John Bickford answers fans questions on JeffGordon.com-- read the transcript from the online chat!
John Bickford, stepfather of 4-time NASCAR Cup Series champ and General Manager of Jeff Gordon Inc., chatted live on JeffGordon.com yesterday. John answered questions about Jeff retiring, his grandaughter Ella, his wife Carol's cookbook, Jeff's wine and more! Read the entire transcript below...
___________________________________________________________
moderator2
Without further ado, we would like to officially welcome everyone to the JeffGordon.com chat room! Our guest tonight is John Bickford, stepfather of 4-time NASCAR champ Jeff Gordon and General Manager of Jeff Gordon Inc. He is excited to chat with everyone tonight. Feel free to start sending your questions now!
John Bickford
Thanks everyone for coming! I am glad to be here....
metallica
great to have you you are the best
metallica
Thanks for getting Jeff into racing
Debbie4Jeff
Hi John! When did you know that Jeff was going to be a great driver and why NASCAR rather than some other form of racing?
metallica
Thanks for getting Jeff into racing
John Bickford
You're welcome! :-)
Debbie4Jeff
Hi John! When did you know that Jeff was going to be a great driver and why NASCAR rather than some other form of racing?
John Bickford
I don't think we have seen his full potential in NASCAR was the only oppourtunity that presented itself to us in 1989
Jenny
Thanks for chatting with us Mr. Bickford! Will you be coming to Indy next weekend? Time for Jeff to win #5 there! I am ordering perfect weather too!! Highs in the 80's and NO RAIN!!
John Bickford
I hope so....looking forward to it, we have a great car for him!
Jenny
Did you ever follow any of the Sprint car drivers from PA in the 70's and 80's? My uncle used to race them at that time (Lynn Paxton is his name)
howardohara
Mr.Bickford..I've sent info to you thru Katie Harty re the new track in Niagara--do you have an up-date ?
John Bickford
The track will start construction the fall of this year, if all goes well.
Jenny
Did you ever follow any of the Sprint car drivers from PA in the 70's and 80's? My uncle used to race them at that time (Lynn Paxton is his name)
John Bickford
I know Lynn....he now restores older Sprint cars!
irish55
Hi John! Will Jeff be making an announcement soon about his plans beyond 2010?
John Bickford
We hope to announce fairly soon that we have extended sponsorships through 2013
moderator2
Keep the great questions coming! :)
Debbie4Jeff
So, do you think Danica will come to NASCAR?
John Bickford
I hope she tries NASCAR. I talked to her recently and she hopes to run a Nationwide race next year...I think now she should focus on winning races in IRL
Julie
I've seen pictures of Jeff and his wife and daughter Ella. What a beautiful family. How often do you get to see your grand daughter?
John Bickford
Not nearly often enough!
metallica
John,I think it is so cool that you came to chat,and i was wondering how many races Jeff won growing up
John Bickford
A lot....haha - we raced a lot. Every weekend for years
howardohara
Mr. Bickford...As a retired Justice--I am qualified to assist in any way that you feel I could help---as I live in Niagara.Just advise, or have Katie contact me. Thanx.
John Bickford
Watch for the website - canadian Motor Speedway - there will be a location to contact the track officials. Thanks for the offer. The track is going to be spectacular!
Jenny
Have you ever been the the Eastern Museum of Motor Racing near Dillsburg, PA? Cool stuff in there!
John Bickford
No, I have not been there. Jeff and I raced all over PEnnsylvania but we never made it there!
irish55
Do you think Red Bull will come to Chevy and use HMS equipment?
John Bickford
I shouldn't comment on this.....but I think it will happen!
irish55
Does your son John come to many races?
John Bickford
No he doesn't make a lot of races....his job keeps him at work. He coaches sports for his kids.
Debbie4Jeff
So, what does a girl have to do to get to sit on the pit box?
