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{{Infobox person
| name               = Jeff Gordon
| image              = 1993BrickyardtestJeffGordon.jpg
| caption            = Gordon in August 1993
| nationality        = {{flagicon|USA}} American 
| birth_name         = Jeffery Michael Gordon
| birth_date         = {{Birth date and age|1971|08|04}}
| birth_place        = [[Vallejo, California]], U.S.<!-- Hometown (grew up in) Pittsboro, Indiana -->
| occupation         = {{flatlist|
*Racing driver
}}
| years_active       = 1976–1992 (early career) 
{{Infobox NASCAR driver|embed=yes
|Total_Busch_Races   = 62
|Years_In_Busch      = 3
|Busch_Car_Team      =
|Best_Busch_Pos      = 4th ([[1992 NASCAR Busch Series|1992]])
|First_Busch_Race    = [[1990 NASCAR Busch Series|1990]] [[AC-Delco 200]] ([[Rockingham Speedway|Rockingham]])
|Last_Busch_Race     = [[1992 NASCAR Busch Series|1992]] [[The Pantry 300]] ([[Hickory Motor Speedway|Hickory]])
|First_Busch_Win     = [[1992 NASCAR Busch Series|1992]] [[Atlanta 300]] ([[Atlanta Motor Speedway|Atlanta]])
|Last_Busch_Win      = [[1992 NASCAR Busch Series|1992]] [[All Pro 300]] ([[Charlotte Motor Speedway|Charlotte]])
|Busch_Wins          = 3
|Busch_Top_Tens      = 25
|Busch_Poles         = 12
|updated             = November 8, 1992{{#tag:ref|This article covers Gordon's life before [[NASCAR Cup Series career of Jeff Gordon|his NASCAR Cup Series career]]; therefore, these statistics span Gordon's NASCAR Busch Grand National Series career from [[1990 NASCAR Busch Series|1990]] to [[1992 NASCAR Busch Series|1992]] only. See the parent article [[Jeff Gordon]] for statistics spanning his entire career, including his results in the series from [[1999 NASCAR Busch Series|1999]] to [[2000 NASCAR Busch Series|2000]] while driving for [[JG Motorsports|his own team]].|group=N}}
}}
{{Infobox racing driver|embed=yes 
| last series        = 
| years active       = 
| teams              = 
| starts             = 
| wins               =
| poles              = 
| fastest laps       = 
| best finish        = 
| year               = 
| prev series        = <!-- previous series with line breaks -->
| prev series years  = 
| titles             = 1990 [[United States Auto Club|USAC]] [[United States Auto Club#USAC National Midget Series|National Midget Series Champion]]<br />1991 [[United States Auto Club|USAC]] [[USAC Silver Crown Series|Silver Crown Series Champion]]
| awards             = 1990 HARF Driver of the Year<ref>{{cite web|url=http://harf.vpweb.com/HARF-Driver-of-the-Year.html|title=HARF Driver of the Year|publisher=Hoosier Auto Racing Fans|access-date=January 14, 2023|archive-date=January 24, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160124161251/http://harf.vpweb.com/HARF-Driver-of-the-Year.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><br />1990, 1991 AARWBA All America Team<ref name="AARWBA All America Team">{{cite web|url=http://www.aarwba.org/aarwbaaa.htm|title=AARWBA All America Team|publisher=American Auto Racing Writers & Broadcasters Association|access-date=January 14, 2023}}</ref><br />[[1991 NASCAR Busch Series|1991 Busch Series]] [[NASCAR Rookie of the Year|Rookie of the Year]]<br />1992 [[Pat O'Connor (racing driver)|Pat O'Connor]] Award recipient<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indycar.com/News/2014/01/1-26-Carpenter-receives-OConnor-award|title=Ed Carpenter receives Pat O'Connor Award from Hoosier Auto Racing Fans|publisher=[[INDYCAR]]|date=January 26, 2014|access-date=January 14, 2023}}</ref><br />1994 HARF Hall of Fame inductee<ref>{{cite web|url=http://harf.vpweb.com/HARF-Hall-of-Fame.html|title=HARF Hall of Fame|publisher=Hoosier Auto Racing Fans|access-date=January 14, 2023|archive-date=January 24, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160124161251/http://harf.vpweb.com/HARF-Hall-of-Fame.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><br />2005 Vallejo Sports Hall of Fame inductee<ref>{{cite web|last=James|first=Marty|url=http://napavalleyregister.com/sports/vallejo-sports-hall-of-fame-to-honor-sabathia-gordon/article_42d97d14-aef7-587d-898e-bebeb704655b.html|title=Vallejo Sports Hall of Fame to honor Sabathia, Gordon|newspaper=[[Napa Valley Register]]|date=January 17, 2005|access-date=January 14, 2023}}</ref><br />  2009 [[National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame]] inductee<ref>{{cite web|url=http://yankeeracer.com/2008/09/03/nemas-humphrey-earns-midget-hall-of-fame-spot|title=NEMA's Humphrey Earns Midget Hall of Fame Spot|publisher=YankeeRacer.com|date=September 3, 2008|access-date=January 14, 2023}}</ref><br />
| updated            = 
}}
}}
{{Jeff Gordon series}}
'''[[Jeff Gordon|Jeffery Michael "Jeff" Gordon]]''' (born August 4, 1971) is an American professional [[auto racing]] driver who competed in the [[NASCAR]] [[NASCAR Cup Series|Cup Series]] over a [[NASCAR Cup Series career of Jeff Gordon|25-year career]]. He was born in [[Vallejo, California]] to Carol Houston and Billy Gordon; the couple separated a few months later. Gordon's mother then married John Bickford, a car builder and parts supplier.

When Gordon was four years old, his stepfather gave him a [[BMX bike]] that he rode at a track near his home. At age five, Gordon began competing in [[Quarter Midget racing]] locally. He won 35 main events, set five track records, and earned a local championship by age six. In 1979, Gordon began racing quarter midgets nationally; that year he won 52 main events and set eight track records. At age nine, Gordon began competing in [[kart racing]], and by age twelve, he had won over 200 races in Quarter Midgets and [[go-kart]]s. Gordon briefly attempted [[Water skiing|waterskiing]] before returning to racing.

At age thirteen, Gordon became interested in [[sprint car racing]], and he competed in his first sprint car events in [[Florida]]. Under California law, the minimum age to drive a sprint car was 16. In 1986, with Gordon's family supporting his career choice, he moved from Vallejo to [[Pittsboro, Indiana]]. At age sixteen, Gordon became the youngest driver ever awarded a [[United States Auto Club|USAC]] license. He was named the 1989 [[United States Auto Club#USAC National Midget Championship|USAC National Midget Series]] Rookie of the Year, and captured the series championship in 1990. In 1991, Gordon won the [[United States Auto Club#USAC Silver Crown Series|USAC Silver Crown Series]] championship; at age twenty he was the youngest driver to do so.

While competing in sprint cars, Gordon was looking for new opportunities in racing. An impressive stint in a [[stock car racing|stock car]] at the [[Rockingham Speedway|North Carolina Motor Speedway]], as part of the [[Buck Baker Racing School]], led to a three-race deal from businessman Hugh Connerty to compete in the [[NASCAR Xfinity Series|Busch Grand National Series]] late in the [[1990 NASCAR Busch Series|1990 season]], with [[Ray Evernham]] as the [[Pit stop#NASCAR pit crew roles|crew chief]]. Gordon [[NASCAR rules and regulations#Qualifying procedure|qualified]] second for his [[1990 NASCAR Busch Series#AC-Delco 200|first race]] but crashed twenty-three laps into the event, and he failed to qualify for his other two races. At the end of the season, Gordon and Connerty amicably parted ways when the latter could not secure funding and [[Sponsor (commercial)|sponsorship]] to continue. Gordon later reached a deal with car owner [[Bill Davis (NASCAR owner)|Bill Davis]] to compete in the Busch Grand National Series full-time for the [[1991 NASCAR Busch Series|1991 season]], under crew chief Keith Simmons. Gordon was named the 1991 series [[NASCAR Rookie of the Year|Rookie of the Year]] with five top-five finishes and a [[Pole position|pole]]. Gordon returned to [[Bill Davis Racing]] for the [[1992 NASCAR Busch Series|1992 season]]; he was reunited with Evernham for his sophomore season. [[List of NASCAR race wins by Jeff Gordon#Busch Series|Gordon earned his first series victory]] at [[Atlanta Motor Speedway]] in March, and [[Whitewash (sport)|swept]] both races at [[Charlotte Motor Speedway]] held in May and October. Gordon ended the season with a record 11 poles and a fourth-place points finish, before joining [[Hendrick Motorsports]] [[Hendrick Motorsports in the NASCAR Cup Series|in the Winston Cup Series]].

==Childhood==

===Birth and family background===
{{see also|List of people from Vallejo, California#Athletes|l1=List of athletes from Vallejo, California}}
Gordon was born on August 4, 1971, at [[Kaiser Permanente|Kaiser]] [[List of hospitals in California#Solano County|Hospital]] in [[Vallejo, California]], and named Jeffery Michael Gordon.{{sfn|Moriarty|1999|p=12}}{{sfn|SportsCentury|2007}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=16}}{{sfn|MRN1|2019}} He is the son of Caroline and William G. Gordon II.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=16}}{{sfn|MRN1|2019}} He is the couple's second child;{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=16}}{{sfn|MRN1|2019}} they have a daughter, Kimberly "Kim" Coykendall,{{sfn|SportsCentury|2007}}<ref>{{cite web|last=Fryer|first=Jenna|url=http://www.starnewsonline.com/news/20071015/the-most-incredible-year|title='The most incredible year'|newspaper=[[Star-News]]|date=October 15, 2007|access-date=August 12, 2016|location=Concord, NC}}</ref> who is older than Jeff by four years.{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=26}} Gordon is of [[Scotch-Irish Americans|Scotch-Irish]] descent.<ref>{{cite web|last=Webb|first=James|author-link=Jim Webb|url=http://www.jameswebb.com/articles/why-you-need-to-know-the-scots-irish|title=Why You Need To Know the Scots Irish|magazine=[[Parade (magazine)|Parade]]|date=October 3, 2004|access-date=November 7, 2016}}</ref> At the time of his birth, Gordon's family lived at 208 Westwood Street.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=16}}

Gordon's mother and biological father separated when he was a few months old.{{#tag:ref|In the authorized biography ''Jeff Gordon: His Dream, Drive & Destiny'' (2016), author [[Joe Garner (author)|Joe Garner]] wrote that the couple separated when Jeff was three months old,{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=16}} although in the [[Motor Racing Network]] [[podcast]] ''Jeff Gordon: A Colorful Career'' (2019), host Brian Nelson stated that the couple separated when Jeff was six months old.{{sfn|MRN1|2019}} According to a February 1993 article in ''[[Stock Car Racing (magazine)|Stock Car Racing]]'', and an episode of the [[ESPN]] biography [[television program]] ''[[SportsCentury]]'', the couple [[divorce]]d when Jeff was a year old.{{sfn|Grissom|2005|p=10}}{{sfn|SportsCentury|2007}}|group=N}} In January 1972, Carol was hired to work in the billing department for a medical supply company called Robin-Aids.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=17}}{{sfn|MRN1|2019}} As a [[single parent|single mother]], Carol worked to support her two children.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gordonline.com/editorials/050204.html|title='The Bickford Effect'|publisher=Jeff Gordon Online|date=Spring 2004|access-date=July 17, 2016}}</ref>{{sfn|MRN1|2019}} Through her job, Carol met John Bickford, who worked for the company as a designer.<ref>{{cite web|last=Buchanan|first=Mary Jo|url=http://www.popularspeed.com/with-gordon-stepping-away-bickfords-journey-also-ending|title=With Gordon Stepping Away Bickford's Journey Also Ending|publisher=Popular Speed|date=November 3, 2015|access-date=July 17, 2016}}</ref><ref name="oneforthefamily">{{cite web|last=Cavin|first=Curt|url=http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/motor/2015/11/21/cavin-jeff-gordons-retirement-one-family/76167170|title=Cavin: Jeff Gordon's retirement one for the family|newspaper=[[The Indianapolis Star]]|date=November 22, 2015|access-date=July 17, 2016|location=Homestead, FL}}</ref>{{sfn|MRN1|2019}} Bickford, who was involved in racing as a car builder and parts supplier,{{sfn|Grissom|2005|p=10}} was divorced from a woman named Rosie and had a son together,{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=17}} John Jr.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=22}} When Bickford met Carol, he was due to be married again, but his second marriage was [[Annulment|annulled]] after just four months.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=17}} Bickford moved on and asked Carol out on a date to an auto race during [[Labor Day]] weekend.{{sfn|Garner|2016|pp=17–18}}{{sfn|MRN1|2019}} Carol brought her two children to the event at Vallejo Speedway, marking Jeff's first trip to a race track at a year old.{{sfn|Moriarty|1999|p=14}}<ref name="oneforthefamily"/>{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=27}}{{sfn|MRN1|2019}} Carol and John were married in May 1973.{{sfn|SportsCentury|2007}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=18}} The family resided at 534 Brooke Drive in Vallejo.<ref name="gordoncomesfullcircle">{{cite web|last=Hembree|first=Mike|url=http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nascar/2015/06/25/jeff-gordon-racing-childhood-california-midget-track-sonoma/29293477|title=Jeff Gordon's career comes full circle at California track|newspaper=[[USA Today]]|date=June 28, 2016|access-date=August 13, 2016|location=Vallejo, CA}}</ref>

===BMX racing===
{{further information|BMX racing}}
When Gordon was four years old, Billy gave his son a [[used good|secondhand]] [[bicycle]].{{sfn|Garner|2016|pp=18–19}} John challenged his stepson to attempt to learn how to ride the bicycle without [[training wheels]].{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=19}} Within a day, Gordon learned how to ride with help from Carol.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=19}} He then asked John to take him to a track used for BMX racing in their neighborhood.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=19}} Before letting his stepson compete, John bought a new bike and customized the frame to fit Jeff's body.{{sfn|Moriarty|1999|p=14}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=19}} The [[BMX bike]] was given to Gordon for his birthday.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=19}} He began to practice with John at the track,{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=19}} and later competed in sanctioned racing there.{{sfn|Grissom|2005|p=10}}{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=24}} Gordon earned a third-place trophy in his first race.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=19}} He advanced to the 1976 state championships, in which he finished fourth overall.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=19}}{{sfn|MRN1|2019}} At age five, Gordon was competing against children older and bigger than him.{{sfn|SportsCentury|2007}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=19}}{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=25}} When one of Gordon's competitors broke an arm in a crash,{{sfn|Gordon|2005|pp=25–26}} Carol successfully convinced John to make Jeff quit racing bicycles after just a few months,{{sfn|MRN1|2019}} due to the number of [[Youth sports#Injuries|injuries]] and [[Concussions in sport|concussions in the sport]].{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=20}}

