NASCAR driver Jeff Gordon announced on Thursday that 2015 will be his final year racing full-time in the stock car series.
This year's Sprint Cup Series will be Gordon's 23rd full-time season in NASCAR with the California native having won four titles - the latest in 2001 - as well as three wins at the Daytona 500.
While Gordon insisted he will not give up racing altogether, the 43-year-old has other interests he would like to spend more time on.
"I thought long and hard about my future this past year and during the off-season, and I've decided 2015 will be the last time I compete for a championship," Gordon said in a release on his official website.
"I won't use the 'R-word' [retirement] 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.
"Racing has provided a tremendous amount of opportunity that's been extraordinarily rewarding and fulfilling in my life. 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 paediatric cancer research, and my efforts will remain focused there when I'm no longer driving."
Gordon underlined his commitment to his final season, claiming he will be looking to notch a fifth overall title.
"My primary focus now and throughout 2015 will be my performance in the number 24 Chevrolet," he said.
"I'm going to pour everything I have into this season and look forward to the challenge of competing for one last championship."
This year's Sprint Cup Series will be Gordon's 23rd full-time season in NASCAR with the California native having won four titles - the latest in 2001 - as well as three wins at the Daytona 500.
While Gordon insisted he will not give up racing altogether, the 43-year-old has other interests he would like to spend more time on.
"I thought long and hard about my future this past year and during the off-season, and I've decided 2015 will be the last time I compete for a championship," Gordon said in a release on his official website.
"I won't use the 'R-word' [retirement] 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.
"Racing has provided a tremendous amount of opportunity that's been extraordinarily rewarding and fulfilling in my life. 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 paediatric cancer research, and my efforts will remain focused there when I'm no longer driving."
Gordon underlined his commitment to his final season, claiming he will be looking to notch a fifth overall title.
"My primary focus now and throughout 2015 will be my performance in the number 24 Chevrolet," he said.
"I'm going to pour everything I have into this season and look forward to the challenge of competing for one last championship."
