Jeff Gordon Leaves FOX, Takes on Bigger Role at Hendrick Motorsports

Jeff Gordon is stepping away from his Fox Sports broadcasting role to become vice chairman of Hendrick Motorsports, and the company made the news official Wednesday afternoon.

The 49-year-old has been involved with Hendrick throughout his six-year broadcasting career and previously drove for the team. Gordon, a four-time NASCAR champion and Hall of Famer, has been a part-owner since his racing days, but has increasingly taken on a larger role.

Gordon will become the vice chairman at Hendrick Motorsports, second only to chairman and majority owner Rick Hendrick.

“I cannot put into words what Hendrick Motorsports means to me,” Gordon said in a release from the team. “In many ways, it’s my home and the people here are my family. I’ve never lost my passion for the organization, for our sport, and for the sheer challenge of racing and winning at the highest level. Being part of the competition is where I’m happiest and feel I can make the biggest contribution to the continued, long-term success of the team. Rick and I have a shared vision, which is based on the values he’s instilled, the culture he’s built and our desire to be the very best in all categories, on and off the track."

Gordon drove for Hendrick during the entirety of his 25-year Cup Series career, Yahoo Sports reports. He won 93 races and the 1995, 1997, 1998, and 2001 Cup Series titles in the No. 24 car. 

“Jeff and I have talked about this for many years, and I feel it’s a natural evolution for him and our company,” Hendrick said. “I’ve always been impressed with his business instincts. On some level, he’s been involved in every major decision we’ve made over the last two decades, and his influence has continued to grow since he stopped driving. He understands our culture, our values, and the importance we place on our people and our partnerships."

He will officially take over the position on January 1, 2022.