===Quarter Midget and kart racing===
{{further information|Quarter Midget racing|Kart racing}}
John purchased two Quarter Midget cars from Paul Stornetta of [[Napa, California]] for [[United States dollar|US$]]450 ($2,428 in 2023 dollars),{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=27}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.in2013dollars.com/us/inflation/1976?amount=450|title=$450 in 1976 → 2023 {{!}} Inflation Calculator|website=www.in2013dollars.com|access-date=September 28, 2023}}</ref> and brought them home to Gordon's surprise.{{sfn|Moriarty|1999|p=14}}{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=26}} Although Carol was not pleased at first, John convinced her that Quarter Midgets are safer, and she later drove with her son on a makeshift track John created at the Solano County Fairgrounds.{{sfn|Moriarty|1999|p=14}}{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=26}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=20}}{{sfn|Argabright|2015|p=54}}<ref name="gordoncomesfullcircle"/><ref name="gordonhitshomestretch">{{cite web|last=Pashelka|first=Curtis|url=http://www.mercurynews.com/sports/ci_28353812/jeff-gordon-hits-home-stretch-visits-rio-linda|title=Jeff Gordon hits home stretch, visits Rio Linda track where he first raced|newspaper=[[The Mercury News]]|date=June 20, 2015|access-date=September 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170429215824/https://www.mercurynews.com/2015/06/20/jeff-gordon-hits-home-stretch-visits-rio-linda-track-where-he-first-raced|archive-date=April 29, 2017|location=Rio Linda, CA}}</ref> Gordon's first car, which was black,{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=27}} was known as the "fuzz car."<ref>{{cite web|last=Barber|first=Phil|url=http://110percent.blogs.pressdemocrat.com/10389/jeff-gordons-first-car-is-out-there-somewhere|title=Jeff Gordon's first car is out there somewhere|newspaper=[[The Press Democrat]]|date=September 23, 2015|access-date=August 12, 2016}}</ref> In this car, Gordon ran over an estimated 2,000 laps around a flat surface at the fairgrounds.<ref name="gordonhitshomestretch"/><ref name="backtothestart">{{cite web|last=Ryan|first=Nate|url=http://sportsworld.nbcsports.com/jeff-gordon-history-lesson|title=The search for Jeff Gordon's first car continues as he nears the end|publisher=[[NBC Sports]]|date=November 20, 2015|access-date=September 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151120162529/http://sportsworld.nbcsports.com/jeff-gordon-history-lesson|archive-date=November 20, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> Gordon's stepfather and mother then took him to the Cracker Jack Track (now known as the Roy Hayer Memorial Speedway) in [[Rio Linda, California]] to learn.<ref name="gordoncomesfullcircle"/> While Gordon was in [[kindergarten]], he practiced after school up to three days a week, logging laps in while competing against a [[stopwatch]] John used.{{sfn|SportsCentury|2007}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=20}} Gordon was licensed to race by track official Tom Van Inwagen,<ref name="gordoncomesfullcircle"/> earning his first racing license in April 1977 at five years old.<ref name="backtothestart"/> Gordon made his first competitive laps at the Cracker Jack Track.<ref name="gordoncomesfullcircle"/> In one of his first attempts at the track, Gordon flipped the car in turn two and snapped the rear axle.<ref name="backtothestart"/><ref>{{cite web|last=Todd|first=John|url=https://www.riolindaonline.com/jeff-gordon-comes-back-home|title=Jeff Gordon Comes Back Home|publisher=Rio Linda Online|date=June 18, 2012|access-date=August 12, 2016}}</ref> It took John an hour to repair the car for Gordon, who crashed it twice more in the same spot.<ref name="backtothestart"/> After another repair, Gordon posted the fastest time out of the eight children competing.<ref name="backtothestart"/> A month later, Gordon earned his first trophy with a four-place finish.<ref name="backtothestart"/> In July, Gordon won the 1977 Western States Novice championship at Baylands Quarter Midget Track in [[Sunnyvale, California]],{{sfn|Moriarty|1999|p=16}} and the "fuzz car" was retired after just a few months in competition.<ref name="backtothestart"/> By age six, Gordon had won 35 main events and set five track records.{{sfn|Moriarty|1999|p=16}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=23}}{{sfn|MRN1|2019}} It was around this time when Gordon's stepfather was accused of using illegal parts and rigging a hot car to gain a competitive advantage.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=23}}{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=30}} Bickford often sold Jeff's cars to his competitors in response, later building similar vehicles which Gordon would drive to victory.{{sfn|Gordon|2005|pp=30–31}} Early in his career, Gordon was featured in segments on ''[[Kids Are People Too]]'' and ''[[PM Magazine]]'', and was the subject of an episode for a series titled ''Super Kids''.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=23}}{{sfn|MRN1|2019}} He was featured in ''[[Vallejo Times Herald]]'' in 1978, at age six.<ref>{{cite tweet|user=JeffGordonWeb|number=868202055982342144|date=May 26, 2017|title=The @VjoTimesHerald circa 1978. #FlashbackFriday #TeamJG}}</ref>

In 1979, Gordon began competing in Quarter Midgets nationally, racing every week.{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=30}} He won his first Grand National championship in [[Denver|Denver, Colorado]];<ref name="precociousgordons">{{cite web|last=Glick|first=Shav|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1991-01-10-sp-11205-story.html|title=MOTOR RACING : Precocious Gordons Move Up to Stock Car Major Leagues|newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=January 10, 1991|access-date=August 16, 2016}}</ref>{{sfn|MRN1|2019}} scored 52 victories and set eight track records;{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=30}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=24}}{{sfn|MRN1|2019}} and won the Pacific Northwest Indoor championships.<ref name="racehistory">{{cite web|url=http://www.jeffgordon.com/98test/jg_racehistory.htm|title=Race History|access-date=August 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19981201211646/http://www.jeffgordon.com/98test/jg_racehistory.htm|archive-date=December 1, 1998}}</ref> In 1980, Gordon posted the fastest time in all fifty races he entered and scored 46 victories.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=24}} Gordon finished second in the 1981 Grand National championship held in [[Oklahoma]].{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=24}}

When Gordon was nine years old, he began competing in kart racing.{{sfn|Grissom|2005|p=10}} In his first race in a [[go-kart]], Gordon scored a victory in a major [[International Kart Federation]] event.{{sfn|Grissom|2005|p=10}} Gordon won all 25 races he entered in his first year of karting competition,{{sfn|Moriarty|1999|p=16}} and won all 12 races he entered in his second year.<ref name="racehistory"/> Between 1981 and 1982, Gordon won three California State Monza Championships;<ref name="racehistory"/> he also won his second Grand National championship in Sunnyvale during the latter year.<ref name="precociousgordons"/> By the age of twelve, Gordon had won over two hundred races in Quarter Midgets and go-karts.{{sfn|Moriarty|1999|p=16}}{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=32}}{{sfn|SportsCentury|2007}}

One of Gordon's fondest go-kart memories was competing against former [[Olympic Games|Olympic]] [[Gold medal|gold]] [[Olympic medal|medalist]] [[Caitlyn Jenner]] (formerly known as Bruce Jenner) in [[Corona, California]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Brewster|first=Louis|url=https://www.dailybulletin.com/2015/03/21/jeff-gordons-nascar-legacy-changing-face-of-the-sport-opening-door-for-california-drivers|title=Jeff Gordon's NASCAR legacy: Changing face of the sport, opening door for California drivers|newspaper=[[Inland Valley Daily Bulletin]]|date=March 21, 2015|access-date=July 26, 2020|location=Fontana, CA}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Pope|first=Dennis|url=https://www.pressenterprise.com/2015/03/21/nascar-gordon-takes-a-moment-to-reflect|title=NASCAR: Gordon takes a moment to reflect|newspaper=[[The Press-Enterprise]]|date=March 21, 2015|access-date=September 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230920023853/https://www.pressenterprise.com/2015/03/21/nascar-gordon-takes-a-moment-to-reflect|archive-date=September 20, 2023|location=Fontana, CA}}</ref>

===Waterskiing===
As Gordon was about to reach [[adolescence]], he "got [[Boredom|bored]]" of racing regularly.{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=32}} With support from his parents, Gordon began practicing [[Water skiing|waterskiing]] at age twelve.{{sfn|Gordon|2005|pp=32–33}}{{sfn|MRN1|2019}} Gordon's stepfather enrolled him in professional ski schools,{{sfn|Gordon|2005|pp=32–33}} and by age thirteen, coaches from [[California State University, Sacramento]] scouted him.{{sfn|Argabright|2015|p=54}} Gordon learned how to slalom but struggled with jumping.{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=33}} Although Gordon had fun with waterskiing, he believed he wasn't tall enough to be competitive.{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=33}}

===Other hobbies===
Gordon became interested in [[video game]]s by age five,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jeffgordon.com/98test/ASCgames/98test/jgxsracing|title=JEFF GORDON XS Racing by ASC GAMES|access-date=September 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000816094507/http://www.jeffgordon.com/98test/ASCgames/98test/jgxsracing/|archive-date=August 16, 2000}}</ref> with ''[[Pong]]'' and ''[[Indy 500 (1977 video game)|Indy 500]]'' being early favorite titles.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gordonline.com/archive/071098.html|title=Video King|website=Jeff Gordon Online|access-date=September 11, 2016|location=Harrisburg, NC}}</ref> He also enjoyed [[skateboarding]],{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=25}} and idolized [[Tony Hawk]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Pockrass|first=Bob|author-link=Bob Pockrass|url=http://www.sportingnews.com/nascar-news/4492233-jeff-gordon-sprint-cup-texas-shaun-white-skateboard-snowboard|title=Jeff Gordon's wish: I want to be Shaun White|website=[[Sporting News]]|date=April 13, 2013|access-date=August 12, 2016|location=Fort Worth, TX}}{{Dead link|date=February 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Gordon learned how to [[B-boying|breakdance]] in Vallejo, where it was popular among his peers in his [[Middle school|junior high school]].{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=25}}<ref>{{cite news|last=Arnold|first=Brian|url=http://www.dailyrepublic.com/sports/vallejo-native-and-nascar-star-jeff-gordon-visits-old-middle-school-in-his-hometown|title=Vallejo native and NASCAR star Jeff Gordon visits old middle school in his hometown|newspaper=[[Daily Republic]]|date=June 21, 2015|access-date=September 12, 2016|location=Vallejo, CA}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Staff report|url=http://www.nascar.com/en_us/news-media/blogs/Off-Track/2015/6/jeff-gordon-reveals-favorite-number-favorite-driver-break-dancing-homecoming.html|title=GORDON REVEALS FAVORITE NUMBER, BREAKDANCING ROOTS|publisher=[[NASCAR]]|date=June 23, 2015|access-date=September 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150625052101/http://www.nascar.com/en_us/news-media/blogs/Off-Track/2015/6/jeff-gordon-reveals-favorite-number-favorite-driver-break-dancing-homecoming.html|archive-date=June 25, 2015}}</ref>{{sfn|MRN1|2019}} Gordon would sneak into the bathroom to breakdance because it wasn't allowed in the hallways.<ref>{{cite web|last=Gluck|first=Jeff|url=http://www.sbnation.com/nascar/2011/12/1/2604516/jeff-gordon-break-dance-video-las-vegas-2011|title=VIDEO: Jeff Gordon Break-Dances At 'NASCAR After The Lap' Event|website=[[SB Nation]]|date=December 1, 2011|access-date=September 12, 2016}}</ref>

==Education summary==
{| class="wikitable"
|-
!School
!Location
!Type
!Degree/notes
|-
|[[Vallejo City Unified School District|Pennycook Elementary School]]
|[[Vallejo, California]]
||Public
|<ref name="gordonvisitsschool">{{cite web|last=Widjojo|first=Irma|url=http://www.mercurynews.com/2015/06/22/nascar-legend-jeff-gordon-visits-former-vallejo-school-answers-questions|title=NASCAR legend Jeff Gordon visits former Vallejo school, answers questions|newspaper=[[The Mercury News]]|date=June 22, 2015|access-date=June 12, 2017}}</ref>
|-
|[[Vallejo City Unified School District|Springstowne Middle School]]
|[[Vallejo, California]]
|Public
|<ref name="gordonvisitsschool"/>
|-
|[[Tri-West Hendricks High School]]
|[[Lizton, Indiana]]
|Public
|[[High school diploma]], 1989{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=44}} 
|}

==Sprint car and midget racing==
{{further information|Sprint car racing|Midget car racing}}
Between 1983 and 1984, Gordon competed in limited races as he was searching for a transition in his career.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=27}} He attended his first [[Indianapolis 500]] as a spectator in [[1983 Indianapolis 500|1983]] and met his favorite driver, [[Rick Mears]].{{sfn|Grissom|2005|p=28}} Gordon also became interested in sprint car racing and attended local events, rooting for [[Steve Kinser]].{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=27}}{{sfn|MRN2|2019}} Gordon aspired to become a sprint car driver after reading a story about a young driver named Sport Allen.{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=34}}{{sfn|Grissom|2005|p=10}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=27}}{{sfn|MRN1|2019}}{{sfn|MRN2|2019}}   
                                                                                                                              
In October 1984, Gordon competed in an event in [[Indianapolis]], where he won both races.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=27}}{{sfn|MRN1|2019}} Following the event, John introduced Jeff to Lee Osborne, a former driver who operated a business in [[Jamestown, Indiana]] building sprint cars.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=27}}{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=35}}{{sfn|MRN1|2019}} John was interested in buying a used motor and a sprint car chassis for Jeff.{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=35}}{{sfn|MRN1|2019}} Osborne assumed John was in the market for himself, not Gordon.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=27}}{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=35}}{{sfn|MRN1|2019}} When John revealed his intentions for his stepson, Osborne initially refused to build a sprint car for Gordon.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=27}}{{sfn|Gordon|2005|pp=35–36}}{{sfn|MRN1|2019}} Despite receiving a rundown of Gordon's past racing success, Osborne still wasn't convinced that the thirteen-year-old Gordon could handle a sprint car.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=27}}{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=36}} After heading back home in California, John continued to talk to Osborne by phone, later successfully convincing him after weeks of discussions.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=27}}{{sfn|Gordon|2005|pp=36–37}}{{sfn|MRN1|2019}} By the end of November, a new Osborne sprint chassis arrived at Gordon's home.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=27}}{{sfn|MRN1|2019}}{{sfn|MRN2|2019}} John and Jeff worked on the sprint car for months.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=27}}{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=37}}{{sfn|MRN1|2019}}{{sfn|MRN2|2019}} When it was complete, the car was loaded onto a trailer to [[Dixon, California]],{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=28}} where Gordon first attempted to start the car on a [[gravel road]].{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=37}}{{sfn|MRN1|2019}}

===1985–1986===

====Florida Speedweek====
{{distinguish|Florida All Stars Tour|Speedweeks}}
In February 1985, Gordon traveled to [[Florida]] to compete in Speedweek, a series of racing events sanctioned by the [[All Star Circuit of Champions]].{{sfn|Garner|2016|pp=28–29}}{{sfn|Gordon|2005|pp=38–39}}{{sfn|MRN1|2019}}{{sfn|MRN2|2019}} Speedweek consisted of five nights of racing on two tracks: Jax Raceway in [[Jacksonville, Florida|Jacksonville]] and East Bay Raceway in [[Tampa, Florida|Tampa]].{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=29}}{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=39}}{{sfn|MRN2|2019}} Unlike in California, Florida had no age requirement for sprint car racing.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=29}}{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=39}} Despite this, upon Gordon's arrival in Jacksonville, there was buzz among the racers and fans regarding Gordon's age and physical appearance.{{sfn|Garner|2016|pp=29–30}}{{sfn|Gordon|2005|pp=39–40}} The owner of the Jax Raceway attempted to prevent Gordon from competing at the track.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=30}} Series official Bert Emrick also voiced concern to John over letting Gordon compete in the races.{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=40}}

In Jacksonville, Gordon recorded his first laps in a sprint car during a practice session.{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=38}} These "[[hot lap]]s" proved to be difficult for Gordon, who started off slowly in a field of fast drivers.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=30}}{{sfn|Gordon|2005|pp=41–42}} When the car finally took off, Gordon lost control while making a turn, shooting the back end around and hitting the wall with the right rear tire.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=30}}{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=42}} Gordon confronted his stepfather in the pits, believing he was not prepared and capable of racing the faster sprint cars.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=30}}{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=42}} The features in Jacksonville were cancelled due to rain, which allowed Gordon to calm down for the night and turn his attention to the next four races in Tampa.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=30}}{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=42}} At East Bay, Gordon was again faced with disapproval from Emrick, who had allowed Gordon to compete in the hot laps at Jax.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=31}} John convinced Emrick to allow Gordon to race if he started in the back,{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=31}}{{sfn|MRN2|2019}} a move that required a [[liability waiver]].{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=41}} Bickford made it to clear to Jeff that they were not competing to try to win,{{sfn|MRN2|2019}} but "we were there for the experience, for the laps."{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=31}} By the third night in Tampa, Gordon was running competitive lap times.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=31}}{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=43}} On the final night, Gordon qualified for the C main event; he started sixth and finished second in a field of twelve drivers.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=32}} With that performance, he advanced to the B main event, where he started sixteenth in a field of twenty-two drivers; he moved up to the top ten but briefly pulled off the track after dirt from the track wedged into his helmet, resulting in a seventeenth-place finish.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=32}} Gordon qualified eighteenth in a field of fifty-four for the overall event.{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=43}} This earned Gordon his first racing purse from a professional series, which was worth a little over $300 ($856 in 2023 dollars).{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=43}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.in2013dollars.com/us/inflation/1985?amount=300|title=$300 in 1985 → 2023 {{!}} Inflation Calculator|website=www.in2013dollars.com|access-date=September 28, 2023}}</ref> Following his performance in Florida that week, Gordon was featured on [[ESPN]]'s ''[[SpeedWeek]]''.{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=43}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=32}}

