NASCAR driver Jeff Gordon made a lively appearance on The Ellen Degeneres Show, where he shared some interesting stories about his racing career. During the conversation, Gordon revealed that he started racing when he was just five and a half years old, following in the footsteps of his stepdad and mom who were involved in quarter midgets and go-karts. Growing up in Northern California, racing was a popular sport, and Gordon quickly fell in love with it. He talked about the thrill of driving at high speeds and the level of focus required to compete in such a fast-paced environment.
Gordon also discussed his experiences with speeding tickets. Despite being a professional race car driver, he admitted to getting pulled over and receiving tickets. In fact, he once had a run-in with a police officer who recognized him as a racing fan but was unfortunately a Dale Earnhardt supporter. However, there were times when Gordon managed to get off without a ticket when officers noticed who he was.
Ellen also asked Gordon about his experience of driving on regular roads, and whether it affected his need for speed. Gordon explained that he gets his adrenaline fix on the racetrack and recognizes the safety precautions in place. He emphasized that on the street, he is just like any other driver trying to get from point A to point B. However, he did admit to being a backseat driver when someone else is behind the wheel.
The conversation continued with Ellen expressing her astonishment at the speed at which race cars travel. Gordon mentioned that he has raced at speeds of up to 200 miles per hour, explaining that the feeling is exhilarating and the engine noise is incredibly loud. He also shared that the level of focus required is so high that he could be shot in the foot and not even realize it. Ellen marveled at the dedication and concentration necessary to compete at such speeds.
The talk show host also took the opportunity to support Gordon’s initiative of raising funds for hurricane relief. Dupont, one of Gordon’s sponsors, had already donated a million dollars to various organizations, and Gordon pledged to donate one of his racing uniforms to be auctioned off for charity. He acknowledged the devastating effects of hurricanes and stressed the importance of coming together to help those in need.
As the interview concluded, Gordon announced his upcoming races, including the Chevy rock and roll 400. He thanked Ellen for her support and encouraged viewers to contribute to hurricane relief efforts. With his passion for racing and his commitment to making a positive impact, Jeff Gordon proved to be an engaging and charismatic guest on The Ellen Degeneres Show.
In summary, NASCAR driver Jeff Gordon‘s appearance on The Ellen Degeneres Show was filled with entertaining anecdotes and insights from his racing career. From his early start in racing to his experiences with speeding tickets, Gordon captivated the audience with his stories. Additionally, his dedication to charitable causes, such as hurricane relief, showcased his generosity and commitment to making a difference. Overall, Gordon’s interview was a lively and engaging segment on the talk show.
Originally aired on September 5, 2005
