With 93 Cup Series wins, Jeff Gordon sure left his mark on the NASCAR Cup Series competition. His popularity and career got elevated to a new level after winning the inaugural Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1994. But like everyone, even Gordon started somewhere.

Gordon shared a story from the time he won at the Winston Cup Series. He recalled the memorable moment of how his fame helped to resolve an everyday dilemma.

Jeff Gordon’s Brickyard 400 Fame Delivered More Than Just a Win

The inaugural Brickyard 400 on August 6, 1994, was a historic event in NASCAR history. Approximately 300,000 fans attended the said event, making it one of the most attended events in motorsport history. The star-filled lineup of legendary drivers was a major aspect in boosting its significance. Legends like Dale Earnhardt, Rusty Wallace, and Bill Elliott, with every eye on victory. The hype for the race was real. This race was particularly important for Gordon as he spent part of his childhood in nearby Pittsboro, Indiana. The combination of media coverage, it being a historic venue, a massive audience, and massive media coverage made Gordon’s win in the event all the more pivotal. At just 23, Gordon’s victory proved that he can deliver under immense pressure.

Gordon shared a dilemma he faced the same week. He recalled the moment in an interview with HendrickMotorsports.com. “I was whipped and starving, and I’m like, ‘What’s the fastest, best thing we can get? Let’s get pizza.” But Gordon was not about to get his snack so fast. He added, “So, I called a Pizza Hut, I think it was, that was down the street and placed an order. As we’re winding down the call, they said, ‘We just want to give you a heads up that there was a race at the speedway, so there’s a lot of traffic, and there’s a pretty good chance it’s going to be like two hours.”

Gordon thought of using his newly acquired fame here; he playfully said in the interview, “I’m like, ‘Oh man, that’s unfortunate.’ On the inside, I’m saying, ‘I hate to do this. But man, if I’m ever going to use this.’” He decided to use his identity: “Would it make any difference if I told you I won that race?” The employee hesitated for a moment and replied with, “Wait, who are you?’, ‘Jeff Gordon.’ ‘The Jeff Gordon that just won the race?'”. Gordon received a call moments later: “‘Hey, did you by any chance order a pizza?’ And I said, ‘Yes!’ They said, ‘Well, Pizza Hut called to verify it was you.’ And I said, ‘Yes! Tell them it’s me, please!’ And I’m telling you, the pizza was there in 20 minutes. It was awesome.”

This incident showcases the popularity boost he received from that race and how it helped him shape his legacy. Despite his fame, Gordon is known for his humility and passion for the sport. Other drivers respect Gordon, as Mark Martin said, “Jeff is one of the greatest drivers. You can’t argue with results. And I can’t compete with his record”.

From Racing Icon to Motorsport Ambassador

Trending

1

Richard “The King” Petty’s Iconic Memorabilia Set to Shine at Donald Trump’s Inaugural Parade

2

Iconic Rock Band’s $65 Million Reality Check Bursts Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s ‘Hate’ Bubble

3

Amid FedEx’s Shock Exit, Denny Hamlin Rewarded With a Surprise Gift by Joe Gibbs’ Loyal Sponsor

4

Daniel Suarez and Wife Offer the Wallace Couple to Relieve Them of Their Parenting Duties

5

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

Jeff Gordon is currently a part-owner of Hendrick Motorsports, the team that fueled much of his success during his racing career. Since 2022, he has served as the vice chairman of the organization, making him second-in-command behind Rick Hendrick. Gordon played a key role in mentoring younger drivers, most notably Chase Elliott.

Chase is the son of his close friend and fellow NASCAR legend Bill Elliott. Gordon took Elliott under his wing at Hendrick Motorsports and played a crucial role in guiding him, sharing his experiences, and helping him develop into a future star of the sport.

Back in 2015, Chase Elliott explained the profound impact Gordon had on him. “Being a teammate at HMS, it’s been great to have his insight and knowledge. Really he’s just been a great mentor to me so far. He’s been very supportive in the things we’ve been doing on the Xfinity side and trying to push to help me. I’m obviously all ears.” It was an important aspect of getting the Hendrick Motorsports seat after all. Elliott would be taking over Gordon’s spot. Who better to be at his side in the transition than one of the most dominant drivers in NASCAR’s history.

Even now, Gordon remains deeply connected to NASCAR. As an owner and ambassador, he continues to contribute to the sport. Jeff promotes the sport, attracts new fans, mentors young drivers, and contributes to Hendrick Motorsports’ ongoing success. His presence at events and in leadership roles ensures that his legacy endures, not just as a driver but also as a key figure in NASCAR’s evolution.