Gordon returned to Florida for the 1986 Speedweek, this time without opposition from series officials.{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=46}} He improved on his results from the previous year, advancing to the A main event in four of five races and finishing in the top twenty each time.{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=46}} At the final race in Tampa, Gordon started near the front and took the lead from Rick Ferkel four laps into the event.{{sfn|Gordon|2005|pp=46–47}}<ref name="sprintcarstocup">{{cite web|last=Wackerlin|first=Jeff|url=http://www.mrn.com/Race-Series/NASCAR-Sprint-Cup/News/Articles/2015/08/Jeff-Gordon-From-Sprint-Cars-to-Sprint-Cup.aspx|title=Jeff Gordon: From Sprint Cars to Sprint Cup|publisher=[[Motor Racing Network]]|date=August 12, 2015|access-date=June 30, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150815032724/http://www.mrn.com/Race-Series/NASCAR-Sprint-Cup/News/Articles/2015/08/Jeff-Gordon-From-Sprint-Cars-to-Sprint-Cup.aspx|archive-date=August 15, 2015|location=Knoxville, IA}}</ref> Later trailing Gordon in second was Steve Kinser.{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=47}} They traded the lead before Kinser overtook Gordon in the final laps.<ref name="sprintcarstocup"/>{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=47}} Kinser drove to victory, while Bobby Davis and [[Keith Kauffman]] also finished ahead of Gordon,<ref name="sprintcarstocup"/> who ended up in fourth.{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=47}} Afterwards, Kinser found Gordon in the garage area and shook hands, telling him "you're going to be a good one."{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=47}}

====Limited opportunities in California====
In March 1985, Gordon was allowed to practice in a sprint car at Kings Speedway, a track located in [[Hanford, California]].{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=33}}<ref>{{cite web|last=Bickford|first=John|url=http://www.foxsports.com/nascar/story/jeff-gordon-indianapolis-500-john-bickford-details-decision-that-led-to-nascar-052315|title=Exclusive: Stepfather details decision that led Gordon to NASCAR|website=[[FoxSports.com]]|date=May 23, 2015|access-date=July 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150526034437/https://www.foxsports.com/nascar/story/jeff-gordon-indianapolis-500-john-bickford-details-decision-that-led-to-nascar-052315|archive-date=May 26, 2015}}</ref>{{sfn|MRN2|2019}} Despite impressing veteran drivers and receiving an invitation to return to Hanford, Gordon continued to face challenges looking for sprint car opportunities statewide.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=33}} When Cary Agajanian, a Los Angeles attorney and son of the late racing figure [[J. C. Agajanian]], refused to let Gordon compete at [[Ascot Park (speedway)|Ascot Park]] due to legal matters, other local racing promoters took notice and banned Gordon as well.{{sfn|Garner|2016|pp=33–34}}{{sfn|MRN2|2019}} However, Agajanian helped Gordon by drafting a document that would give him partial emancipation,{{sfn|MRN2|2019}} thus allowing Gordon to sign liability waivers from tracks in other various areas.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=34}} Agajanian is commonly viewed as being responsible for Gordon's exit from [[California]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Jenkins|first=Chris|url=https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/motor/nascar/2005-08-18-agents-cover_x.htm|title=Agent steers NASCAR toward other sports' ways|newspaper=[[USA Today]]|date=August 18, 2005|access-date=June 12, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=AUTOWEEK STAFF|url=http://autoweek.com/article/nascar-sprint-cup/telling-it-it-sharing-memories-jeff-gordons-nascar-career|title=Telling it like it is: Rivals, peers share memories of Jeff Gordon's NASCAR career|magazine=[[Autoweek]]|date=November 13, 2015|access-date=June 12, 2017}}</ref>

====Midwest racing====
{{See also|Sports in the United States by state#Midwest|l1=Sports in the Midwestern United States}}
Following the conclusion of the school year, Gordon and his stepfather [[road trip|hit the road]] with the sprint car and traveled throughout the [[Midwestern United States]], participating in racing events each week during the summer of 1985.{{sfn|Gordon|2005|pp=43–44}}{{sfn|MRN2|2019}} They lived in an apartment in [[Findlay, Ohio]] during this time.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://famousfindlay.com/jeff-gordon|title=Jeff Gordon|website=Famous Findlayians|date=28 July 2022 |access-date=October 21, 2023}}</ref><ref name="gordongoeshome">{{cite web|last=Bruce|first=Kenny|url=http://www.nascar.com/en_us/news-media/articles/2015/7/23/jeff-gordon-day-pittsboro-brickyard-emotional-homecoming.html|title=GORDON GOES HOME: 'ONE OF THE BEST DAYS OF MY LIFE'|publisher=[[NASCAR]]|date=July 23, 2015|access-date=June 30, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150726211448/http://www.nascar.com/en_us/news-media/articles/2015/7/23/jeff-gordon-day-pittsboro-brickyard-emotional-homecoming.html|archive-date=July 26, 2015}}</ref>{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=34}} Gordon was introduced to tracks such as Millstream Speedway in Findlay;{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=34}}{{sfn|MRN2|2019}} KC Raceway in [[Chillicothe, Ohio]];{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=34}}{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=44}} and Bloomington Speedway in [[Bloomington, Indiana]].{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=44}}{{sfn|MRN2|2019}} He earned his first sprint car victory in a heat race at Millstream.<ref>{{cite web|last=Alter|first=Larry|url=http://www.millstreamspeedway.net/history.html|title=History of Racing at Millstream Speeedway|publisher=Millstream Speedway|date=1996|access-date=July 13, 2017}}</ref> Gordon primarily raced on the All Star circuit, in which he competed in twenty-two races and advanced to twelve A main events in his first season.{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=44}} Beginning in September 1985, John and Carol worked for extra money to give Jeff an opportunity to race and [[Relocation (personal)|relocate]] in the Midwest.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=35}} Gordon earned his first main event victory in a sprint car at KC Raceway in 1986.{{sfn|Moriarty|1999|p=17}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=37}}

====Move to Pittsboro, Indiana====
{{See also|List of people from Indiana#Race car drivers|l1=List of race car drivers from Indiana}}
In June 1986, Gordon formally moved from his birthplace of Vallejo to [[Pittsboro, Indiana]].{{sfn|SportsCentury|2007}}<ref>{{cite web|author=IMS|url=http://www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/news-multimedia/news/2015/07/23/gordon-calls-parade-day-in-pittsboro-one-of-the-best-days-of-my-life-2015|title=Gordon Calls Parade Day in Pittsboro 'One of the Best Days of My Life'|publisher=[[Indianapolis Motor Speedway]]|date=July 23, 2015|access-date=June 30, 2017}}</ref>{{sfn|MRN2|2019}} Prior to that, Gordon's mother traveled alone to Pittsboro in search of a home for the family to live in,{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=35}} while he and his stepfather were racing.{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=46}} After Carol picked out a house and signed the contract,{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=46}}{{sfn|MRN2|2019}} she stayed in [[Indiana]] until Jeff and John arrived to see the property for the first time, giving their sprint car a new base.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=35}} Carol briefly remained in California to run the medical supply business, which she and John eventually sold part of,{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=38}} along with the family house in Vallejo.{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=46}} John built a shop behind the new house in Pittsboro, which he used to make and sell sprint car parts.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=38}} Jeff earned money on the side by fabricating sprint car parts for Shirley Kear.{{sfn|Grissom|2005|p=12}} By this time, Gordon's race earnings became the family's primary source of income.{{sfn|SportsCentury|2007}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=38}}

The decision to move had been made the previous year, after Gordon began racing in the Midwest.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=35}}{{sfn|MRN2|2019}} It had no effect on Gordon's sister Kimberly, who graduated from high school in the spring and began attending [[San Diego State University]] in the fall of 1985.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=35}}{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=45}} The move occurred just before Gordon transferred from middle school to high school.{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=45}} Both Carol and John were concerned about the crowd Gordon associated with in California,{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=45}} and Kimberly had suggested them to pull Jeff out of his school.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=35}} The move to Pittsboro allowed Gordon to attend [[Tri-West Hendricks High School]] in nearby [[Lizton, Indiana]].{{sfn|Moriarty|1999|p=20}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=37}}{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=48}} While Jeff was a student at Tri-West Hendricks High, he was taught [[driver's education]] by teacher Larry Sparks, who Gordon remembered as "one of my biggest fans" following Sparks' sudden death in a 2014 road accident at the age of 78.<ref>{{cite web|last=Downing|first=Kendall|url=https://fox59.com/news/indiana-couple-killed-daughter-hurt-after-rv-crash-in-tennessee|title=Longtime Hendricks Co. school employees killed in RV crash, daughter hurt|publisher=[[WXIN]]|date=October 27, 2014|access-date=June 30, 2020|location=Campbell County, TN}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=[[Associated Press]]|url=https://www.espn.com/racing/nascar/story/_/id/11778931/jeff-gordon-driver-ed-teacher-killed-crash|title=Gordon's driver's ed teacher killed|website=[[ESPN.com]]|date=October 28, 2014|access-date=June 30, 2020|location=Pittsboro, IN}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=alley|url=https://racer.com/2014/10/28/jeff-gordon-s-driving-instructor-and-one-of-my-biggest-fans-dies-in-road-accident|title=Jeff Gordon's driving instructor and "one of my biggest fans" dies in road accident|magazine=[[Racer (magazine)|Racer]]|date=October 28, 2014|access-date=June 30, 2020}}</ref>

Gordon's former home in Pittsboro, which is a brick ranch located just down County Road 100, is now owned by Michael and Sherry Lang.<ref name="gordongoeshome"/><ref>{{cite web|last=Melillo|first=Joe|url=http://wishtv.com/2015/07/23/jeff-gordons-childhood-home-filled-with-memories|title=Jeff Gordon's childhood home filled with memories|publisher=[[WISH-TV]]|date=July 23, 2015|access-date=July 5, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150812002801/http://wishtv.com/2015/07/23/jeff-gordons-childhood-home-filled-with-memories|archive-date=August 12, 2015|location=Pittsboro, IN}}</ref> Before purchasing the house, Michael Lang was a racer and competed against Gordon.<ref name="gordongoeshome"/> The Langs own Fluid Transfer Products, a company based out of the race shop previously used by John Bickford.<ref name="gordongoeshome"/>

===1987–1991===

====Racing in Australia and New Zealand====
{{see also|Dirt track racing in Australia|Dirt track racing in New Zealand}}
In November 1986, John and Carol launched a successful campaign urging for donations to allow Jeff to [[Motorsport in Australia|race in]] [[Australia]].{{sfn|Garner|2016|pp=38–39}} In February 1987, Gordon traveled to [[Perth]], [[Western Australia]] to compete in the inaugural World Sprint Car Championship at [[Claremont Speedway]].{{sfn|Garner|2016|pp=38–39}}{{sfn|MRN2|2019}} The three-day event was held from February 5 to 7.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.speedwayandroadracehistory.com/1987-claremont.html|title=1987 CLAREMONT SPEEDWAY|publisher=speedwayandroadracehistory|access-date=June 30, 2020}}</ref> The 15-year-old Gordon was the youngest driver and one of eleven [[Americans]] in the field.<ref>{{cite web|author=rce160588|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJhipZzbmUM|title=Jeff Gordon racing sprintcars.|via=[[YouTube]]|date=June 4, 2007|access-date=July 5, 2017}}</ref> Garry Rush won the main event, while Gordon came in 12th.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.driverdb.com/championships/standings/world-sprintcar-championship/1987|title=World Sprintcar Championship 1987 standings|publisher=Driver Database|access-date=July 5, 2017}}</ref>

In December 1988, [[Kiwi (people)|Kiwi]] car owner John Rae of [[Taranaki]] invited Gordon to compete in a series of [[Motor sport in New Zealand|races in]] [[New Zealand]].{{sfn|Garner|2016|pp=39–40}} Rae watched Gordon race in Perth the previous year and followed his progress in the United States.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=40}} Gordon participated in fifteen races during a two-week stretch, winning fourteen of them.{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=48}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=40}} He competed on tracks such as [[Western Springs Stadium|Western Springs]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.wheelsofspeed.com/report/12_17_88-1.html|title=December 17, 1988|publisher=Wheels of Speed|access-date=July 13, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Wylie|first=Todd|url=http://www.themotorhood.com/themotorhood/2015/4/22/dream-shed-speedway-shrine|title=Dream Shed: speedway shrine|publisher=The Motherhood|date=May 5, 2015|access-date=June 12, 2017}}</ref>

====Major national sanctioned racing====
In July 1987, Gordon drove the No. 20 car for Bob Trostle at [[Knoxville Raceway]].{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=42}}<ref>{{cite web|last=Cram|first=Joanne|url=http://www.knoxvilleraceway.com/Article/1554/Exciting-New-Attractions-at-the-National-Sprint-Car-Hall-of-Fame-and-Museum|title=Exciting New Attractions at the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame & Museum|publisher=[[Knoxville Raceway]]|date=August 10, 2012|access-date=July 13, 2017}}</ref> Also that summer, Gordon earned a three-race deal from car owner Gary Stanton,{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=50}} whose No. 40 machine scored a victory in the fourth annual King's Royal at [[Eldora Speedway]] with driver [[Jac Haudenschild]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pennlive.com/sports/index.ssf/2015/07/a_history_of_the_kings_royal_a.html|title=The History of the Kings Royal at Eldora Speedway|publisher=[[The Patriot-News|PennLive]]|date=July 17, 2015|access-date=June 30, 2020}}</ref> In this ride, Gordon competed in the [[Knoxville Nationals]].<ref>{{cite tweet|user=VntgSprintCars|number=668602294003482624|date=November 22, 2015|title=Jeff Gordon behind the wheel of the Stanton #40 machine at the 1987 Knoxville Nationals - Jeff Taylor photo #24ever}}</ref>{{sfn|MRN2|2019}} This partnership did not last long but the two remained in touch.<ref>{{cite web|last=Kocher|first=Greg|url=http://www.kentucky.com/news/local/counties/jessamine-county/article52667400.html|title=Nicholasville shop builds engines for sprint, midget racing teams around the world|newspaper=[[Lexington Herald-Leader]]|date=January 1, 2016|access-date=July 13, 2017|location=Nicholasville, KY}}</ref>

Gordon became street legal when he earned his [[Driver's licenses in the United States|driver's license]] in Indiana.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=38}} Now age sixteen,{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=40}} Gordon was eyeing to make a name for himself in races sanctioned by the [[United States Auto Club]] and the [[World of Outlaws]].{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=38}} He became the youngest driver to earn a USAC license.{{sfn|Moriarty|1999|p=22}}<ref>{{cite web|last=Puna|first=Mike|url=https://www.espn.com/classic/s/add_gordon_jeff.html|title=The Rainbow Warrior|publisher=[[ESPN Classic]]|date=June 21, 2004|access-date=July 13, 2017}}</ref>{{sfn|Argabright|2015|p=48}} Gordon made his USAC debut at Eldora on March 17, 1988, finishing 20th.{{sfn|Argabright|2015|p=48}} He applied to join the speedway's Big "E" Club a month later.<ref>{{cite tweet|user=EldoraSpeedway|number=667713675260731392|date=November 20, 2015|title=.@JeffGordonWeb still owes Eldora $10....#24Ever   (Thanks to the Baltes & Schmitmeyer families for finding this.)}}</ref>

Gordon spent most of the 1988 season driving the No. 6 for owner Terry Winterbotham.<ref>{{cite web|last=Billing|first=Greg|url=http://www.daytondailynews.com/sports/gordon-racing-career-hit-full-throttle-dayton/M5iV3sIvsq17RGONNfIL6K/|title=Gordon's racing career hit full throttle in Dayton|newspaper=[[Dayton Daily News]]|date=February 21, 2015|access-date=July 13, 2017}}</ref> In their first race together, Gordon broke the track record and earned a victory in the main event.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=40}} The season concluded with Gordon winning thirteen races and three track championships in Ohio.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=40}}

On the night of May 13, 1989, shortly after graduating from Tri-West High, Gordon traveled to Bloomington to race, only changing his uniform after arriving at the speedway.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=44}} On May 20, Gordon earned his first USAC victory in a sprint car at Florence Speedway in [[Union, Kentucky]].{{sfn|Argabright|2015|p=48}}

=====''Thursday/Saturday Night Thunder'', Night Before the 500 triumphs, and USAC championships=====
{{further information|Thursday Night Thunder|Carb Night Classic|l2=Night Before the 500|United States Auto Club#USAC National Midget Championship|l3=USAC National Midget Championship|United States Auto Club#USAC Silver Crown Series|l4=USAC Silver Crown Series}}
Gordon discovered midget car racing through ''Thursday Night Thunder'', a television program that premiered on ESPN in 1988.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=43}}{{sfn|MRN2|2019}} At the time, he was primarily competing on dirt tracks in winged sprint car racing, which did not have a national television broadcast.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=43}} Gordon and his stepfather began attending midget races in hopes that they could find somebody in the community who was willing to give them an opportunity in midget racing.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=43}}

