NSCS: Jeff Gordon to run final full-time Sprint Cup Series schedule in 2015

Hendrick Motorsports announced on Thursday, January 22nd that Jeff Gordon will retire from full-time Sprint Cup Series competition following the completion of the 2015 season.

“As a race car driver, much of what I’ve done throughout my life has been based on following my instincts and trying to make good decisions,” Gordon said. “I thought long and hard about my future this past year and during the offseason, and I’ve decided 2015 will be the last time I compete for a championship. I won’t use the ‘R-word’ because I plan to stay extremely busy in the years ahead, and there’s always the possibility I’ll compete in selected events, although I currently have no plans to do that.

“I don’t foresee a day when I’ll ever step away from racing. I’m a fan of all forms of motor sports, but particularly NASCAR. We have a tremendous product, and I’m passionate about the business and its future success. As an equity owner in Hendrick Motorsports, I’m a partner with Rick (Hendrick) and will remain heavily involved with the company for many years to come. It means so much to have the chance to continue working with the owner who took a chance on me and the incredible team that’s stood behind me every step of the way.”

Since beginning with Hendrick Motorsports in 1992, the 43-year-old has earned four Sprint Cup Series Championships, 92 victories and 77 pole positions. His racing resume is highlighted by three Daytona 500s and five Brickyard 400 wins. Considered one of the best drivers ever in racing and having inspired many drivers to get their start, it certainly marks the end of an era.

“Racing has provided a tremendous amount of opportunity that’s been extraordinarily rewarding and fulfilling in my life,” Gordon continued. “The work we’re doing with the Jeff Gordon Children’s Foundation will continue to be extremely important to me. Outside the race car, my passion is pediatric cancer research, and my efforts will remain focused there when I’m no longer driving.

“I’ll explore opportunities for the next phase of my career, but my primary focus now and throughout 2015 will be my performance in the No. 24 Chevrolet. I’m going to pour everything I have into this season and look forward to the challenge of competing for one last championship.

“To everyone at NASCAR, my teammates, sponsors, competitors, friends, family, members of the media and especially our incredible fans, all I can say is thank you.”

It also marks the end of one of the longest partnerships in racing, as Gordon has ran full-time for Hendrick Motorsports since his rookie season in 1993.

“There’s simply no way to quantify Jeff’s impact,” Rick Hendrick said. “He’s one of the biggest sports stars of a generation, and his contributions to the success and growth of NASCAR are unsurpassed. There’s been no better ambassador for stock car racing and no greater representation of what a champion should be. I will never be able to properly express the respect and admiration I have for Jeff and how meaningful our relationship is to me. I’m so grateful for everything he’s done for our company and my family, and I look forward to many more years together as friends and business partners.”

Hendrick Motorsports added that their 2016 plans will be announced at a later date, but many in the industry believe that they will deal with Chase Elliott in some way form or another.