Jeff Gordon 2015 Review
By Richard Tix
Season Grade: A-
Season Preview: "One last statement because I hear people say they will leave the sport when Gordon does. You are free to do so, no one is holding you ransom. But, of all people Gordon would probably be upset because you are leaving something he helped build and loves with an amazing passion. His ability and his personality helped shape the sport we have today. Enjoy racing and what it is. If you don't enjoy it, that's fine. I know a ton of local tracks that could also use the support and put on great shows every weekend. But fans that can't take change but still complain about NASCAR's short fall's are not helping the progress in the sport Gordon helped build in the Modern Era. Most of NASCAR's changes have been because of complaints and upset fans. NASCAR is a business, they will never sit still and of all the drivers out there I think Gordon understood that the most and it may have effected him the most (think Chase Era). The old days of racing were great, but at some point you have to realize it isn't going back. NASCAR still has a great product on the track and have been trying to make it better. Sometimes it backfires, but sometimes they hit on something that really works. So, as a NASCAR fan myself I would say stick around, enjoy the racing, and maybe you will pick up a new favorite driver along the way." -Looking back at this now, I hope fans are sticking around. Again, Gordon helped build NASCAR in the modern day, he would be disappointing to see them leave. Even if I tried, I couldn't have said it better again in this review so I will leave it where I had it to start 2015.
"Every Gordon fan is going to hope and pray the drive for five ends up happening. I mean what would be a better way for Gordon to ride off into the sunset? After his strong 2014 season and the announcement he wont run full time ever again, I think he will make a strong push again this year. In the end I think he will come out about like last season. 3-4 wins, 12-13 top 5's, and 20-22 top 10's. What Gordon needs to focus on, the new Chase system and getting the most out of the final 4 races of the season. I honestly think he may come up short, but even as a non fan of Gordon I would love to see him win one last Championship."
Season Review: Gordon struggles most of the regular season to be a front runner week to week. He still hung around most of those 26 races and finished the season with 21 top 10's to show for it. That consistency and a key win down the stretch got him to Homestead-Miami with one last shot at glory before retiring from full time Cup racing.
Sadly, I was right about him coming up short but much of NASCAR nation was hoping he could pull it out. What a story line Championship #5 could have been. While looking back, take a look at "Jeff Gordon's Last Full Time Season." Its a great way to reflect and remember an amazing NASCAR Career.
He was a special driver that took the sport to the next level, a national level not many could have thought of when the sport started as a grassroots gang in the south. In many ways Gordon is as responsible as any for the popularity of the sport even if those same fans that became NASCAR fans because of the exposure he created disliked him. So, as NASCAR Behind the Wall takes one last Jeff Gordon Season Review, we also remember all the times he found victory lane (93 wins), finished in the top 5 (325), finished top 10 (475), or won the pole (81 times).
He had a roller coaster career and didn't hold anything back, so there is no better way then to think of Jeff Gordon going out on the top of his game like he did while fighting for a title with three other worthy Championship contenders.
Thanks for the amazing career Jeff Gordon. I may have been born just before your era, but you have been a part of almost every live event I have ever witnessed and remember. #24ever.
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