Gordon made his debut in a midget car at the running of the 1989 Night Before the 500 at [[Lucas Oil Raceway|Indianapolis Raceway Park]] on May 27, driving for businessman and car owner Rollie Helmling of [[Vincennes, Indiana]].{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=50}}{{sfn|Argabright|2015|pp=48–49}} Earlier that month, Gordon had met Helmling briefly at the season opener held at [[Louisville Motor Speedway]] in [[Louisville, Kentucky]].{{sfn|Argabright|2015|pp=48–49}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=42}} In the May 1 event at Louisville, Helmling's driver crashed in turn one after the checkered flag.<ref>{{cite web|last=Cavin|first=Curt|url=http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/motor/nascar/2014/07/24/crash-years-ago-louisville-helped-pave-way-jeff-gordons-impressive-nascar-career/13089419/|title=Crash 25 years ago helped pave way for Jeff Gordon's impressive NASCAR career|newspaper=[[The Indianapolis Star]]|date=July 24, 2014|access-date=July 13, 2017}}</ref> With three weeks left before the 500 at IRP, Helmling had to search for a new car and driver.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=42}} Helmling purchased the car from builder Bob East, who in turn recommended the 17-year-old Gordon for the ride.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=42}} Gordon and Helmling had a nice exchange over the [[telephone call|phone]], and arranged a meeting at East's shop a couple days later.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=42}} Though skeptical, Helmling decided to give Gordon the opportunity.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=42}} Sixty one drivers attempted to qualify for the prestigious event.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=43}} Gordon, primarily a [[dirt track racing|dirt track]] sprint car racer, conquered the [[Asphalt concrete|asphalt]] by putting his midget on the pole, setting a track record.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=43}} Despite posting the fastest time, Gordon started 12th due to an inverting of the twelve fastest vehicles.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=44}} Gordon quickly worked his way up and drove away to a surprise victory in the biggest race yet of his young career.{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=50}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=44}}{{sfn|Argabright|2015|p=49}} The race, which was aired live on television, earned Gordon attention from a national audience.{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=50}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=42}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=44}}{{sfn|MRN2|2019}} A year later, he earned his second consecutive victory in the 1990 Night Before the 500.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=47}}

Following their win in the 1989 Night Before the 500, Gordon and Helmling agreed to a partnership that would see Jeff compete in more ''Thunder'' races.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=44}} He continued to race locally for Terry Winterbotham until he earned an offer from Stan Shoff to compete in major events behind the wheel of the No. 23 McBride & Shoff Motorsports car.<ref name="gordonwillbemissed">{{cite web|author= oniadmin|url=https://www.journal-news.net/sports/sports-columns/gordon-will-be-missed/article_06ce1638-8e20-52ac-bb43-445e8b314513.html|title=Gordon will be missed|newspaper=[[The Journal (West Virginia newspaper)|The Journal]]|date=January 26, 2015|access-date=June 30, 2020}}</ref>{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=44}} Gordon scored two victories in the All Star Circuit of Champions that year,{{sfn|Argabright|2015|p=48}} including his first major feature at [[Sandusky Speedway]].{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=38}} He qualified for the main event at the 1989 Knoxville Nationals,{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=44}} finishing 23rd.<ref name="sprintcarstocup"/><ref>{{cite web|last=Wackerlin|first=Jeff|url=https://www.mrn.com/2019/08/11/jeff-gordon-has-amazing-week-at-knoxville-nationals|title=Gordon's Amazing Knoxville Week|publisher=[[Motor Racing Network]]|date=August 11, 2019|access-date=June 30, 2020}}</ref> However, Gordon also tore up much of Shoff's equipment.<ref>{{cite web|last=Gluck|first=Jeff|url=https://www.sbnation.com/nascar/2011/2/16/1996930/jeff-gordon-2011-daytona-500-nascar|title=Jeff Gordon's Road To The 2011 Daytona 500|website=[[SB Nation]]|date=February 16, 2011|access-date=June 30, 2020|quote=Right before things started going well for me – before I started being kind of a household name on ESPN's "Saturday Night Thunder" and "Thursday Night Thunder" (USAC shows) – I was racing for a guy named Stan Shoff in a sprint car. It was a great ride – they had great cars, good funding. And nothing went right for us. I wrecked everything he had. So things were not going very well for me at that time, because I had an opportunity that I felt like was slipping away. That's when the whole "Night Before The 500" (USAC race) came about on ESPN. We went and set a new track record...and won the race. And that changed my whole career.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.asapsports.com/show_interview.php?id=95367|title=NASCAR PRESEASON THUNDER TESTING - January 9, 2014 - Jeff Gordon|publisher=ASAP Sports|date=January 9, 2014|access-date=September 5, 2017|quote=Q. What would you say in your opinion would that be that twist of fate that got you to where you are as far as today? JEFF GORDON: I mean, there's so many. You don't make it to this level without having some moments that kind of maybe separated you from others in the field and got you that opportunity, and I look at the successes and the failures. Prior to me being hired by Raleigh Helming to drive on ESPN's Thursday Night Thunder the night before the 500 where we set a new track record and won that race in fairly spectacular fashion, prior to that I was racing for McBride and Shoff in a sprint car in the All‑Star Series and got fired because I was tearing up too much of their equipment and wasn't winning enough. To me that moment where I did not succeed in that sprint car gave me a new opportunity to go and be very successful in a midget in a sprint car on pavement in front of a big audience that took my name from being an up and coming sprint car driver to being a talent in the open‑wheel field as well as a couple years later being a driver that even an owner in NASCAR would consider. I don't know if it was a specific moment, but I guess winning that race the night before the 500 would be the specific moment.}}</ref> After wrecking two cars in two nights at Peoria Speedway in [[Peoria, Illinois]], Gordon was replaced with driver Frankie Kerr.<ref>{{cite web|last=Adams|first=Jeff|url=http://www.pjstar.com/article/20151119/sports/151119186|title=Jeff Gordon's career took turn at Peoria Speedway|newspaper=[[Journal Star (Peoria)|Journal Star]]|date=November 19, 2015|access-date=September 5, 2017}}</ref> Shoff's [[Dismissal (employment)|dismissal]] of Gordon marked the only time Jeff was ever fired by a team owner.<ref name="gordonwillbemissed"/>{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=44}} Gordon ended 1989 on a high note, earning the [[United States Auto Club#USAC National Midget Championship|USAC National Midget Series]] Rookie of the Year award at age eighteen.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=45}}{{sfn|MRN2|2019}} By the end of the [[1980s in motorsport|decade]], Gordon was one of the most popular drivers on the ''Thunder'' circuit.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=45}} Under Helmling, Gordon secured [[sponsor (commercial)|sponsorships]] from [[RC Cola]] and later [[Diet Pepsi]].{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=51}} This marked the first time Gordon participated in a [[Promotion (marketing)|promotional]] [[photo shoot]].{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=51}}

He established a rivalry with fellow racer [[Rich Vogler]],{{sfn|Moriarty|1999|pp=8-10}} which tragically ended on July 21, 1990, when Vogler [[List of driver deaths in motorsport|died]] from massive head injuries sustained in a crash on the final lap of a sprint car event at [[Salem Speedway]].{{sfn|Argabright|2015|p=50}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=46}} Vogler, who was leading Gordon at the time of the crash, was declared the race winner, as USAC rules stated that the leader of the last green-flag lap before a race-ending red flag be credited with the victory.<ref>{{cite news|last=Terhune|first=Jim|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/41771652/19900722-rich-vogler-killed-at-salem|title=Rich Vogler killed after smacking wall at Salem Speedway|newspaper=[[The Courier-Journal]]|via=[[Ancestry.com#Newspapers.com|Newspapers.com]]|date=July 22, 1990|access-date=July 19, 2020|location=Salem, IN}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-07-22-sp-965-story.html|title=Vogler Killed in Sprint Car Crash|newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=July 22, 1990|access-date=July 1, 2020}}</ref>{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=46}}

On August 4, 1990— his 19th birthday, Gordon earned a victory in the prestigious [[Belleville High Banks|Belleville Midget Nationals]].{{sfn|Garner|2016|pp=46–47}} Hemling considered the win to be Gordon's "most dynamic" performance in a midget.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=46}} By the end of 1990, Gordon had dominated in the USAC National Midget Series, as he captured nine wins en route to the series championship, the youngest driver to do so.{{sfn|Moriarty|1999|p=24}}{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=51}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=47}}{{sfn|MRN2|2019}} Gordon won a combined 15 midget races for Helmling between the National and Western States Series.{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=51}} In 1991, Gordon drove the No. 4 car for California-based car owner Fred Ede in the USAC Silver Crown Series.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=56}} He scored two victories at [[Phoenix Raceway|Phoenix International Raceway]] and [[Indiana State Fair|Indiana Fairgrounds]], which was enough to capture the series championship, the youngest driver to do so.{{sfn|Moriarty|1999|p=27}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=56}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=59}} Gordon was the runner-up in the 1991 Night Before the 500.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=56}} He earned his final midget win in the 4-Crown Nationals at [[Eldora Speedway]] in September 1991.{{sfn|Argabright|2015|p=51}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=58}}

===Total ASCoC career achievements===
;Race wins 
*2 ASCoC victories<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allstarsprint.com/history|title=ASCoC History|publisher=[[All Star Circuit of Champions]]|access-date=July 5, 2024}} 
* {{cite web|url=http://www.computermaninc.net/ALLStarTotals.htm|title=All-Time Win List|publisher=[[All Star Circuit of Champions]]|access-date=July 5, 2024|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220308220042/http://www.computermaninc.net/ALLStarTotals.htm|archive-date=March 8, 2022}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable collapsible collapsed" style="text-align:center; font-size:80%"
!colspan=45| ASCoC victories
|-
! scope="col" | No.
! scope="col" | Date
! scope="col" | Season
! scope="col" | Track
! scope="col" | Location
! scope="col" | Ref
|-
!scope="row"|1
|August 2
|rowspan=2| 1989
|[[Sandusky Speedway]]
|[[Sandusky, Ohio]]
|rowspan=1|<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allstarsprint.com/profile/schedule/results.aspx?r=119658&rt=sch&cr=6050&crt=driver|title=8/2/1989 at Sandusky Speedway|publisher=[[All Star Circuit of Champions]]|access-date=June 30, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://thethirdturn.com/wiki/ASCoC:1989-38|title=ASCoC:1989-38|website=The Third Turn|access-date=March 20, 2021}}</ref>
|-
!scope="row"|2
|October 28
|[[Orange County Speedway]]
|[[Rougemont, North Carolina]]
|rowspan=1|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thethirdturn.com/wiki/ASCoC:1989-53|title=ASCoC:1989-53|website=The Third Turn|access-date=March 20, 2021}}</ref>
|}

===Total USAC career achievements===
;Race wins 
*12 USAC National Midget victories<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.usacracing.com/assets/files/History_Docs/history_career_wins_national_midget.pdf|title=USAC NATIONAL MIDGET CAREER WINS|publisher=[[United States Auto Club]]|date=2016|access-date=June 30, 2020}}</ref> 
{| class="wikitable collapsible collapsed" style="text-align:center; font-size:80%"
!colspan=45| USAC National Midget victories
|-
! scope="col" | No.
! scope="col" | Date
! scope="col" | Season
! scope="col" | Track
! scope="col" | Location
! scope="col" | Ref
|-
!scope="row"|1
|May 27
|rowspan=2| 1989
|[[Lucas Oil Raceway|Indianapolis Raceway Park]]
|[[Brownsburg, Indiana]]
|rowspan=12|<ref>{{cite web|url=http://usacracing.com/history/national-series-winners/national-midget-winners?name=Jeff+Gordon&doSearch=1&submit=|title=History - Series Winners - National Midget|publisher=[[United States Auto Club]]|access-date=June 30, 2020}}</ref>
|-
!scope="row"|2
|July 6
|[[Lucas Oil Raceway|Indianapolis Raceway Park]]
|[[Brownsburg, Indiana]]
|-
!scope="row"|3
|May 26
|rowspan=9| 1990
|[[Lucas Oil Raceway|Indianapolis Raceway Park]]
|[[Brownsburg, Indiana]]
|-
!scope="row"|4
|June 17
|[[Salem Speedway]]
|[[Salem, Indiana]]
|-
!scope="row"|5
|July 3
|Tri-City Speedway
|[[Granite City, Illinois]]
|-
!scope="row"|6
|July 14
|[[Angell Park Speedway]]
|[[Sun Prairie, Wisconsin]]
|-
!scope="row"|7
|July 28
|[[Lucas Oil Raceway|Indianapolis Raceway Park]]
|[[Brownsburg, Indiana]]
|-
!scope="row"|8
|July 31
|[[Eagle Raceway]]
|[[Eagle, Nebraska]]
|-
!scope="row"|9
|September 1
|Tri-City Speedway
|[[Granite City, Illinois]]
|-
!scope="row"|10
|September 15
|[[Terre Haute Action Track]]
|[[Terre Haute, Indiana]]
|-
!scope="row"|11
|November 4
|[[Winchester Speedway]]
|[[Winchester, Indiana]]
|-
!scope="row"|12
|September 22
|rowspan=1| 1991
|[[Eldora Speedway]]
|[[Rossburg, Ohio]]
|}
*5 USAC National Sprint Car victories<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.usacracing.com/assets/files/History_Docs/history_career_wins_national_sprint.pdf|title=USAC NATIONAL SPRINT CAR CAREER WINS|publisher=[[United States Auto Club]]|date=2016|access-date=June 30, 2020}}</ref> 
{| class="wikitable collapsible collapsed" style="text-align:center; font-size:80%"
!colspan=45| USAC National Sprint Car victories
|-
! scope="col" | No.
! scope="col" | Date
! scope="col" | Season
! scope="col" | Track
! scope="col" | Location
! scope="col" | Ref
|-
!scope="row"|1
|May 20
|rowspan=1| 1989
|Florence Speedway
|[[Union, Kentucky]]
|rowspan=1|{{sfn|Argabright|2015|p=48}}
|-
!scope="row"|2
|May 19
|rowspan=4| 1990
|[[Winchester Speedway]]
|[[Winchester, Indiana]]
|rowspan=4|<ref>{{cite web|url=http://usacracing.com/history/national-series-winners/national-sprint-history?name=Jeff+Gordon&doSearch=1&submit=|title=History - Series Winners - National Sprint|publisher=[[United States Auto Club]]|access-date=June 30, 2020}}</ref>
|-
!scope="row"|3
|June 9
|[[Lucas Oil Raceway|Indianapolis Raceway Park]]
|[[Brownsburg, Indiana]]
|-
!scope="row"|4
|June 17
|[[Salem Speedway]]
|[[Salem, Indiana]]
|-
!scope="row"|5
|November 4
|[[Winchester Speedway]]
|[[Winchester, Indiana]]
|}
*3 USAC Western States Midget victories<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.usacracing.com/assets/files/History_Docs/history_career_wins_western_states_midget.pdf|title=USAC WESTERN STATES MIDGET CAREER WINS|publisher=[[United States Auto Club]]|date=2016|access-date=June 30, 2020}}</ref> 
{| class="wikitable collapsible collapsed" style="text-align:center; font-size:80%"
!colspan=45| USAC Western States Midget victories
|-
! scope="col" | No.
! scope="col" | Date
! scope="col" | Season
! scope="col" | Track
! scope="col" | Location
! scope="col" | Ref
|-
!scope="row"|1
|April 28
|rowspan=3| 1990
|[[Ascot Park (speedway)|Ascot Park]]
|[[Gardena, California]]
|rowspan=1|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thethirdturn.com/wiki/USAC_Western_Midget:1990-10|title=USAC Western Midget:1990-10|website=The Third Turn|access-date=March 20, 2021}}</ref>
|-
!scope="row"|2
|June 24
|[[Ascot Park (speedway)|Ascot Park]]
|[[Gardena, California]]
|rowspan=1|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thethirdturn.com/wiki/USAC_Western_Midget:1990-20|title=USAC Western Midget:1990-20|website=The Third Turn|access-date=March 20, 2021}}</ref><br>
|-
!scope="row"|3
|July 31
|[[Eagle Raceway]]
|[[Eagle, Nebraska]]
|rowspan=1|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thethirdturn.com/wiki/USAC_Western_Midget:1990-29|title=USAC Western Midget:1990-29|website=The Third Turn|access-date=March 20, 2021}}{{Dead link|date=February 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><br>
|}
*2 USAC Silver Crown victories<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.usacracing.com/assets/files/History_Docs/history_career_wins_silver_crown.pdf|title=USAC SILVER CROWN CAREER WINS|publisher=[[United States Auto Club]]|date=2016|access-date=June 30, 2020}}</ref> 
{| class="wikitable collapsible collapsed" style="text-align:center; font-size:80%"
!colspan=45| USAC Silver Crown victories
|-
! scope="col" | No.
! scope="col" | Date
! scope="col" | Season
! scope="col" | Track
! scope="col" | Location
! scope="col" | Ref
|-
!scope="row"|1
|February 3
|rowspan=2| 1991
|[[Phoenix Raceway|Phoenix International Raceway]]
|[[Avondale, Arizona]]
|rowspan=2|<ref>{{cite web|url=http://usacracing.com/history/national-series-winners/silver-crown-history?name=Jeff+Gordon&doSearch=1&submit=|title=History - Series Winners - Silver Crown|publisher=[[United States Auto Club]]|access-date=June 30, 2020}}</ref>
|-
!scope="row"|2
|May 24
|[[Indiana State Fair]]grounds
|[[Indianapolis|Indianapolis, Indiana]]
|}