John Bickford
Participate with a sponsor in some fashion!
metallica
Chevy is the best ,but the funny thing is Jeff started with ford
John Bickford
The opportunity was with Ford but we moved quickly (haha)
ART
hi john do you go races every weekend ?
John Bickford
I do about 25 races a year...
Debbie4Jeff
Are you ever nervous that Jeff will get hurt?
John Bickford
No. I stay focused - I am more nervous about him not winning or having a good race.
Debbie4Jeff
Does Ingrid get nervous?
John Bickford
I don't k now....but I think so.
moderator2
You all are doing great with the questions...Keep 'em Coming!
nascar128
Hello from Canada, we have followed Jeff Gordon since 1992. We have a bar downstairs all decked out in Jeff Gordon Merchandise. we met Jeff last year at watkins Glenn, it was the highlight of our trip. I asked Jeff how Miss Ella was doing, and he said he is doing great! Have you been to Watkins Glen racetrack with Jeff ?
John Bickford
I have been there many times! Thanks for the support - we really appreciate it.
irish55
Was that your daughter-in-law that went to Regis & Kelly when Jeff co-hosted? Carol and Kim were there with someone else.
John Bickford
That was Carol's bestfriend Janice.
cdp24
How would you rate jeffs season thus far?
John Bickford
I would rate it an 8 on a scale of 1-10. I think there are some improvements to be made but they are working at it.
tracy
Hi Mr. Bickford How is Jeffs back doing
John Bickford
I asked him Monday and he told me his back is doing fine. He is gaining on it every week.
metallica
what was your favorite win of Jeff's
John Bickford
No, he did not. My Impala SS was Dale Earnhardt Sr.'s - I bought it from him directly.
Debbie4Jeff
So how long do you think Jeff will continue to race?
John Bickford
Not sure...At least a few more years. At least 4 or 5 more years.
metallica
what was your favorite win of Jeff's
John Bickford
KC Raceway - 1986
Crazy424
Hi! Does Jeff have any future plant to start his own racing team?
John Bickford
He is part owner with Rick HEndrick and he plans to stay here helping Rick..
irish55
How is your new dog doing?
John Bickford
Hunter is doing GREAT! 6 months and 7 days old!
Gordorama
when is Ella's version of the wine coming out?
John Bickford
Next year - we don't have a release date just yet.
tyrus24 (Jul 16, 2009 5:19:53 PM)
hey john
John Bickford
Hello!
John Bickford
I think he is in position. The correct adjustments are being made to the car we just need "Lady Luck" to help us.
Jenny
What kind of cycling does Jeff do for exercise? (I ride my hybrid every day and LOVE it!)
John Bickford
He has a road bike that he rides in Central Park or he rides in Charlotte, when he is here.
nascar128
Hello John, Canadians again, We have been to the Hendrick Raceshop in Concord we toured the shop there and enjoyed it very much when you visit what is your role there?
John Bickford
I work at JGI which is above the 24/48 race shop...
irish55
What is your favorite recipe in Carol's cookbook?
John Bickford
It's not in this cookbook....it will be in the next one :-)
cdp24
Do you think jeff will ever race in the Indy 500 if given an opportunity?
John Bickford
The INDY 500 takes a tremendous amount of concentration and preparation. Jeff races to win and he would not likely have time to prepare for a win so I doubt he will ever race in the INDY 500
Dave
Does Jeff have any of his old race cars?
John Bickford
He has the road course car which he won a lot of races in - it is serial number 2427. We have added a passenger seat to it so Jeff can give rides in the car at road courses.
tyrus24
how r u?
John Bickford
I am doing just fine....thank you!
ART
is chevy going to leave nascar ?
John Bickford
No, they are not. They have already committed to standing by us long into the future.
Angela
do u know will ella be coming to Indianapolis with Jeff nexted weekend?
John Bickford
Ella will be there Sunday!
irish55
You and Carol raised a wonderful man. I was at the fan event in Joliet and Jeff was there for 3 hours and never acted like he was anxious to leave. He was wonderful, thanks!
