Nobody should expect this team to top 1998, when a modern-era record-tying 13 wins told only part of the story. In the final 20 races, Gordon won 10 times, finished second five other times and never finished lower than seventh. Unless something goes wrong internally with this team, a third straight championship is the logical goal.
Career
Absolutely no reason not to expect more of the same. "Over
New Year's, I hated to see 1997 go away," Jeff Gordon said. "It was an awesome
year." He's won 27 races in past three seasons with team that's still
hungry. "Winning is what drives everybody," Gordon said. "If you get there
once, you can't wait to get there the next time."
1997 was a remarkable year. Won his second Winston Cup title in three
seasons. Won Daytona 500, Coca-Cola 600 and Southern 500 to earn Winston
Million bonus. Won a total of 10 races and also won The Winston. Finished
in the top five 22 times. Earned a series record $6,378,568 to bring career
total, in five full seasons, to $16,705,462.
Won third Winston Cup championship and second in a row in 1998. His seventh start is this year in the Daytona 500, which he won in 1997. Tied modern NASCAR record with 13 victories last year. Has 42 career wins for Hendrick Motorsports.
Finished second to teammate Terry Labonte by 37 points in the 1996 Winston Cup points standings. Had a season-best 10 victories. And winnings for 1996 put his career total at $10,326,804, which is 10th on the all-time Winston Cup list.
With 7 first place finishes, 17 top 5 and 23 top 10, this 24 year old won the 1995 NASCAR Winston Cup Championship. He won the most races, took the most Busch pole positions, led the most laps and miles and took every mid-season bonus available.
Got '94 off to good start with victory in Busch Clash, then went on to win Winston Select Open at Charlotte. Followed up a week later with first career victory, in Coca-Cola 600. Later went on to win inaugural Bickyard 400. 29th on all-time career winnings list. First pole in Charlotte's '93 Mello Yello 500. At 21 in '93, became youngest driver to ever win 125-mile qualifying race for Daytona 500 and first rookie since Jonny Rutherford in 1963. Named 1993 Winson Cup Rookie of the Year. Finished 8th in '94 Winston Cup standings.
Began racing go-karts and quarter-midgets at the age of 5. USAC terror. 1979 and '81 quarter-midget national champion. 1990 USAC midget champion. 1991 USAC Silver Crown champion. 1991 Busch Grand National Rockie of the Year. Posted more than 500 short-track wins. Won record 11 Busch Grand National poles in '92. Had three BGN wins in only second year of stock-car competition, winning twice at Charlotte and once at Atlanta. Made Winston Cup debut in 1992 Hooters 500 at Atlanta, qualified 21st, finished 31st.
Inspired by step-father, John Bickford, who moved family to midwest to give Jeff a better racing atmosphere. Big break came when Hugh Connerly hired him for first Busch ride. Tries to pattern driving style after Mark Martin. Enjoys water skiing, golf, video games and racquetball.
Sources: NASCAR Press Guides, Star and News staff reports.