;Championships
*1990 USAC National Midget Champion<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.usacracing.com/assets/files/History_Docs/history_driver_champions_national_midget.pdf|title=USAC NATIONAL MIDGET DRIVER CHAMPIONS|publisher=[[United States Auto Club]]|date=2016|access-date=June 30, 2020}}</ref> 
*1991 USAC Silver Crown Champion<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.usacracing.com/assets/files/History_Docs/history_driver_champions_silver_crown.pdf|title=USAC SILVER CROWN DRIVER CHAMPIONS|publisher=[[United States Auto Club]]|date=2016|access-date=June 30, 2020}}</ref>

==Stock car racing==
{{further information|Stock car racing}}
At the beginning of the [[1990s in motorsport|new decade]], Gordon was thinking about the next chapter of his still-young racing career.{{sfn|Moriarty|1999|p=24}}{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=51}}{{sfn|MRN3|2019}} He aspired a career in [[open-wheel car|open-wheel racing]],{{sfn|Moriarty|1999|p=20}}{{sfn|SportsCentury|2007}}{{sfn|MRN2|2019}} particularly with an [[American open-wheel car racing|American]] organization such as [[Championship Auto Racing Teams]] (CART).{{sfn|Moriarty|1999|p=24}}{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=52}} He considered [[Indy Lights]] and [[Formula Three]], the latter of which [[Jackie Stewart]] attempted to help Gordon pursue with the possibility of moving up to [[Formula One]].{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=47}} Neither offered Gordon assurance, however, and in the case of Formula racing, he felt the switch would force him to move to [[Europe]] and would need to learn [[Multilingualism|multiple]] [[Languages of Europe|languages]], commitments Gordon found unappealing at the time.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=47}}{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=52}} He ultimately realized that the open-wheel industry was changing,{{sfn|MRN2|2019}} as car owners began to prioritize foreign drivers who brought in big money and sponsorships,{{sfn|Moriarty|1999|p=24}}{{sfn|MRN3|2019}} which resulted in young and unknown drivers with less money like Gordon being passed over.{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=52}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=47}}

Gordon had an opportunity from car owner [[Cal Wells]] to drive a [[Toyota]] truck for a Stadium Truck series.{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=53}} Gordon flew to California for a test session, in which the truck rolled over three times.{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=53}} The incident shattered Gordon's confidence to pursue a stadium truck career, and despite calls from Wells to continue to try out, this did not result in a mutual agreement for a permanent ride.{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=53}}

At this point in Gordon's life, stock car racing emerged as a realistic possibility.{{sfn|Moriarty|1999|p=24}}{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=53}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=47}} During a visit to the [[Grand Prix of Cleveland]], where Jeff attempted to shop himself to Indy teams, he earned chance meetings with [[Al Unser Jr.]] and [[A. J. Foyt]], who both recommended [[NASCAR]] to Gordon.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=47}}

===Buck Baker Racing School===
{{further information|Buck Baker Racing School}}
{{quote box|quote="He came to [[Buck Baker|my father's]] driving school. (After one) night, he called his mom, and said, 'Mom, I've made up my mind what I want to do with the rest of my life.' He wanted [[NASCAR Winston Cup Series era|Winston Cup]] [[Generation 3 (NASCAR)|cars]]. As far as [[American open-wheel car racing|Indy racing]] goes, that was a kick in the pants for them. Because [[Celebrity|stars]] like him don't come along that often."|source=[[Buddy Baker]], recalling Gordon's visit to Buck Baker Racing School.<ref name="upclose">{{Cite web|url=http://www.gordonline.com/meeting.html|title=Jeff Gordon: Up Close|website=Jeff Gordon Online|access-date=June 30, 2020}}</ref>|width=40%|align=right}} 
{{quote box|quote="I don't know if I'd be where I am if it wasn't for Buck and his racing school."|source=Jeff Gordon.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://seattimeracingexperience.com/about-us/|title=About Us|publisher=[[Buck Baker Racing School|Seat Time Racing Experience]]|access-date=January 28, 2024}}</ref>|width=40%|align=right}} 
As one of the biggest stars on ESPN's ''Thunder'' program, Gordon worked alongside auto racing announcer [[Larry Nuber]], who also covered the [[NASCAR Cup Series|NASCAR Winston Cup]] circuit at the time.{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=53}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=45}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=47}}{{sfn|MRN3|2019}} Nuber saw the potential for Jeff to try out in stock cars, so he and John Bickford reached a deal with two-time [[List of NASCAR Cup Series champions|Grand National Series champion]] [[Buck Baker]] to allow Gordon to run laps at his stock-car driving school, which operated at [[Rockingham Speedway|North Carolina Motor Speedway]] in [[Rockingham, North Carolina|Rockingham]].{{sfn|Gordon|2005|pp=53-54}}{{sfn|SportsCentury|2007}}<ref name="hallwaystothepast">{{Cite web|url=http://www.gordonline.com/feature/hallways.html|title=Hallways To The Past|website=Jeff Gordon Online|date=October 20, 2011|access-date=July 5, 2020}}</ref>{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=48}}{{sfn|Argabright|2015|p=54}}{{sfn|MRN3|2019}} As part of the agreement, Gordon would participate in the three-day program with an ESPN crew filming the session, giving Baker's school [[earned media|free]] [[publicity]], in exchange for Baker waiving the $4,000 fee (worth $9,396 in 2023 dollars).{{sfn|Gordon|2005|pp=53-54}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=48}}{{sfn|MRN3|2019}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.in2013dollars.com/us/inflation/1990?amount=4000|title=$4,000 in 1990 → 2023 {{!}} Inflation Calculator|website=www.in2013dollars.com|access-date=September 28, 2023}}</ref>

The driving program marked Gordon's first laps in a stock car and on a track with high banking.{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=54}}<ref name="hallwaystothepast"/> Aside from the cars having [[manual transmission]]s, Gordon's lone concern was that Baker would not let him go faster than he wanted.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=48}} By the first day, Gordon was hooked, and at age nineteen, he knew he wanted to do stock car racing for a living.{{sfn|Moriarty|1999|p=25}}{{sfn|Gordon|2005|pp=54-55}}{{sfn|SportsCentury|2007}}<ref name="hallwaystothepast"/>{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=48}} On the second day of the program, Baker introduced Gordon to Hugh Connerty, a property developer and a son-in-law of [[Andy Petree Racing|Cup team]] owner Leo Jackson.{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=56}}{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=59}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=48}}<ref name="historicalstories">{{cite web|author=nascarman|url=https://www.racing-reference.info/showblog?id=3122|title=''Historical Motorsports Stories'' writes: "Jeff Gordon's NASCAR Debut"|publisher=Racing-Reference.info|date=October 19, 2017|access-date=July 1, 2020}}</ref><ref name="hofinduction">{{cite web|last=Gordon|first=Jeff|author-link=Jeff Gordon|url=https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nascar-auto-racing/thatsracin/article225321285.html|title=Perfect Timing: Jeff Gordon vs. Dale Earnhardt one key to Gordon's NASCAR HOF induction|newspaper=[[The Charlotte Observer]]|date=February 1, 2019|access-date=February 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190303023303/https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nascar-auto-racing/thatsracin/article225321285.html|archive-date=March 3, 2019}}</ref>{{sfn|MRN3|2019}} A wealthy businessman and aspiring racer himself,{{sfn|MRN3|2019}} Connerty owned several [[Hooters]], [[Longhorn Steakhouse]], and [[Outback Steakhouse]] restaurants; and also owned the cars used at the driving school.<ref name="historicalstories"/>{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=56}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=48}}<ref name="hofinduction"/> [[Benny Parsons]], a former Winston Cup Series champion and ESPN broadcaster, was aware of his network's intentions to film Gordon's session and knew Connerty was a regular at the track, so he called Jackson and made the suggestion that Connerty put Gordon behind the wheel of his car.<ref name="hofinduction"/> Baker worked out a deal with Connerty to let Gordon run some laps in the car built for the [[NASCAR Xfinity Series|NASCAR Busch Grand National Series]].{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=56}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=48}}<ref name="hofinduction"/>{{sfn|MRN3|2019}} Gordon not only ran the best laps run that week, but he also bested every lap that Connerty himself ran in the car.{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=56}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=48}}<ref name="hofinduction"/> Connerty then offered Gordon a limited-race deal to compete in the Busch Grand National Series late in the [[1990 NASCAR Busch Series|1990 season]].{{sfn|Gordon|2005|pp=56-57}}<ref name="hallwaystothepast"/>{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=48}}<ref name="historicalstories"/><ref name="hofinduction"/> On the third and final day of the program, Gordon successfully convinced his mother to ride with him on the track for a few laps as one of the cars had a passenger seat installed; Jeff reached the car up to {{convert|150|mph|km/h}} with Carol riding along.{{sfn|Gordon|2005|pp=57-58}}

===NASCAR Busch Grand National Series===
{{About|Gordon's first stint in the [[NASCAR Xfinity Series|series]] from [[1990 NASCAR Busch Series|1990]] to [[1992 NASCAR Busch Series|1992]]|details about his second stint from [[1999 NASCAR Busch Series|1999]] to [[2000 NASCAR Busch Series|2000]]|JG Motorsports|section=yes}}

====1990====
{{further information|1990 NASCAR Busch Series}}

=====Formation of No. 67 team and introduction to Ray Evernham=====
{{see also|Ray Evernham}}
{{quote box|quote="(Jeff) was trying to grow a mustache at the time and when he opened his briefcase, he had a video game and a racing magazine in it."|source=[[Ray Evernham]], recalling his first meeting with Gordon.<ref name="upclose"/>|width=40%|align=right}} 
Connerty was able to put together a three-race deal for Gordon,<ref name="hofinduction"/> with sponsorship from Outback Steakhouse.{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=59}}{{sfn|MRN3|2019}} While putting the team together, Connerty and Jackson sought assistance from [[Andy Petree]], who was the Winston Cup [[Pit stop#NASCAR pit crew roles|crew chief]] for [[Harry Gant]] at the time.{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=59}}<ref name="hallwaystothepast"/><ref name="startinnascar">{{cite web|last=Hensley|first=Dean|url=https://www.goupstate.com/article/NC/20150124/sports/605127194/SJ|title=Gordon's start in NASCAR has connection to area|newspaper=[[Spartanburg Herald-Journal]]|date=January 24, 2015|access-date=July 5, 2020|archive-date=July 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200708202820/https://www.goupstate.com/article/NC/20150124/sports/605127194/SJ|url-status=dead}}</ref>{{sfn|Argabright|2015|p=55}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=51}}{{sfn|MRN3|2019}} As Petree himself was too busy to prepare the Busch Series car, he enlisted help from [[Phil Barkdoll]] and his son Steve to prepare the car for Gordon.<ref name="startinnascar"/>{{sfn|Argabright|2015|p=55}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=51}} Still in need of a crew chief for Gordon, Petree made a phone call to his friend Ray Evernham to offer him an opportunity to meet Jeff for a September test session at [[Charlotte Motor Speedway]].{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=59}}<ref name="hallwaystothepast"/>{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=51}}{{sfn|MRN3|2019}} Evernham arranged a visit with Jeff and Carol at a hotel in [[Hendersonville, North Carolina]].{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=51}}{{sfn|MRN3|2019}} Evernham was amused by Gordon's small height, as he thought Jeff looked about thirteen to fifteen years old; and for the briefcase the young driver brought with him, which contained a [[Mobile phone|cell phone]], [[Game Boy]], stock-car magazine, gum and peanuts.{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=60}}{{sfn|SportsCentury|2007}}<ref name="hallwaystothepast"/>{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=51}} Gordon instantly felt he and Evernham had chemistry.{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=60}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=51}}{{sfn|MRN3|2019}} They celebrated the beginning of their partnership by going to Hooters.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=52}} The following day, they rolled the No. 67 Outback Steakhouse [[Pontiac (automobile)|Pontiac]] out for their first laps together at the Charlotte test session.<ref name="hallwaystothepast"/>{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=52}} An open-practice day, the test session included notable competitors such as [[Davey Allison]] and eventual [[List of NASCAR Xfinity Series champions|Busch Grand National Series champion]] [[Chuck Bown]].{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=52}} Gordon started off slow, so Evernham asked Bown if he could get into Jeff's car to see whether the car itself was slow or if it was the driver.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=52}} Bown agreed to help and outran Gordon's initial laps, which proved the car was fast.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=52}} When Gordon realized the car was capable of going faster than he expected, he went ahead and outran Bown's laps; Jeff ultimately continued to improve throughout the day and was second fastest overall, just behind Allison.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=52}} As impressed as Evernham was with Gordon's laps, he was even more impressed by Jeff's feedback.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=52}} Gordon felt that his partnership with Evernham reminded him of that of his stepfather.{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=60}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=52}} Gordon's stint in the Busch Grand National Series marked the first time in his fifteen years of racing he did not have any input or hands-on assistance from Bickford.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=53}}

=====Three-race deal for Hugh Connerty=====
Gordon planned to make his debut in the [[1990 NASCAR Busch Series#All Pro 300|All Pro 300]] at Charlotte on October 6.<ref name="startinnascar"/>{{sfn|Argabright|2015|p=55}}<ref name="pontiacconnection">{{cite web|author=Pontiac Racing|url=https://pontiacracing.wordpress.com/2016/02/29/the-jeff-gordon-pontiac-connection|title=The Jeff Gordon-Pontiac Connection|website=[[WordPress.com]]|date=February 29, 2016|access-date=July 19, 2020}}</ref>{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=53}} [[NASCAR rules and regulations#Qualifying procedure|Qualifying]] was rained out, and the starting positions were awarded based on drivers' points standings.<ref name="startinnascar"/>{{sfn|Argabright|2015|p=55}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=53}}<ref name="hofinduction"/> Gordon still had a chance to qualify via a hooligan's race— a last chance event for drivers at the bottom of the points to make their way into the main event.<ref name="startinnascar"/>{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=53}}<ref name="hofinduction"/> Despite running well, Gordon was tapped by [[Randy Baker]]—Buck's son and ironically Gordon's instructor at Buck's driving school—and hit the wall.<ref name="startinnascar"/>{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=53}}<ref name="hofinduction"/> Therefore, Gordon did not qualify (DNQ) in his first attempt.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.racing-reference.info/race/1990_All_Pro_300/B|title=10/06/1990 race: 1990 All Pro 300 (NXS)|publisher=Racing-Reference.info|access-date=July 5, 2020}}</ref><ref name="startinnascar"/>{{sfn|Argabright|2015|p=55}}<ref name="pontiacconnection"/>{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=53}}<ref name="hofinduction"/>{{sfn|MRN3|2019}}

Gordon formally made his Busch Grand National start with the running of the [[1990 NASCAR Busch Series#AC-Delco 200|AC-Delco 200]] at Rockingham on October 20.{{sfn|Moriarty|1999|p=27}}<ref name="hallwaystothepast"/><ref name="startinnascar"/>{{sfn|Argabright|2015|p=55}}<ref name="pontiacconnection"/>{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=53}}<ref name="hofinduction"/>{{sfn|MRN3|2019}} He qualified second in a field of 40 drivers and started on the outside of the front row.{{sfn|Moriarty|1999|p=27}}{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=63}}<ref name="hallwaystothepast"/><ref name="startinnascar"/>{{sfn|Argabright|2015|p=55}}<ref name="pontiacconnection"/>{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=53}}<ref name="hofinduction"/>{{sfn|MRN3|2019}} In practice, Gordon wanted his crew to loosen the car so it would turn easier, but this move backfired once the [[Racing flags#Green flag|green flag]] waved.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=54}} Gordon was able to maintain a top-five run but after nearly 30 laps his tires wore out and he hit the wall.{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=63}}<ref name="hallwaystothepast"/><ref name="startinnascar"/>{{sfn|Argabright|2015|p=55}}<ref name="pontiacconnection"/>{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=54}}{{sfn|MRN3|2019}} Gordon [[Did Not Finish|did not finish]] (DNF) the race and was credited with a 39th-place finish in his debut.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.racing-reference.info/race/1990_AC-Delco_200/B|title=10/20/1990 race: 1990 AC-Delco 200 (NXS)|publisher=Racing-Reference.info|access-date=July 7, 2020}}</ref><ref name="NewtonGreatness">{{cite web|last=Newton|first=David|url=https://www.espn.com/racing/nascar/cup/story/_/id/6937349/nascar-jeff-gordon-greatness-was-seen-early-staying-late|title=Gordon's greatness is enduring|website=[[ESPN.com]]|date=September 6, 2011|access-date=July 7, 2020|location=Charlotte, NC}}</ref><ref name="hallwaystothepast"/><ref name="pontiacconnection"/>{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=54}}