John Bickford
Thank you very much! He is a wonderful son. He really enjoys his time with his fans!
sshort
Hello John, Does Jeff still plan to race in Smoke's Prelude race?
John Bickford
We have it on the calendar - it is too far out to tell just now...
tyrus24
im training to become a jackman. any openings? haha jk.
John Bickford
There are none that I am aware of. There are websites that you can go to apply. Five on Five off is a great place for you to contact to see if they have any openings.
ellen
Hi John I am a mom of 2 boys 10 & 11 they want to get in to racing what advice as a parent can you give me
John Bickford
Where do you live - I can help you more if I know where you live.
ART
does jeff like the COT car ?
John Bickford
Jeff has communicated to the media that NASCAR has made a great decision with the COT - it is very challenging to drive. I think he is finding the handle on how to win with it.
metallica
what chase race do you think Jeff has the best shot at winning?
John Bickford
Texas or Phoenix....
metallica
how long has Jeff been drinking Pepsi
John Bickford
Since he was a youngster - maybe 5 or 6. I have always liked Pepsi, so it was always in the refrigerator
irish55
Do you think Jeff will go back to Brazil and race the go-kart?
John Bickford
I think so...he has been talking about it.
tyrus24
im planning on attending pit crew u and hope to get on the 5 on 5 off program. i start at nascar tech in november.
John Bickford
Good...that's a good path to take.
moderator2
Welcome any fans who have recently joined today's chat! Our guest continues to answer some really great questions....so keep sending new questions in! :)
metallica
when did you first meet Rick
John Bickford
I met him in Charlotte April of 1992
smoke1orange
is Ella going to have a career in racing in her future
John Bickford
I think her father will support her in whatever she wants to do.
Gordorama
can you share a great story about Jeff when he was younger?
John Bickford
There are so many stories - I am not sure this is the place. Check out my blog and I will add a story there next week! I have some really good ones!
nascar128
It has been a great experience this live chat with you take Care and please pass unto Jeff and he has Canadian fans here in Brockville, Ontario Canada that pull for him every week and watch for Miss Ella on TV during the national anthem.
John Bickford
Thanks for the support and taking the time to stop by and say hi
Debbie4Jeff
Is Jeff really careful about what he eats?
John Bickford
Yeah, he is very picky. He eats very healthy.
kristian
do you think jeff might retire early because of his back injury?
John Bickford
No, definitely not.
Gordorama
when will you blog again? we love hearing from you
John Bickford
Before I go to Indy....I will have Jeff stories to share!
ART
is jeff there with you ?
John Bickford
No, Jeff is in California. He was the presenter at the Espy awards last night.
John Bickford
They are the best.
jessielc
of all the sports Jeff has participated in other then racing was Jeff good at
John Bickford
He didn't have time to participate in other sports....haha, I took him racing every weekend!
smoke1orange
is there a rivalry btwn the 48 and the 24
John Bickford
None that I am aware of - Jimmie and Jeff get along great.
jessielc
Did Jeff get to give Jimmie his ESPY?????
John Bickford
I don't know who Jeff presented to
Jenny
Will Katie and/or Chrisy be at Indy next week?
John Bickford
Yes, we only send the best to Indy and they will both be there.
Gordorama
who out of the other drivers does Jeff hang out with?
John Bickford
Brian Vickers, Casey Mears but he is really friends with all of them....
irish55
Do Jeff and Mark like each other's setups still? I was surprised when Mark said that, because he usually likes the car more free.
John Bickford
Jeff and Mark are great friends. Jeff's career started in '91 as Mark's team mate.
ellen
hi my name is donnie and i am 11 years old.My Question is How old was jeff when he started racing
John Bickford
Jeff was 5 years old. He started in a quarter midget.
moderator2
A general reminder to all participants of today's chat: As you type and hit send, you will not see what you have sent. The questions you submit will be filed into a queue that only the moderator will see and submit to our guest. When he answers your question, it will appear with the answer following it.
