Retired NASCAR legend Jeff Gordon could be making an unlikely return to the sport.
USA Today reports the 44-year-old might be called into racing action since Chevrolet’s Dale Earnhardt Jr. is dealing with concussion-related symptoms and might not be allowed to race. According to Hendrick Motorsports general manager Doug Duchardt, Gordon has agreed to come back and race in this month’s Brickyard 400 if Earnhardt Jr. isn’t medically cleared.
“It’s about making sure that he gets better and supporting him and his decision,” Duchardt said. “It takes a lot to come out and address some of the health concerns that he had. It’s not about what are we going to do when he does come back. It’s all about getting better on a timeline that’s satisfied to him.”
Gordon hasn’t raced since last season but his history at the Brickyard 400 suggests he’s more than a prime candidate to replace Earnhardt Jr. Gordon has won a record five times at the track, including as recently as 2014. He’s got as much experience as possible and likely has a legitimate shot at winning it, even if he has sat out for the season thus far.
Gordon’s return would bring many questions with it. Is it a one-time deal? Or is he un-retiring for good? Either way, NASCAR fans should be excited with the possibility of seeing Gordon race one more time. Who knows, it might be his last race ever – again.
