Jeff Gordon: October NASCAR Illustrated Cover Man...on newsstands now!

Jeff Gordon Opens Up

By Kris Johnson, NASCAR Illustrated

Has it really been 17 years since little Jeffery Michael Gordon first strapped into a stock car for a full season of Sprint Cup racing?

"Wonder Boy," the kid who pestered the legendary Dale Earnhardt Sr. on the track in the 1990s--and helped haul NASCAR into the big time--is now an elder statesman, an authoritative voice.

A sprint car standout brilliantly groomed by his stepfather John Bickford and supported by his mother Carol Bickford, Gordon's greatness was on display from the very beginning. He simply drove to win and has since collected 82 Cup Series victories and four championships driving for one team: Hendrick Motorsports.

Off the track, Gordon married a NASCAR beauty queen, endured a bitter divorce but has since remarried and become a father--the role that brings him the most joy. The 38-year-old has even strengthened his relationship with his biological father Bill, who split with Carol when Jeff was just a toddler.

It's been a remarkable journey and, despite an ailing back, Gordon insists he isn't done yet.

To read the full article, including the comprehensive Q&A with Jeff, pick up your copy of the NASCAR Illustrated October issue, on newsstands now!  Or call 704-973-1264 for a single copy.  For an Illustrated subscription go to https://store.scenedaily.com/subscriptions