Angela24
Do u know if ur wife Carol will be doing a book signing ,of her cookbook in Indianapolis?
John Bickford
She will not. She will not be attending Indy.
Debbie4Jeff
What does Jeff like to do in his rare spare time?
John Bickford
These days he spends it with Ella.
kristian
is jeff the owner of the 48. or atleast the co-owner?
John Bickford
Jeff is the co-owner of the 48 and 24
ART
do they have better tires of indy this time ?
John Bickford
Yes, Jeff recently tested at Indy and he told me the tires are fantastic and they should have a great race this year.
Gordorama
what is your favorite race track to travel to and why?
John Bickford
I like Darlington. The drivers have to race every inch of the track!
smoke1orange
Jeff is a true champion, if it werent for him there wouldnt be a Jimmie and that 48 car but I am just voicing my opinion
John Bickford
Jeff enjoys and is very proud of being Jimmie's mentor in the Cup Series
John Bickford
Yes, I think it is going to go down as one of his better seasons.
tyrus24
are u going to pocono this year?
John Bickford
Right now I don't plan on it - I can if something comes up!
Debbie4Jeff
So what does Jeff think about the double file restart?
John Bickford
Jeff has been doing double-fire restarts since he was 5. I think they will be to his benefit like Chicago but sometimes it could be a disadvantage - it makes it equal for everyone
jessielc
does Jeff have any of his old quarter midget or sprint cars?
John Bickford
He has a #4 Sprint Car that he raced in 1990...no quarter midgets
Jenny
To Chrisy and Katie - I am bringing cookies for the crew on Sunday!! Stop by his pit before they are all gone! :-) Still making them for when he wins too!!
John Bickford
I will pass this along! Thanks.
Gordorama
do you think Jeff will do Saturday Night Live again? that was great a couple of years ago
John Bickford
I hope so! He really enjoyed it and I think it was really good for the sport.
metallica
Is Jeff's best friend Jimmie
John Bickford
I think his best friend is likely a large number of people - he has many best friends in various social circles and in racing.
Gordorama
what celebrity friends does Jeff have?
John Bickford
One of his friends that I spent time with last year is Aaron Eckhert and I spent time with Tom Cruise at the Infineon race.
smoke1orange
thank you for your time and heres to Jeff finishing out the season with a very strong finish
John Bickford
Thank you very much - I apprecaite your support!
rcorrell
Any idea when Ella will be getting a sibling??
John Bickford
I have no idea - but I am hoping it is soon!
Angela24
Do u where Jeff's show car will be while hes in Indy?
John Bickford
No, I don't know the schedule for the showcar but go to hendrickmotorsports.com and search showcars - you might be able to find it there.
jessielc
is Ella more like Ingrid or Jeff temperment wise?
John Bickford
Very much like Jeff...
metallica
are you going to New Hampshire it would be awesome to meet you in person
John Bickford
It is not currently on my schedule. However, my schedule changes weekly.
Gordorama
were you at Ella's birthday party?
John Bickford
Yes, I was there. I took her for pony rides.
irish55
Ella really seems to love the camera, maybe she will be a model like her mom?
John Bickford
She seems to enjoy the camera. She has grown up with it - she has a great smile.
Gordorama
would you say NASCAR is more a business or a sport these days?
John Bickford
My personal opinion is NASCAR is very much a business. Part of my feeling is the chair that i sit in is all business. The drivers are athletes!
Gordorama
will Jeff be going to his high school reunion this year?
John Bickford
His friends met up with him in Indy and they talked about the date and time of the class reunion - I don't know what the final decision was.
John Bickford
His car was very good at the tire test and I am looking for a 5th win!
Debbie4Jeff
I am going to Talladega for the first time this year. Should be fun, don't you think?
John Bickford
Talladega is one awesome track. Everyone I know that goes has a great time.
metallica
yea thats cool,is jeff going to come to foxwoods in connecticut again for another pepsi promotion
John Bickford
Nothing is on his schedule for that, that I am aware of.
