Unlike other sports, Nascar can see drivers compete well into their 50’s. While this allows for some pretty cool stories and added fan memories, it also can lend itself to some drivers staying active well past their prime.
With Jimmie Johnson being just the latest driver to announce his retirement from Nascar (effective the end of the 2020 season), I wanted to take a look at drivers who voluntarily retired from the sport to see if they hung on too long or left at just the right time (or maybe even a little too soon). By “voluntary retirement” that means I’m not including anyone who was killed or seriously injured while driving.
Instead of looking at EVERY driver (even though interest in an analysis of Jimmy Hensley’s latter years could be quite high) I’m limiting it to Hall of Fame inductees—for now.
(Drivers listed in order of their Hall of Fame induction)
NOTE: Those inducted primarily or exclusively for achievements outside of driving (team ownership, crew chiefing, etc.) will not be considered. Cup performance is all that’s considered for this piece. Also, the more modern term “Cup Series” will be used instead of Grand National, Winston Cup, etc.
Jeff Gordon
DRIVING ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Four-time Cup Series champion. 93 Cup Series wins. Three-time Daytona 500 champion. Six-time Southern 500 winner. Five-time Brickyard 400 winner. Second (and last) winner of the Winston Million. Widely considered the driver who brought Nascar into worldwide prominence.
LAST HURRAH: In his planned final year of racing Gordon scored an emotional final win at Martinsville in 2015, one that would put him in contention for the championship. While he wouldn’t win the whole thing, Gordon still finished the year third in points.
FINAL YEAR(S): After Dale Earnhardt Jr. was sidelined by concussion issues, Gordon split the rest of the 2016 season with Alex Bowman as a substitute, posting top-tens in his final two starts. Gordon hasn’t raced since, instead focusing on his broadcasting career, business interests, and his young family.
DID HE HANG ON TOO LONG?: No. While it would’ve been a Hollywood ending if Gordon had rode off into the sunset after his 2015 late season surge, Gordon’s loyalty to Rick Hendrick saw him return for eight races as a substitute. And while he didn’t win, his results weren’t terrible, either.