Gordon's final attempt of 1990 came in the [[Season finale#In sports|season finale]]— the [[1990 NASCAR Busch Series#Winston Classic|Winston Classic]] at [[Martinsville Speedway]]— on October 28.{{sfn|Argabright|2015|p=55}}<ref name="pontiacconnection"/>{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=54}}{{sfn|MRN3|2019}} Gordon was third quickest in practice but rain washed out qualifying, just like it did at Charlotte, and as Gordon was not locked in on points he had to run a hooligan's race to make one last attempt into the main event.<ref name="startinnascar"/>{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=54}} Ultimately a broken [[crankshaft]] resulted in his second DNQ in three attempts.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.racing-reference.info/race/1990_Winston_Classic/B|title=10/28/1990 race: 1990 Winston Classic (NXS)|publisher=Racing-Reference.info|access-date=July 7, 2020}}</ref>{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=63}}<ref name="startinnascar"/>{{sfn|Argabright|2015|p=55}}<ref name="pontiacconnection"/>{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=54}}{{sfn|MRN3|2019}} Gordon ended the season 115th in the standings; the season featured 117 drivers who made at least one start.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.racing-reference.info/yeardet/1990/B|title=NASCAR Busch Grand National Series standings for 1990|publisher=Racing-Reference.info|access-date=July 7, 2020}}</ref>

=====Split with Connerty and introduction to Bill Davis=====
{{see also|Bill Davis (NASCAR owner)|l1=Bill Davis}}
Connerty was unable to put a deal together for Gordon to race in the upcoming [[1991 NASCAR Busch Series|1991 season]], citing the [[Gulf War]] and an uncertain economic future.{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=63}}{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=65}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=54}}{{sfn|MRN3|2019}} Gordon remained grateful for the partnership, which he remembered as an "opportunity of a lifetime" in his 2003 [[memoir]] ''Racing Back to the Front''.{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=63}} The 1990 season also marked his introduction to Ray Evernham—a man who would later play a central role in Gordon's NASCAR career—but for now the two would part ways, as Evernham returned to his home in [[New Jersey]].{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=63}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=54}}{{sfn|MRN3|2019}} Gordon returned to Indiana and continued to race midgets and sprints during NASCAR's [[Season (sports)#Off-season|off-season]].{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=54}}

Lee Morse, the head of [[Ford Motor Company]]'s [[Ford Performance|racing division]], was aware of Gordon through his ''Thunder'' races and witnessed his second-place qualifying run at Rockingham.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=54}} Morse agreed to meet with Gordon at the end of the season in [[Dearborn, Michigan]], where they sat in [[Michael Kranefuss]]' office and watched a videotape Larry Nuber made highlighting Jeff's fifteen-year career in racing.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=54}} Morse was impressed with the videotape, but had nothing to offer Jeff at the time.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=54}} It was not much longer when Morse learned of a driver vacancy for the No. 1 Carolina Ford Dealers car owned by Bill Davis.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=54}}{{sfn|MRN3|2019}} [[Mark Martin]], who drove the No. 1 for Davis, decided to leave the operation to run his own program.{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=65}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=54}}{{sfn|MRN3|2019}} Morse made a call to Gordon to let him know about the opportunity, and he convinced Davis to arrange a meeting with Gordon.{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=65}}{{sfn|Argabright|2015|p=55}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=55}}

On December 4, Gordon participated in a [[Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company|Goodyear tire]] test session for Davis at Rockingham, which featured Martin and one other driver; Gordon was the quickest out of the three.<ref name="newfastlane">{{cite news|last=Cavin|first=Curt|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/23193569/gordon120990|title=Gordon driving in a new fast line|newspaper=[[The Indianapolis Star]]|via=[[Ancestry.com#Newspapers.com|Newspapers.com]]|date=December 9, 1990|access-date=July 19, 2020}}</ref>{{sfn|Argabright|2015|p=55}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=55}} He also drove for Davis in a December 16 test session at [[Daytona International Speedway]].{{sfn|Argabright|2015|p=55}} In the December 9 edition of ''[[The Indianapolis Star]]'', Curt Cavin reported that Gordon was prepared to sign a contract for Davis.<ref name="newfastlane"/> Davis and his wife Gail flew to Indianapolis, where they met with Carol and John at the airport.{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=65}} They settled in at Frank & Mary's Tavern, a well-known [[catfish]] restaurant in Pittsboro, to discuss a Busch Grand National contract for Gordon.{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=66}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=55}} They agreed to an unconventional deal where Gordon would not make a [[salary]], but rather he would receive half of the car's earnings.{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=66}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=55}} Gordon signed a one-year contract to drive for Davis in 1991—a deal which guaranteed at least fifteen races, enough to compete for [[NASCAR Rookie of the Year]].{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=67}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=55}}{{sfn|MRN3|2019}} Connerty formally signed Gordon over to Davis at an Outback Steakhouse restaurant in Jacksonville.{{sfn|Argabright|2015|p=55}} Keith Simmons would serve as the crew chief under Gordon.{{sfn|Argabright|2015|p=55}} At age nineteen, a full-time move to NASCAR meant Gordon had to relocate to [[North Carolina]], giving him independence from Carol and John.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=55}} He shared an apartment in [[Old North Charlotte (Charlotte neighborhood)|North Charlotte]] with Andy Graves, who had a job in the [[chassis]]-building division at [[Hendrick Motorsports]], a two-car team [[Hendrick Motorsports in the NASCAR Cup Series|in the Winston Cup Series]].{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=56}}

====1991====
{{further information|1991 NASCAR Busch Series}}
{{see also|Bill Davis Racing}}

=====First half: First top-10 finishes and pole=====
Gordon's 1991 campaign started off slow, as he was one of fifteen drivers not fast enough to qualify for the season opener— the [[1991 NASCAR Busch Series#Goody's 300|Goody's 300]] at Daytona— on February 16.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.racing-reference.info/race/1991_Goody's_300/B|title=02/16/1991 race: Goody's 300 (NXS)|publisher=Racing-Reference.info|access-date=July 12, 2020}}</ref>{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=67}}{{sfn|Hembree|2015|p=68}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=56}}{{sfn|MRN3|2019}} This was Gordon's first racing experience at the [[Oval track racing#Superspeedway|superspeedway]]; apart from the December test session, he had only seen the track while traveling between Jacksonville and Tampa during All-Star Speedweeks.{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=67}} Gordon formally made his first start of the season in the [[1991 NASCAR Busch Series#Pontiac 200|Pontiac 200]] at [[Richmond Raceway|Richmond International Raceway]] on February 23; he crashed the car and finished 17th, four laps down.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.racing-reference.info/race/1991_Pontiac_200_(February)/B|title=02/23/1991 race: Pontiac 200 (NXS)|publisher=Racing-Reference.info|access-date=July 12, 2020}}</ref>{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=67}}{{sfn|Hembree|2015|p=68}} Gordon drove the No. 4 in a one-off ride for Richmond.<ref>{{cite web|author=SMIFF TV|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8Q2XsQwEPE|title=1991 Pontiac 200|via=[[YouTube]]|date=September 8, 2018|access-date=July 12, 2020}}</ref>

In March, Gordon began to show some speed with qualifying runs of fourth at Rockingham, fourth at [[Volusia Speedway Park|Volusia County Speedway]], and second at [[Hickory Motor Speedway]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.racing-reference.info/race/1991_Goodwrench_200/B|title=03/02/1991 race: Goodwrench 200 (NXS)|publisher=Racing-Reference.info|access-date=July 12, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.racing-reference.info/race/1991_Spring_200/B|title=03/24/1991 race: Spring 200 (NXS)|publisher=Racing-Reference.info|access-date=July 12, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.racing-reference.info/race/1991_Mountain_Dew_500/B|title=03/31/1991 race: Mountain Dew 500 (NXS)|publisher=Racing-Reference.info|access-date=July 12, 2020}}</ref>{{sfn|Gordon|2005|pp=67-68}} Gordon earned his first career top-10 with a ninth-place finish in the [[1991 NASCAR Busch Series#Pontiac 200 2|Pontiac 200]] at [[Darlington Raceway]] on April 6.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.racing-reference.info/race/1991_Pontiac_Pacesetters_200/B|title=04/06/1991 race: Pontiac Pacesetters 200 (NXS)|publisher=Racing-Reference.info|access-date=July 12, 2020}}</ref>{{sfn|Hembree|2015|p=68}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=56}} Three weeks later, he finished second behind fellow rookie contender [[David Green (racing driver)|David Green]] in the [[1991 NASCAR Busch Series#Nestle 200|Nestle 200]] at [[Lanier Raceplex|Lanier Raceway]] on April 27.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.racing-reference.info/race/1991_Nestle_200/B|title=04/27/1991 race: Nestle 200 (NXS)|publisher=Racing-Reference.info|access-date=July 12, 2020}}</ref>{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=68}} {{sfn|Hembree|2015|p=68}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=56}} Gordon scored a fifth-place finish in the [[1991 NASCAR Busch Series#Pontiac Pacesetters 200|Pontiac Pacesetters 200]] at [[Nazareth Speedway|Pennsylvania International Raceway]] in [[Nazareth, Pennsylvania|Nazareth]] on May 11.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.racing-reference.info/race/1991_Pontiac_200_(May)/B|title=05/11/1991 race: Pontiac 200 (NXS)|publisher=Racing-Reference.info|access-date=July 12, 2020}}</ref>{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=56}} Three weeks after that, he finished second behind [[Todd Bodine]] in the [[1991 NASCAR Busch Series#Budweiser 200|Budweiser 200]] at [[Dover International Speedway|Dover Downs International Speedway]] on June 1; after this race he was 10th in the standings, 404 points behind leader [[Bobby Labonte]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.racing-reference.info/race/1991_Budweiser_200/B|title=06/01/1991 race: Budweiser 200 (NXS)|publisher=Racing-Reference.info|access-date=July 12, 2020}}</ref>{{sfn|Hembree|2015|p=68}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=56}}

Gordon earned his first career pole—along with manufacturer Ford's first Busch pole since August 1987—for the running of the [[1991 NASCAR Busch Series#Roses Stores 300|Roses Stores 300]] at [[Orange County Speedway]] on June 8.{{sfn|Hembree|2015|p=68}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=57}} Following the drop of the green flag, Gordon was quickly passed by [[Ward Burton]], but he was able to retake the lead by lap 16 and remained out front for 75 laps; he went on to finish ninth.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.racing-reference.info/race/1991_Roses_Stores_300/B|title=06/08/1991 race: Roses Stores 300 (NXS)|publisher=Racing-Reference.info|access-date=July 12, 2020}}</ref>{{sfn|Hembree|2015|p=68}} A week later, he qualified eighth and finished second behind [[Jimmy Hensley]] in the [[1991 NASCAR Busch Series#Granger Select 400|Granger Select 400]] at Hickory on June 15.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.racing-reference.info/race/1991_Granger_Select_400/B|title=06/15/1991 race: Granger Select 400 (NXS)|publisher=Racing-Reference.info|access-date=July 12, 2020}}</ref>

=====Second half: Summer slump and ROTY win in an Oldsmobile=====
{{see also|NASCAR Rookie of the Year#Xfinity Series|l1=NASCAR Busch Series Rookie of the Year|Oldsmobile#NASCAR|l2=Oldsmobile in NASCAR}}
{{quote box|quote="The competition in this series is unreal— not just for the rookie award, but all the way around."|source=Jeff Gordon, August 1991.{{sfn|Hembree|2015|p=68}}|width=40%|align=right}} 
The [[summer solstice]] of 1991 occurred in the [[Northern Hemisphere]] on [[June solstice|June 21]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.drikpanchang.com/seasons/season-summer-solstice-timings.html?year=1991|title=1991 Summer Solstice|publisher=Drik Panchang|access-date=July 12, 2020}}</ref> The following day, the second half of the Busch Grand National season began with the running of the [[1991 NASCAR Busch Series#Carolina Pride / Budweiser 250|Carolina Pride / Budweiser 250]] at [[Myrtle Beach Speedway]], where Gordon started eighth and finished 13th.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.racing-reference.info/race/1991_Carolina_Pride_Budweiser_250/B|title=06/22/1991 race: Carolina Pride / Budweiser 250 (NXS)|publisher=Racing-Reference.info|access-date=July 12, 2020}}</ref> By the end of the [[1991 NASCAR Busch Series#Fay's 150|Fay's 150]] at [[Watkins Glen International|Watkins Glen International Raceway]] on June 29—in which Gordon finished sixth in his [[Road racing|road course]] debut—with seventeen races complete in the 31-race season, Gordon had qualified for sixteen races (with one DNQ at Daytona);<ref name="1991buschresults">{{cite web|url=https://www.racing-reference.info/drivdet/gordoje01/1991/B|title=Driver Jeff Gordon 1991 NASCAR Busch Grand National Series Results|publisher=Racing-Reference.info|access-date=July 12, 2020}}</ref> earned seven top-10s and four top-5s, including three runner-up finishes; and ranked 10th in the standings, now 352 points behind leader Bobby Labonte.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.racing-reference.info/race/1991_Fay's_150/B|title=06/29/1991 race: Fay's 150 (NXS)|publisher=Racing-Reference.info|access-date=July 12, 2020}}</ref>{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=57}} However, Gordon would enter a summer slump, as in the next eight races he only registered one top-ten finish— a third in the August 23 [[1991 NASCAR Busch Series#Jay Johnson 250|Jay Johnson 250]] at [[Bristol Motor Speedway]];<ref name="1991buschresults"/> at this point the twenty-year-old driver was 11th in the standings, 500 points behind leader [[Kenny Wallace]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.racing-reference.info/race/1991_Jay_Johnson_250/B|title=08/23/1991 race: Jay Johnson 250 (NXS)|publisher=Racing-Reference.info|access-date=July 12, 2020}}</ref>{{sfn|Hembree|2015|p=68}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=57}} Gordon put on a show in the September 14 [[1991 NASCAR Busch Series#SplitFire 200|SplitFire 200]] at Dover, where he crashed on the final lap but backed the car in [[Reversing (vehicle maneuver)|reverse]] to cross the line in eighth, the final spot on the lead lap.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.racing-reference.info/race/1991_SplitFire_200/B|title=09/14/1991 race: SplitFire 200 (NXS)|publisher=Racing-Reference.info|access-date=July 12, 2020}}</ref>{{sfn|Hembree|2015|p=68}}

Gordon participated in a test session for [[Cale Yarborough]], the retired three-time Winston Cup Series champion, [[Cale Yarborough Motorsports|who also fielded his own Cup team]].{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=58}} Midway through the [[1991 NASCAR Winston Cup Series|1991 Winston Cup Series season]], Yarborough had fired drivers [[Dick Trickle]] and [[Lake Speed]], so he reached out to Gordon to help him with his organization.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=58}} It was Gordon's first experience driving a Winston Cup car, and Yarborough was so impressed that he offered Gordon to finish out the 1991 Cup season in the ride.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=58}} Gordon turned down the offer, citing his commitment to Bill Davis, who was not thrilled when he found out his driver had tested for another team.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=58}}

