500

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There is very little that Jeff Gordon has not achieved in his racing career. However, despite winning four Cup Series titles, Gordon feels the void of having not raced in the Indianapolis 500 like Kyle Larson will be doing.

Speaking to the media recently, he said, “I mean I go back to the mid to late 80s when I was living here in Indiana and raced all around here. Every race car driver’s dream, if you’re racing around Indianapolis, is to get here and to compete at this facility.”

Gordon added, “I watch guys like Rich Vogler and a few other competitors that I raced with, come over here and do that. And certainly, it was on my radar but NASCAR came calling. So I kind of shifted my focus to that and I don’t know if really the right opportunity or if it ever became serious enough after that to become a reality.”

It was unfortunate for the HMS Vice Chairman to miss out back then. However, Gordon will be backing Larson with his utmost support to ensure his opportunity turns out fruitful.

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