Angela24
Does Ella have a collection of 24 stuff?
John Bickford
I have never seen a collection of 24 stuff with Ella, haha. She has plenty of access to it.
kristian
do you think nascar has stricter rules then they did before we whent to the COT?
John Bickford
Yes, definitely. You can tell by the fines!
Gordorama
if I visit the race shop in Charlotte can I come and say hi
John Bickford
Whenever you come to the race shop always ask for me - I may or may not be here.
tyrus24
is pepsi and national guard still trying to decide to resign with hendrick?
John Bickford
Contract negotiations are on-going and an announcement will be made later this year.
John Bickford
Thank you very much.
Gordorama
will you ever write a book
John Bickford
I have been asked to write books for years - not sure what I am going to do! I am kind of an "under the radar" kind of guy. If I were to write a book it would be to help others.
rcorrell
Can you tour the shop at Hendrick anywhere other than the store or museum?
John Bickford
The 24/48 and 5/88 have windows into the race shops that you can view into the shop from - it is pretty cool
tyrus24
do you know of benny gordon? he drives a limited schedule in the nationwide series in the 72 car.
John Bickford
I have not had the opportunity to meet him
irish55
What happened with Tag Heuer?
John Bickford
TAG is still connected to Jeff - they have cut their advertisting back as a result of the economy.
Joyce
Is it true that Jeff may be leaving nascar anytime soon/
John Bickford
No, that's not true
Chaz
What is your favorite memory of working with Jeff in racing?
John Bickford
In 1977 (July) he won a trophy taller then himself...I am still smiling over that one!
Debbie4Jeff
So what do you do in your spare time, John?
John Bickford
I enjoy working on my log cabin that I built a few years back - spending time with friends.
metallica
make sure Pepsi stays, without them i would have never got into Nascar it was Jeff signing with pepsi in 1998 that got me into nascar, wiithout Jeff my life would be totally different so i have to thank pepsi for that
John Bickford
I am sure Pepsi will stay on board. We wouldn't know how to race without them1
Gordorama
will Jeff come out with another cologne? how about Ingrid?
John Bickford
Nothing in the plans right now...but, you never know!
jessielc
how does JEff deal with Tissot being the watch of NASCAR??????
John Bickford
He is fine with NASCAR having their own time piece. There is room for lots of sponsors in NASCAR.
Gordorama
does it look like any new sponsors might come on board for the future?
John Bickford
We are always looking for the right partners to support the cars at HMS. I think that we will see new sponsors over the course of the next few years, in addtion to what we have.
Chaz
Will Jeff bring back his "24" Energy Drink?
John Bickford
There are no plans at this time but you never know.
barb d
Which of Jeff's wines is your favorite?
John Bickford
Pinot Noir
John Bickford
Ok everyone I have two puppies at home that need to be fed so I have to wrap this up!
moderator2
We'd like to thank everyone for attending today's very special chat! We have time for one final question. Make it a good one!
24katina
Hi John, what was Jeff's personality like as a kid? Was he outgoing? shy?
John Bickford
The same as he is right now...very humble, charasimatic and always caring
jessielc
if Jeff was not racing what he be doing now?
John Bickford
I have no idea, haha! We have never thought about it!
rcorrell
Thanks for your time John! You're awesome!!
John Bickford
Thank you very much! I am lookign forward to the next chat.
Joyce
Well thank you for taking the time to chat with all of us God Bless you and your family
John Bickford
Thank you, I appreciate that.
John Bickford
Thanks for all the great questions! I really enjoyed this. I will ask Chrisy and Katie to schedule another one real soon! Thanks for supporting JeffGordon.com both Jeff and I really appreciate it!
michael
hi
jessielc
Bye John!
michael
jeff Gordon number 1
michael
do I hear a big amen for Jeff
metallica
hes gone I can't believe i got the chance to talk to him this is one of the greatest days of my life
moderator2
Thank you everyone for making this a great chat! Stay tuned for our next sessions!