From October 5 to 19, Gordon suffered a late-season dry spell—two engine failures at Charlotte and [[New Hampshire Motor Speedway|New Hampshire International Speedway]] in [[Loudon, New Hampshire|Loudon]]—along with a race-ending crash at Rockingham.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.racing-reference.info/race/1991_All_Pro_300/B|title=10/05/1991 race: All Pro 300 (NXS)|publisher=Racing-Reference.info|access-date=July 12, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.racing-reference.info/race/1991_NE_Chevy_250/B|title=10/13/1991 race: NE Chevy 250 (NXS)|publisher=Racing-Reference.info|access-date=July 12, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.racing-reference.info/race/1991_AC-Delco_200/B|title=10/19/1991 race: AC-Delco 200 (NXS)|publisher=Racing-Reference.info|access-date=July 12, 2020}}</ref>{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=58}} This doubled his DNF total to six, as he previously had three DNF's—engine failures at Bristol, IRP, and Darlington—in his first 26 starts of the season.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.racing-reference.info/race/1991_Budweiser_250/B|title=04/13/1991 race: Budweiser 250 (NXS)|publisher=Racing-Reference.info|access-date=July 12, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.racing-reference.info/race/1991_Kroger_200/B|title=08/03/1991 race: Kroger 200 (NXS)|publisher=Racing-Reference.info|access-date=July 12, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.racing-reference.info/race/1991_Gatorade_200/B|title=08/31/1991 race: Gatorade 200 (NXS)|publisher=Racing-Reference.info|access-date=July 12, 2020}}</ref><ref name="1991buschresults"/> Gordon literally had no momentum heading into the season finale at Martinsville, as he had destroyed the team's last remaining car in the wreck at Rockingham.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=58}} For the second season in a row, Gordon earned some much-needed assistance from the eventual Busch Grand National Series champion—this time from Bobby Labonte—who drove [[Oldsmobile]]s for [[Labonte Motorsports|his family's team]] and decided to lend an extra Olds to Gordon, as he was a friend and neighbor of Davis.<ref>{{cite web|last=Thomy|first=Al|url=https://greensboro.com/trinity-driver-s-talent-includes-good-timing/article_2382849b-ae74-5224-867e-9cabe00f514e.html|title=TRINITY DRIVER'S TALENT INCLUDES GOOD TIMING|newspaper=[[News & Record]]|date=December 5, 1990|access-date=July 19, 2020}}</ref>{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=58}} Lee Morse admitted the team's decision to use a rival [[General Motors]] car was ironic, but he believed the move was worth it in order for Ford to win Rookie of the Year with Gordon.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=59}} In the October 27 [[1991 NASCAR Busch Series#Winston Classic|Winston Classic]], Gordon piloted the [[GoodMark Foods|Penrose]]-sponsored Oldsmobile to an eighth-place finish, one lap down.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.racing-reference.info/race/1991_Winston_Classic/B|title=10/27/1991 race: Winston Classic (NXS)|publisher=Racing-Reference.info|access-date=July 19, 2020}}</ref>{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=68}}<ref>{{cite tweet|user=classicnascar|number=628727026837528577|date=August 4, 2015|title=Jeff Gordon driving an Oldsmobile after a DNQ @MartinsvilleSwy in 1991 #NASCAR}}</ref><ref name="pontiacconnection"/>{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=59}} Gordon [[1991 NASCAR Busch Series#Rookie of the Year|clinched the rookie award]] over David Green, who finished 25th in the race, by only 12 points.{{sfn|Moriarty|1999|p=27}}{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=68}}{{sfn|Hembree|2015|p=68}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=59}}{{sfn|MRN3|2019}} Gordon was the youngest Rookie of the Year in series history.{{sfn|Hembree|2015|p=68}} Gordon ended the season 11th in the standings, 107 points behind tenth-place driver [[Steve Grissom]] and 682 points behind series champion Labonte.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.racing-reference.info/yeardet/1991/B|title=NASCAR Busch Grand National Series standings for 1991|publisher=Racing-Reference.info|access-date=July 19, 2020}}</ref>{{sfn|Hembree|2015|p=68}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=59}} In his 30 starts, Gordon recorded five top-5s,{{sfn|MRN3|2019}} ten top-10s, one pole position, and led 94 laps.<ref name="1991buschresults"/>{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=68}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=59}}

During the off-season, Gordon, his roommate Andy Graves, and Graves' friend Bob Lutz put a [[down payment]] on a house in Withrow Downs, near Charlotte Motor Speedway.{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=69}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=59}}

====1992====
{{further information|1992 NASCAR Busch Series}}
[[File:Martin Auto Museum-1990 Jeff Godon's Ford NASCAR Race Car.jpg|thumb|Gordon's No. 1 [[Baby Ruth]] [[Ford Thunderbird]] on display in the [[Martin Auto Museum]]]]

=====Contract extension with Davis and reunion with Evernham=====
Prior to the start of the 1992 season, Gordon negotiated a new Busch Grand National contract with Bill Davis, with assistance from his stepfather.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=59}} According to Bickford, they were offered a "[[RFK Racing|Roush]] contract"—in other words, it was written by [[Jack Roush]] but credited to Bill Davis.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=59}} Bickford called the attorney Cary Agajanian, who previously helped Jeff earn partial emancipation as a teenage racer.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=59}} Among the changes made was the inclusion of a clause to equally allow either Davis or Gordon to terminate their partnership at the end of the season.{{sfn|Garner|2016|pp=59-60}} Davis agreed to the clause and opted to continue the deal which gave Gordon half of the car's earnings, rather than a salary.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=60}} In addition to the new contract, on January 13, Gordon secured sponsorship from [[Baby Ruth]].{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=70}}{{sfn|Hembree|2015|p=68}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=60}}{{sfn|MRN3|2019}}

During the week leading up to the [[1992 Daytona 500]], Gordon encountered his former crew chief Ray Evernham leaving the track.{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=69}}{{sfn|MRN3|2019}} Evernham had been hired as the crew chief for Winston Cup driver [[Alan Kulwicki]], but the two clashed and Evernham quit [[AK Racing|Kulwicki's team]].{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=69}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=60}}{{sfn|MRN3|2019}} When Gordon questioned Evernham and was told about the split, Jeff offered Ray to return as his own crew chief.{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=69}}{{sfn|MRN3|2019}} Gordon knew he was in no position to offer Evernham the job, so he had to pitch him to Davis first.{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=69}}{{sfn|MRN3|2019}} According to Bickford, Davis was not interested in bringing Evernham on, but he felt that if Ford could commit to covering half of Evernham's $50,000 salary (worth $109,417 in 2023 dollars),<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.in2013dollars.com/us/inflation/1992?amount=50000|title=$50,000 in 1992 → 2023 {{!}} Inflation Calculator|website=www.in2013dollars.com|access-date=September 28, 2023}}</ref> he would personally cover the other half.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=60}} Lee Morse was sold on the deal, and felt the partnership would contribute to a successful season.{{sfn|Garner|2016|pp=60-61}} With Evernham back as Gordon's crew chief,{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=70}}{{sfn|MRN3|2019}} Keith Simmons was [[Demotion|demoted]] to the engine builder.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=61}}

=====First half: First victory and introduction to Rick Hendrick=====
{{see also|1992 NASCAR Busch Series#Atlanta 300|l1=1992 Atlanta 300|Rick Hendrick}}
{{quote box|quote=[[File:Atlanta International Speedway.svg|150px|right]] "He came out of the turn with the back end hanging out. I told the guy with me that I wanted to wait a minute and see him bust his tail. But I stood there for 20 laps, and he just kept on going. He was on the ragged edge all day."|source=[[Rick Hendrick]], recalling watching Gordon race at [[Atlanta Motor Speedway|Atlanta]] ''(layout pictured)''.<ref name="upclose"/>|width=40%|align=right}} 
For the second season in a row, Gordon started off slow at Daytona as he was not fast enough to qualify for the season opener— the February 15 [[1992 NASCAR Busch Series#Goody's 300|Goody's 300]]—on speed alone.{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=71}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=60}} This time, however, Gordon was able to get into the race via a "[[NASCAR rules and regulations#Provisional rule|provisional]]" start; in Gordon's case, he was awarded a starting position for having a high points finish in the previous season.{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=71}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=60}} Gordon started the race last in the field of 44 drivers and finished 23rd after suffering an engine failure.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.racing-reference.info/race/1992_Goody's_300/B|title=02/15/1992 race: Goody's 300 (NXS)|publisher=Racing-Reference.info|access-date=July 26, 2020}}</ref>{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=71}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=60}} He quickly found some speed and won the pole position for the next three consecutive races.{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=71}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=61}}{{sfn|MRN3|2019}} After earning finishes of ninth and eighth at Rockingham and Richmond respectively,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.racing-reference.info/race/1992_Goodwrench_200_(February)/B|title=02/29/1992 race: Goodwrench 200 (NXS)|publisher=Racing-Reference.info|access-date=July 26, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.racing-reference.info/race/1992_Hardee's_200/B|title=03/07/1992 race: Hardee's 200 (NXS)|publisher=Racing-Reference.info|access-date=July 26, 2020}}</ref>{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=71}} in his 35th career start,{{sfn|MRN3|2019}} [[List of NASCAR race wins by Jeff Gordon#Busch Series|Gordon scored his first series victory]] in the inaugural running of the Atlanta 300 at [[Atlanta Motor Speedway]] on March 14.<ref name="atlanta300">{{cite web|url=https://www.racing-reference.info/race/1992_Atlanta_300/B|title=02/15/1992 race: Atlanta 300 (NXS)|publisher=Racing-Reference.info|access-date=July 26, 2020}}</ref>{{sfn|Gordon|2005|pp=71-72}}{{sfn|Hembree|2015|p=68}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=61}} Gordon led 103 of the 197 laps en route to the win, which moved him up to second in the standings, only 13 points behind leader Kenny Wallace.<ref name="atlanta300"/>{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=72}} Unbeknownst to Gordon at the time, his performance at Atlanta caught the attention of Rick Hendrick,{{sfn|Moriarty|1999|p=34}} the owner of a [[Chevrolet]] Winston Cup team, who normally did not attend Busch Grand National races but happened to be at the track a day early for a sponsorship appearance ahead of the [[1992 Motorcraft Quality Parts 500]] on Sunday.{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=73}}{{sfn|SportsCentury|2007}}{{sfn|Hembree|2015|p=68}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=61}}{{sfn|MRN3|2019}} Hendrick, who fielded the [[Hendrick Motorsports in the NASCAR Cup Series#Car No. 5 history|No. 5]] for [[Ricky Rudd]] and the [[Hendrick Motorsports in the NASCAR Cup Series#Car No. 25 history|No. 25]] for [[Ken Schrader]], was so impressed with Gordon that he contemplated funding a third Cup team for the young driver without having met him.{{sfn|Moriarty|1999|p=34}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=61}}{{sfn|MRN3|2019}} On the following Monday, Hendrick discussed the possibility with general manager Jimmy Johnson at their shop.{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=74}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=61}}{{sfn|MRN3|2019}} They were under the impression that Gordon had a multi-year deal with Davis and Ford, but Andy Graves, a crew member for Rudd and Gordon's housemate, informed them this was not the case.{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=74}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=61}}{{sfn|MRN3|2019}} Then Graves approached Gordon and told him that Hendrick was interested in meeting him to discuss a potential ride.{{sfn|Gordon|2005|pp=74-75}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=63}} Gordon ignored Graves, believing it was a [[Practical joke|prank]].{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=75}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=63}}

Focused on his Bill Davis Racing team,{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=78}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=64}} Gordon followed up his win at Atlanta with a sixth-place finish at Martinsville.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.racing-reference.info/race/1992_Miller_500/B|title=03/22/1992 race: Miller 500 (NXS)|publisher=Racing-Reference.info|access-date=July 26, 2020}}</ref>{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=75}} A week later, an engine/suspension failure took him out of contention at Darlington.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.racing-reference.info/race/1992_Mark_III_Vans_200/B|title=03/28/1992 race: Mark III Vans 200 (NXS)|publisher=Racing-Reference.info|access-date=July 26, 2020}}</ref>{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=75}} However, he rebounded at Bristol, as he earned an outside spot on the front row and brought the car to the finish in fifth place.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.racing-reference.info/race/1992_Budweiser_250/B|title=04/04/1992 race: Budweiser 250 (NXS)|publisher=Racing-Reference.info|access-date=July 26, 2020}}</ref>{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=75}} Though he suffered another engine failure at Hickory, Gordon won the pole and finished 10th at Lanier.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.racing-reference.info/race/1992_Mountain_Dew_500/B|title=04/18/1992 race: Mountain Dew 500 (NXS)|publisher=Racing-Reference.info|access-date=July 26, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.racing-reference.info/race/1992_Nestle_Chilled_Beverages_300/B|title=04/25/1992 race: Nestle Chilled Beverages 300 (NXS)|publisher=Racing-Reference.info|access-date=July 26, 2020}}</ref> Meanwhile, Gordon continued to ignore requests from Graves to meet Hendrick.{{sfn|Gordon|2005|pp=78-79}} Desperate, Graves called Bickford to inform him about the situation, and after a discussion with Carol, John decided to call Hendrick himself.{{sfn|Gordon|2005|pp=79-80}} Gordon, who was waiting for Davis to put their own Cup deal together, agreed to speak with Hendrick.{{sfn|Gordon|2005|pp=79-80}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=63}} Gordon was impressed with the way Hendrick operated his businesses and felt confident they had a future in Winston Cup together despite having no sponsor,{{sfn|MRN3|2019}} team, or car set up yet.{{sfn|Gordon|2005|pp=80-82}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=63}} Gordon was eager to pitch Evernham as the crew chief when Hendrick did not have one in mind.{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=82}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=63}} Amid rumors that Gordon may jump to a Chevrolet team, several folks at Ford attempted to convince Jeff to stay with them.{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=83}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=64}} [[RFK Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series|Roush Racing]], [[Junior Johnson & Associates]], and [[Stavola Brothers Racing]] were among Ford's Winston Cup teams interested in Gordon, but neither of them were willing to consider Evernham as the crew chief.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=64}} John Bickford even hung up the phone on Jack Roush when the car owner refused to consider Evernham.{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=83}}<ref>{{cite web|last=Jensen|first=Tom|url=http://www.foxsports.com/nascar/shake-and-bake/jeff-gordon-jack-roush-inside-story-of-failed-attempt-to-hire-racing-phenom-012315|title=Inside story: Jack Roush's failed attempt to hire Jeff Gordon|website=[[Foxsports.com]]|date=January 23, 2015|access-date=July 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150124214858/https://www.foxsports.com/nascar/shake-and-bake/jeff-gordon-jack-roush-inside-story-of-failed-attempt-to-hire-racing-phenom-012315|archive-date=January 24, 2015}}</ref>

He finished fifth in the [[1992 NASCAR Busch Series#Granger Select 200|Granger Select 200]] at [[Motor Mile Speedway|New River Valley Speedway]] on May 2.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.racing-reference.info/race/1992_Granger_Select_200/B|title=05/02/1992 race: Granger Select 200 (NXS)|publisher=Racing-Reference.info|access-date=July 26, 2020}}</ref> Three days later, on May 5, Gordon formally signed a contract to drive for Hendrick Motorsports in the Winston Cup Series,{{sfn|MRN3|2019}} beginning in [[1993 NASCAR Winston Cup Series|1993]].{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=83}}{{sfn|Hembree|2015|p=68}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=65}} Coinciding with Gordon's private intentions to sign with Hendrick, Davis announced in the previous week that they may have a sponsor willing to go Cup racing with them.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=65}} On May 6, one day after signing with Hendrick, Gordon boarded a plane with Davis and PR manager Bill Armour to [[Minneapolis]] to meet with [[Target Corporation]] executives.{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=83}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=65}}{{sfn|MRN3|2019}} The meeting was arranged by Henry Rischitelli, Armour's friend and the head of motorsports for the [[IMG (company)|International Management Group]].{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=65}} Rischitelli worked with Target in Indy racing and the company was interested in expanding to NASCAR with Gordon as their driver.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=65}} The Target camp was impressed with Gordon in the meeting, as was Davis,{{sfn|MRN3|2019}} but neither of them were aware of Gordon's secret contract with Hendrick.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=65}} While preparing to leave Minneapolis to return to Charlotte, Gordon informed Davis of his intentions to drive for Hendrick following the end of the season.{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=84}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=65}}{{sfn|MRN3|2019}} Davis was so shocked that he left alone to return home, while Rischitelli returned to [[Cleveland]].{{sfn|Garner|2016|pp=65-66}} Gordon and Armour stayed overnight at an airport hotel before flying off to Pennsylvania for the upcoming race at Nazareth.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=66}} In the [[1992 NASCAR Busch Series#Pontiac 200|Pontiac 200]] on May 9, he suffered another engine failure.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.racing-reference.info/race/1992_Pontiac_Pacesetters_200/B|title=05/9/1992 race: Pontiac Pacesetters 200 (NXS)|publisher=Racing-Reference.info|access-date=July 26, 2020}}</ref>{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=66}} After the early exit, Gordon called Morse to inform him about his decision to leave Ford for Chevrolet.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=66}} When the news became public, there was a massive uproar among those who believed Gordon had betrayed Ford.{{sfn|Moriarty|1999|pp=34-35}}{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=84}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=66}} Michael Kranefuss questioned Gordon's motive and called him "an ungrateful punk".{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=84}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=66}} Some commentators, such as ESPN's [[Dave Despain]] and Terry Lingner, came to Gordon's defense.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=67}}

