June 23, 2021 | By Lee Spencer

Jeff Gordon to leave FOX for leadership role at Hendrick Motorsports in 2022

Jeff Gordon’s leadership role at Hendrick Motorsports will go into overdrive in 2022.

NASCAR’s winningest Cup organization announced on Wednesday that the four-time champion and NASCAR Hall of Fame member will add vice-chairman of Hendrick Motorsports to his list of titles. 

The 49-year-old Vallejo, Calif.-native will trade in his seat in the Fox broadcasting booth for full-time responsibilities at Hendrick Motorsports, where he has held an ownership stake since 1999. Gordon will report to HMS chairman and majority owner Rick Hendrick and work in concert with president Marshall Carlson and general manager Jeff Andrews.

“I cannot put into words what Hendrick Motorsports means to me,” Gordon said. “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 will focus on both competition and marketing. In addition to joining Hendrick on NASCAR’s team owner council, Gordon will assume HMS’ seat on the sanctioning body’s diversity, equity and inclusion committee. His strategic executive management duties will formally begin on Jan. 1, 2022.

“Jeff and I have talked about this for many years, and I feel it’s a natural evolution for him and our company,” said Hendrick, 71. “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.

“I love racing and competing, and Jeff is the only person I know who hates to lose as much as I do. I feel great physically and have no plans to go anywhere anytime soon, which is exactly why it’s the right time. In the years to come, I couldn’t be more energized about working arm-in-arm with him and cementing the future of Hendrick Motorsports together.”

For the last six seasons, Gordon has lent his expertise to FOX Sports. He’ll continue with the broadcast partner through the end of 2021.

“I cannot thank the entire FOX Sports family enough for the incredible opportunity I’ve had over the past six seasons,” Gordon said. “I’ve come to truly appreciate the responsibility of bringing the sport to our fans and the tremendous work that goes into our broadcasts each and every week. 

“I’m certainly going to miss it, but I will forever be grateful to FOX for the experience and for the trust they’ve placed in me. It’s been a privilege to work with such a talented group of people.”
Gordon changed the face of NASCAR after making his debut in the No. 24 Hendrick Motorsport Chevrolet 1992. In 23 seasons, he amassed 93 wins, 81 poles and four of HMS’s 13 Cup titles. His increased leadership role comes at a time when Hendrick Motorsports has returned to its juggernaut status--led by Kyle Larson, who was handpicked by Gordon.

William Byron, who currently drives the No. 24 Chevy—and is enjoying the best season of his career, believes Gordon will continue to elevate HMS’ status.

“Jeff is really smart and has a lot to offer about the sport,” Byron said. “He hasn't been removed at all from the sport, because he’s been in the broadcast booth, and he’s been able to watch races and see how they develop, and I think he’ll give us good perspective. 

“So, I feel he has a very good idea about what’s out there, what’s going on. He’s talked to a lot of teams over the last four to five years about what goes on. I feel like he’s going to bring a lot to us to help us continue doing what we’re doing because obviously we’re at a high level right now and we’d like to keep that up for a number of years.”