Photo – Todd Warshaw/Getty Images
With the 2015 NASCAR season less than two weeks away, there is intrigue for what the last season has in store for the man known as the “The Kid” Jeff Gordon. Since announcing 2015 is his last season, to his successor being named in Chase Elliot, now is the time for all NASCAR fans to witness what greatness could come out of this situation.
With four wins last season Gordon is still a championship contender which is unlike the norm for somebody who is on their way out of any sport. Like Gordon or not, you can admire what his competitiveness and fire has brought to this sport. From his rivalry with the late Dale Earnhardt Sr., to him shoving Matt Kenseth and Jeff Burton, and his four NASCAR Sprint Cup titles, you really do have to appreciate a guy who shows so much passion for the sport and his results.
One of the greatest things about watching any sport is being able to appreciate what each competitor brings to the table. But with Gordon being such an iconic name in racing, his retirement allows NASCAR to do what they might see as bigger and better plans.
Let me explain…
Another headline going into the 2015 season is Brian France’s announcement that NASCAR is not changing the Chase for the Sprint Cup format. If you are thinking critically, these two tie into each other heavily.
This being the second year of the new Chase for the Sprint Cup format, France and NASCAR will be looking heavily at the numbers the Chase brings in this year in terms of viewership. With Gordon still being in championship form, him making the Chase in his last season will bring in a viewership that could be the most the Chase has ever seen in what will be the 11th year of its enactment. Numbers like this is what NASCAR will lean on to make decisions for next season and years to come. Not expressing an opinion on the Chase, yet I do find it unfair that the future of the sport could be banked on a season that will see one of the best drivers ever retire.
This goes with saying…
I do not want to tarnish Gordon’s last season; I do want to express how appreciative I am for him being a part of my NASCAR experience my whole life. Gordon has done so much for the sport of NASCAR from inspiring young drivers coming up, such as Kyle Larson, to putting thousands of people in the stands with the number “24” on their back.
Although I have discussed my displeasure with what implications may come out of a successful Gordon farewell season, I would love to see him pull off his drive for five championships.
What’s great about watching guys like Gordon is that you are one of few people who will be able to talk about how fun it was to watch him race and compete. With Gordon being in championship form you could potentially witness a moment in the sport that fans will talk about for generations to come. Being a true NASCAR fan, there is nothing more to ask.