Jeff Gordon is stepping away from his Fox Sports broadcasting duties to become vice chairman of Hendrick Motorsports, sources tell The Athletic. Hendrick made the news official Wednesday afternoon.
Gordon, 49, has been involved with Hendrick throughout his six-year broadcasting career. The four-time NASCAR champion and Hall of Famer drove for the team and has been a part-owner since his racing days, but has increasingly taken on a larger role.
“I cannot put into words what Hendrick Motorsports means to me,” Gordon said in a statement. “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.”
Currently NASCAR’s top team with six straight wins — including the All-Star Race — Hendrick will have Gordon’s full attention now that he no longer has a TV commitment as it look to repeat as Cup Series champions.
“Just like he did on the track, Jeff distinguished himself as an all-time winner on our Fox Sports team,” Fox Sports CEO and executive producer Eric Shanks said in a statement. “While we are sad to see him go, everyone at Fox Sports wishes Jeff nothing but continued success.”