Despite the early engine and mechanical issues, Gordon was consistently a top-ten contender in the first three months of the season.{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=76}} Now mid-May, Gordon, still shaken from the bad press over the Hendrick announcement, sought to return to victory lane.{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=76}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=67}} He would capture a series record $113,844 ($249,130 in 2023 dollars),<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.in2013dollars.com/us/inflation/1992?amount=113844|title=$113,844 in 1992 → 2023 {{!}} Inflation Calculator|website=www.in2013dollars.com|access-date=September 28, 2023}}</ref> fueled by a bonus worth $100,000 ($218,835 in 2023 dollars),<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.in2013dollars.com/us/inflation/1992?amount=100000|title=$100,000 in 1992 → 2023 {{!}} Inflation Calculator|website=www.in2013dollars.com|access-date=September 28, 2023}}</ref> with his second series victory from the pole position in the [[1992 NASCAR Busch Series#Champion 300|Champion 300]] at Charlotte on May 23.<ref name="champion300">{{cite web|url=https://www.racing-reference.info/race/1992_Champion_300/B|title=05/23/1992 race: Champion 300 (NXS)|publisher=Racing-Reference.info|access-date=July 26, 2020}}</ref>{{sfn|Moriarty|1999|p=28}}{{sfn|Gordon|2005|pp=76-78}}{{sfn|Hembree|2015|p=68}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=67}} He led 58 laps to take the checkered flag and was now third in the standings, 70 points behind leader Kenny Wallace and one point behind second-place driver Bobby Labonte.<ref name="champion300"/> He thanked Davis for keeping him in the car this season despite the controversy over the switch to Hendrick for 1993.{{sfn|Hembree|2015|p=68}} The tensions were high within the Ford camp, however, and according to Armour, Davis allegedly questioned to Kranefuss and Morse whether they would have a problem with firing Gordon in victory lane.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=67}} On May 28, Evernham was formally signed on as Gordon's crew chief at Hendrick.{{sfn|Hembree|2015|p=68}}

=====Second half: Pole record and split with Davis=====
The summer solstice of 1992 occurred in the Northern Hemisphere on June 20.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.drikpanchang.com/seasons/season-summer-solstice-timings.html?year=1992|title=1992 Summer Solstice|publisher=Drik Panchang|access-date=July 26, 2020}}</ref> This marked the second half of the Busch Grand National season, which began with the running of the [[1992 NASCAR Busch Series#Carolina Pride / Budweiser 250|Carolina Pride / Budweiser 250]] at Myrtle Beach that same day; Gordon earned his sixth pole position of the season and finished 5th after leading 91 laps.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.racing-reference.info/race/1992_Carolina_Pride_Budweiser_250/B|title=06/20/1992 race: Carolina Pride / Budweiser 250 (NXS)|publisher=Racing-Reference.info|access-date=July 26, 2020}}</ref> By the end of the [[1992 NASCAR Busch Series#Fay's 150|Fay's 150]] at Watkins Glen on June 27—in which Gordon finished 19th after suffering a late race-ending crash—with sixteen races complete in the 31-race season, Gordon had no DNQs;<ref name="1992buschresults">{{cite web|url=https://www.racing-reference.info/drivdet/gordoje01/1992/B|title=Driver Jeff Gordon 1992 NASCAR Busch Grand National Series Results|publisher=Racing-Reference.info|access-date=July 26, 2020}}</ref> earned ten top-10s and six top-5s, including two wins; and ranked fifth in the standings, now 150 points behind leader Kenny Wallace.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.racing-reference.info/race/1992_Fay's_150/B|title=06/27/1992 race: Fay's 150 (NXS)|publisher=Racing-Reference.info|access-date=July 12, 2020}}</ref> By July, Evernham began working at the Hendrick shop to prepare for 1993.{{sfn|Hembree|2015|p=68}}

Gordon would enter a summer slump for the second season in a row, as between June 27 and September 19, he only registered three top-10s in 12 starts;<ref name="1992buschresults"/> following the conclusion of the September 19 [[1992 NASCAR Busch Series#SplitFire 200|SplitFire 200]] at Dover, Gordon was sixth in the standings, 278 points behind leader Todd Bodine.<ref name="splitfire200">{{cite web|url=https://www.racing-reference.info/race/1992_SplitFire_200/B|title=09/19/1992 race: SplitFire Spark Plugs 200 (NXS)|publisher=Racing-Reference.info|access-date=July 26, 2020}}</ref> On the same day, [[DuPont (1802–2017)|DuPont]] announced a four-year deal to [[NASCAR Cup Series career of Jeff Gordon#Sponsorship and paint|sponsor Gordon's Cup ride]] beginning in 1993.{{sfn|Hembree|2015|p=68}} He continued to remain fast throughout the season, with additional pole positions at Volusia,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.racing-reference.info/race/1992_X-1R_Firecracker_200/B|title=07/04/1992 race: X-1R Firecracker 200 (NXS)|publisher=Racing-Reference.info|access-date=July 26, 2020}}</ref> [[Michigan International Speedway]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.racing-reference.info/race/1992_Detroit_Gasket_200/B|title=08/15/1992 race: Detroit Gasket 200 (NXS)|publisher=Racing-Reference.info|access-date=July 26, 2020}}</ref> Dover,<ref name="splitfire200"/> Charlotte,<ref name="allpro300">{{cite web|url=https://www.racing-reference.info/race/1992_All_Pro_300/B|title=10/10/1992 race: All Pro 300(NXS)|publisher=Racing-Reference.info|access-date=July 26, 2020}}</ref> and Rockingham.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.racing-reference.info/race/1992_AC-Delco_200/B|title=10/24/1992 race: AC-Delco 200 (NXS)|publisher=Racing-Reference.info|access-date=July 26, 2020}}</ref>{{sfn|Hembree|2015|p=68}} On October 10, Gordon earned his third and final series victory for Davis in the [[1992 NASCAR Busch Series#All Pro 300|All Pro 300]] at Charlotte, which marked the first racetrack [[Whitewash (sport)|sweep]] of his NASCAR career.<ref name="allpro300"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.racing-reference.info/rquery?id=gordoje01&trk=088&series=B|title=Driver Jeff Gordon's NASCAR Xfinity Series Results at Charlotte Motor Speedway)|publisher=Racing-Reference.info|access-date=July 26, 2020}}</ref>{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=86}}{{sfn|Hembree|2015|p=68}} In the season finale at Hickory— [[1992 NASCAR Busch Series#The Pantry 300|The Pantry 500]] on November 8—Gordon competed in his final start for Davis, in which he started on the outside of the front row and finished 11th.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.racing-reference.info/race/1992_The_Pantry_500/B|title=11/08/1992 race: The Pantry 500 (NXS)|publisher=Racing-Reference.info|access-date=July 26, 2020}}</ref>{{sfn|Gordon|2005|p=86}} Gordon ended the season fourth in the standings,{{sfn|Moriarty|1999|p=28}}{{sfn|MRN3|2019}} 222 points behind series champion [[Joe Nemechek]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.racing-reference.info/yeardet/1992/B|title=NASCAR Busch Grand National Series standings for 1992|publisher=Racing-Reference.info|access-date=July 26, 2020}}</ref>{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=67}} In his 31 starts, Gordon recorded three wins,{{sfn|Moriarty|1999|p=28}}{{sfn|MRN3|2019}} 10 top-5s, 15 top-10s, and 7 DNFs.<ref name="1992buschresults"/> He led the series with 1160 laps as the race leader and earned the most prize money with $371,578 ($813,144 in 2023 dollars).<ref name="1992buschresults"/>{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=67}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.in2013dollars.com/us/inflation/1992?amount=371578|title=$371,578 in 1992 → 2023 {{!}} Inflation Calculator|website=www.in2013dollars.com|access-date=September 28, 2023}}</ref> His 11 pole positions broke [[Sam Ard]]'s record for the most poles in a single season; this record remains active today.<ref name="1992buschresults"/>{{sfn|Moriarty|1999|p=28}}{{sfn|SportsCentury|2007}}{{sfn|Hembree|2015|p=68}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=67}}

===Aftermath===
{{see also|1992 Hooters 500|Hendrick Motorsports Car No. 24|NASCAR Cup Series career of Jeff Gordon}}
On November 15, one week after his final Busch race for Davis, Gordon began his Winston Cup Series career with Hendrick Motorsports, competing in the 1992 Hooters 500 at Atlanta behind the wheel of the No. 24 DuPont Chevrolet.{{sfn|Moriarty|1999|pp=10-12, 32, 39, 92}}{{sfn|Gordon|2005|pp=94-95}}<ref>{{cite web|last=Busbee|first=Jay|author-link=Jay Busbee|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/news/nascar--race-of-ages--gordon-s-first--petty-s-last-and-a-championship-on-the-line-to-boot.html|title=Race of ages: Jeff Gordon's first, Richard Petty's last and a championship on the line to boot|publisher=[[Yahoo! Sports]]|date=September 2, 2012|access-date=July 27, 2020}}</ref>{{sfn|Hembree|2015|p=68}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=67}}{{sfn|MRN3|2019}} He went on to compete full-time in the Cup Series between 1993 and [[2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series|2015]], making a [[Iron man (sports streak)|record]] [[Jeff Gordon#Consecutive starts streak|797 consecutive starts]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Cain|first=Holly|url=http://www.nascar.com/en_us/news-media/articles/2015/11/22/jeff-gordon-finishes-sixth-final-race-miami-2015.html|title=Cain: Gordon walks away on cloud nine, even without title|publisher=[[NASCAR]]|date=November 22, 2015|access-date=July 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151123143420/http://www.nascar.com/en_us/news-media/articles/2015/11/22/jeff-gordon-finishes-sixth-final-race-miami-2015.html|archive-date=November 23, 2015|location=HOMESTEAD, FL}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nascar/2015/03/01/jeff-gordon-tracking-2015-season-wins-starts-poles-tracks-championships/24072765|title=Jeff Gordon's 2015 farewell tour: Homestead-Miami|newspaper=[[USA Today]]|date=November 24, 2015|access-date=July 27, 2020}}</ref>

[[Jeff Gordon#Personal life|Off the track]], Gordon received media attention for his marriage to former Miss Winston model Brooke Sealey, which lasted from 1994 to 2003.{{sfn|Gordon|2005|pp=259-261}}{{sfn|SportsCentury|2007}}{{sfn|Hembree|2015|p=60}}{{sfn|Hembree|2015|p=70}}{{sfn|Spencer|2015|p=78}}{{sfn|Spencer|2015|p=90}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=76}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|pp=109-110}} He married [[Ingrid Vandebosch]] in 2006,{{sfn|SportsCentury|2007}}{{sfn|Spencer|2015|p=80}}{{sfn|Spencer|2015|p=91}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|pp=128-129}} and they have two children together.{{sfn|Spencer|2015|p=80}}{{sfn|Spencer|2015|p=92}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|pp=132-133}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|pp=145-147}} Gordon's relationship with his mother and stepfather became strained during his marriage to Brooke,{{sfn|SportsCentury|2007}}{{sfn|Hembree|2015|p=60}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|pp=81-82}} but they made amends when the couple separated.{{sfn|Hembree|2015|p=60}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|pp=106-107}} Gordon also became a [[Jeff Gordon#Philanthropy|philanthropist]].{{sfn|Garner|2016|pp=135}} He began visiting children in hospitals while he drove for Davis in the Busch Grand National Series.{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=136}} In July 1992, Evernham's son Ray J was diagnosed with [[leukemia]], which prompted Gordon to do more to make a difference to children.{{sfn|Hembree|2015|p=68}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|p=136}} In 1999, he established his own foundation dedicated to [[childhood cancer]].{{sfn|Johnson|2015|p=94}}{{sfn|Garner|2016|pp=136-138}}

==References==
===Notes===
{{Reflist|group=N}}

===Citations===

{{reflist|30em}}

===Sources===

{{refbegin}}
: {{cite magazine|last=Argabright|first=Dave|date=December 2015|title=1971–1990: GROOMING A LEGEND|magazine=[[NASCAR Illustrated]]|volume=XXXIV|issue=12|publisher=[[American City Business Journals]]}}
: {{cite episode|host=Fowler, Chris|author-link=Chris Fowler|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xEo9Bf_5g0|title=Jeff Gordon|series=SportsCentury|series-link=SportsCentury|year=2007|orig-year=February 9, 2004|access-date=October 9, 2023|network=[[ESPN Classic]]|via=[[YouTube]]|ref=CITEREFSportsCentury2007}}
: {{cite book|last=Garner|first=Joe|author-link=Joe Garner (author)|year=2016|title=Jeff Gordon: His Dream, Drive & Destiny|publisher=Jeff Gordon Inc.|isbn=978-1-6038-0396-0|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/jeffgordonhisdre0000garn}}
: {{cite book|last=Gordon|first=Jeff|author-link=Jeff Gordon|author2=Steve Eubanks|orig-year=2003|year=2005|title=Jeff Gordon: Racing Back to the Front—My Memoir|location=New York|publisher=[[Pocket Books]]|isbn=0-7434-6416-8|ref=CITEREFGordon2005|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/jeffgordonracing00gord}}
: {{cite book|last=Grissom|first=Glen|year=2005|title=Jeff Gordon: The NASCAR Superstar's Story|publisher=[[Motorbooks]]|isbn=0-7603-2178-7|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/jeffgordonnascar0000unse}}
: {{cite magazine|last=Hembree|first=Mike|date=December 2015|title=1991–2001: SUPERSTAR|magazine=[[NASCAR Illustrated]]|volume=XXXIV|issue=12|publisher=[[American City Business Journals]]}}
: {{cite magazine|last=Johnson|first=Kris|date=December 2015|title=IMPACT|magazine=[[NASCAR Illustrated]]|volume=XXXIV|issue=12|publisher=[[American City Business Journals]]}}
: {{cite book|last=Moriarty|first=Frank|year=1999|title=Jeff Gordon|publisher=MetroBooks|isbn=1-56799-851-8}}
: {{cite podcast|last=Nelson|first=Brian|url=https://www.mrn.com/shows/jeff-gordon-colorful-career-episode-1|title=Episode 1|work=Jeff Gordon: A Colorful Career|publisher=[[Motor Racing Network]]|date=July 10, 2019|access-date=August 6, 2020|location=Concord, NC|ref=CITEREFMRN12019}}     
: {{cite podcast|last=Nelson|first=Brian|url=https://www.mrn.com/shows/jeff-gordon-a-colorful-career-episode-2|title=Episode 2|work=Jeff Gordon: A Colorful Career|publisher=[[Motor Racing Network]]|date=July 16, 2019|access-date=August 6, 2020|location=Concord, NC|ref=CITEREFMRN22019}}     
: {{cite podcast|last=Nelson|first=Brian|url=https://www.mrn.com/shows/jeff-gordon-a-colorful-career-episode-3|title=Episode 3|work=Jeff Gordon: A Colorful Career|publisher=[[Motor Racing Network]]|date=July 22, 2019|access-date=August 6, 2020|location=Concord, NC|ref=CITEREFMRN32019}}     
: {{cite magazine|last=Spencer|first=Reid|date=December 2015|title=2002–2015: LEADER|magazine=[[NASCAR Illustrated]]|volume=XXXIV|issue=12|publisher=[[American City Business Journals]]}}
{{refend}}

==External links==
* [https://www.jeffgordon.com/pages/about-jeff-gordon About Jeff Gordon]

{{s-start}}
{{succession box
| title = Life and career of [[Jeff Gordon]]
| years = 1971–1992
| before = –
| after = [[NASCAR Cup Series career of Jeff Gordon|1992–2016]]
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{{Jeff Gordon}}
{{Bill Davis Racing}}

[[Category:1971 beginnings]]
[[Category:1970s in American motorsport]]
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[[Category:Age controversies in sports|Gordon, Jeff]]
[[Category:Early careers of sportspeople|Gordon, Jeff]]
[[Category:Early lives by sportspeople|Gordon, Jeff]]
[[Category:Findlay, Ohio]]
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[[Category:NASCAR Xfinity Series|Gordon, Jeff]]
[[Category:Ray Evernham]]
[[Category:Sports in Charlotte, North Carolina]]
[[Category:Sports in the Midwestern United States]]
[[Category:Sports in the San Francisco Bay Area]]
[[Category:Sprint car racing|Gordon, Jeff]]
[[Category:United States Auto Club|Gordon, Jeff]]
[[Category:Vallejo, California]]
[[Category:Youth sport in the United States]]
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