Fans, peers react to Gordon's announcement
CONCORD, N.C. -- When the announcement was made that Jeff Gordon would step away from full-time Sprint Cup Series racing after 2015, the first thing the driver wanted to do was tell the No. 24 team in person.
So he headed to the race shop to do just that, sharing a photo of the moment on Twitter.
Letting team know this will be my final year competing for a championship. pic.twitter.com/s7aH8OpGQZ
— Jeff Gordon (@JeffGordonWeb) January 22, 2015
I'm proud of the career I've had & knew this day would come, but I'll be involved with @TeamHendrick for many years to come.
— Jeff Gordon (@JeffGordonWeb) January 22, 2015
"My primary focus now and throughout 2015 will be my performance in the No. 24 Chevrolet." - @JeffGordonWeb pic.twitter.com/D2W3deenZI
— Hendrick Motorsports (@TeamHendrick) January 22, 2015
From there, well wishes flooded in, from teammates and coworkers, past and present.
Crazy... You're the man! “@JeffGordonWeb: Letting team know this will be my final year competing for a championship. pic.twitter.com/arqgDMfTni”
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) January 22, 2015
Hard to imagine this is @JeffGordonWeb last full season. Tons of respect for him and what he's accomplished thus far. A total professional.
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) January 22, 2015
Never will forget the day my dad introduced me 2 @JeffGordonWeb. 1994 at N. Wilkesboro Speedway. Told me "This kid is gonna be special". Yep
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) January 22, 2015
Congrats bud @JeffGordonWeb , looking forward to seeing you kick butt one more time. Looking forward to 2015 pic.twitter.com/AeZ21rx5Gn
— ray evernham (@RayEvernham) January 22, 2015
Very few have done as much for our sport as @JeffGordonWeb. Nothing but respect for one of the greatest that's ever raced.
— Regan Smith (@ReganSmith) January 22, 2015
The celebrations for @JeffGordonWeb will be OVER THE TOP in the 2015 #NASCAR season and well deserved, I always wanted to be Jeff Gordon
— Kenny Wallace (@Kenny_Wallace) January 22, 2015
Pretty simple to describe @JeffGordonWeb #champion #rolemodel #class #transcendent
— Steve O'Donnell (@odsteve) January 22, 2015
Was a fan in 95, still a fan today @JeffGordonWeb pic.twitter.com/iTVyoq3kDt
— Denny Hamlin (@dennyhamlin) January 22, 2015
Fans even got involved using NASCAR's hashtag, #JGFinalLap.
It was easy to see the impact Gordon has made and the lasting memories he has created in more than two decades in NASCAR.
What a career! Share your favorite @JeffGordonWeb memories using #JGFinalLap. We'll retweet a few of our favs. pic.twitter.com/Nkx88eEbS5
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) January 22, 2015
Classic. RT @ZMonty34 Talladega in fall of '07. Leads one lap all day and it's the last one #JGFinalLap pic.twitter.com/p5F8JjNIuK
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) January 22, 2015
Welcome, to Jurassic Park! (Gordon style) RT @danielglass91 T-rex hands down the greatest car ever built #JGFinalLap pic.twitter.com/YT2D31lYSS
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) January 22, 2015
Great one. MT @Zach_Darrow Win @MISpeedway in August! A moment to remember #JGFinalLap pic.twitter.com/VuBXW5kW3R pic.twitter.com/7rIoE1hLBy
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) January 22, 2015
Best. Mustache. Ever. RT @iamjlf #JGFinalLap pic.twitter.com/3eoWZEjMea
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) January 22, 2015
So let's all stand and cheer on the 24th lap of every race this year. It's easier than holding up 24 fingers. #nascar #JeffGordon
— nascarcasm (@nascarcasm) January 22, 2015
To see even more reaction -- or to share your own memories -- check out the @TeamHendrick Twitter page.