Jeff Gordon Net Worth 2023: Salary, Income, Earnings

Jeff Gordon, a renowned race car driver and actor, has an impressive net worth of $200 million. Known for his remarkable achievements in NASCAR, he won an astounding four Cup Series championships within a span of seven years. His success played a significant role in making auto racing a popular sport in America.

Jeff Gordon’s journey in auto racing began at a remarkably young age of five, on August 4, 1971, in Vallejo, California. After making his way into NASCAR’s top circuit in 1992, he went on to secure four Series Cup championships, showcasing his exceptional skills and winning the hearts of fans across the nation. Moreover, Gordon’s immense popularity helped broaden the sport’s appeal and attract a wider audience.

Recognized as one of NASCAR’s most accomplished drivers, Jeff Gordon has an impressive record of victories. However, in early 2015, he announced his retirement as a full-time driver, concluding an extraordinary career that had a lasting impact on the world of auto racing.

Here’s the breakdown of his net worth:

Learn more: Richest Race Car Drivers in the World

Early Life

Jeff Gordon, a renowned American race car driver, was born on August 4, 1971, in Vallejo, California. His parents, Carol Ann Bickford and William Grinnell Gordon, divorced when he was an infant, and his mother later married John Bickford. Growing up, Gordon had a sister named Kim and displayed an early passion for racing. At the age of five, he began competing in quarter midget races and achieved considerable success, winning numerous events and setting track records.

In his early teens, Gordon briefly shifted his focus to waterskiing but soon returned to racing. He ventured into sprint car racing in 1986 and made a name for himself, winning several races and earning a USAC license at the age of 16, becoming the youngest driver to do so. Overcoming obstacles related to age restrictions, Gordon’s family relocated to Pittsboro, Indiana, to provide him with more racing opportunities.

During his high school years, Gordon continued his racing pursuits, competing in various series and claiming victories. By the time he graduated in 1989 from Tri-West Hendricks High School, he had already secured three short-track wins and was named the USAC Midget Car Racing Rookie of the Year. In 1990, he won the USAC national Midget title and followed it up by capturing the USAC Silver Crown championship in 1991, becoming the youngest driver to achieve this feat at age 20.

Despite expressing interest in IndyCar racing, Gordon faced funding challenges and was unable to secure a ride. However, he was offered a test drive in Europe by former Formula One driver Jackie Stewart, which he ultimately declined due to his growing involvement in NASCAR.

NASCAR Stardom

Gordon developed an interest in stock car racing and got the opportunity to race for owner Hugh Connerty in NASCAR’s Busch Grand National Series in 1990. The following year, he joined Bill Davis’s team and competed full-time in the circuit, earning the title of Rookie of the Year.

Gordon’s exceptional driving skills caught the attention of owner Rick Hendrick, who was impressed by his control of the vehicle. In May 1992, Gordon signed with Hendrick and made his debut in the Winston Cup Series that November, coinciding with the legendary Richard Petty’s final NASCAR race.

In 1993, Gordon was named the Winston Cup Rookie of the Year. He achieved breakthrough victories in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway and the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1994. Guided by crew chief Ray Evernham and his “Rainbow Warriors,” Gordon secured his first series championship in 1995.

Known for his clean-cut image and polished demeanor, Gordon played a significant role in transforming auto racing from a regional spectacle to a mainstream sport. Although some traditionalists disapproved of his corporate persona, his undeniable talent could not be ignored.

In 1997, Gordon became the youngest driver to win the Daytona 500 and equaled a modern record with 13 victories in 1998, clinching the championship title both years. Under the guidance of new crew chief Robbie Loomis, he claimed his fourth championship in 2001, culminating in an incredible streak of 56 victories over seven years.

While a fifth championship remained elusive, Gordon consistently ranked among NASCAR’s elite. He secured his third Daytona 500 win in 2005 and achieved a modern-record of 30 Top-10 finishes in 2007, resulting in a second-place finish in the standings. Despite battling back problems in 2008, Gordon demonstrated his ability to keep up with the sport’s rising stars in 2014, earning a record fifth Brickyard 400 trophy along with four victories.

In January 2015, Gordon announced that the upcoming season would be his last as a full-time NASCAR driver. At that time, he had accumulated 92 career victories, ranking third on the all-time list, and had secured four championships, placing him fourth overall.

Broadcasting Career

After retiring from full-time driving in 2015, Jeff Gordon explored opportunities in broadcasting. He joined Fox Sports as a guest analyst for NASCAR Xfinity Series events alongside Adam Alexander and Michael Waltrip.

He made his broadcasting debut during the O’Reilly Auto Parts 300 at Texas Motor Speedway in April 2015, followed by appearances at the Drive to Stop Diabetes 300 and Winn-Dixie 300. Gordon was among five active NASCAR drivers serving as guest analysts for Fox Sports that season.

In May 2015, Gordon announced that he would become a full-time analyst for Cup Series events starting from the 2016 season. He joined Mike Joy and Darrell Waltrip in the broadcast booth, replacing Larry McReynolds.

Gordon participated in a dress rehearsal during the WinStar World Casino & Resort 350 at Texas Motor Speedway in November 2015, marking his first time alongside Joy and Waltrip. He officially debuted as a Cup Series analyst during Speedweeks at Daytona International Speedway in February 2016.

To promote his first Daytona 500 as a broadcaster, Gordon starred in the “Jeff Gordon Police Chase” advertisement and hosted the television special “Jeff Gordon’s Daytona 500 Kickoff Celebration” on Fox.

Endorsements and Business Ventures

Jeff Gordon has had numerous endorsements and business ventures throughout his career. He was initially sponsored by Coca-Cola but later switched to Pepsi for greater visibility. Other sponsors have included Kellogg Company, Frito-Lay, Edy’s, Ray-Ban, and DVX Sun and Safety Sunglass.

Gordon is involved in various business ventures. He owns JG Motorsports, which manages licensing and receives a percentage of Gordon-licensed products. He also owns Jeff Gordon Chevrolet, a dealership in Wilmington, North Carolina. Additionally, he co-owned Performance Partners, Inc. and Chase Racewear with Dale Earnhardt, and both were major shareholders in Action Performance Companies, Inc.

In 2005, Gordon partnered with Bob Lutz to establish the Jeff Gordon Racing School, offering a stock car racing experience for fans. He also had a line of wines in collaboration with Briggs & Sons Winemaking, Co. Furthermore, Gordon took on the role of designer for the Canadian Motor Speedway project.

In 2015, he became a global business advisor for sponsor Axalta Coating Systems. In terms of representation, Gordon joined Creative Artists Agency in 2016, having previously been represented by Just Marketing International, International Management Group, and William Morris Agency.

Charity Work

Jeff Gordon has made significant contributions to charity throughout his career. In 1999, he established the Jeff Gordon Children’s Foundation to provide support to children battling life-threatening and chronic illnesses. He furthered his commitment by inaugurating the Jeff Gordon Children’s Hospital at the NorthEast Medical Center in 2006.

In 2007, Gordon co-founded Athletes for Hope, an organization that encourages professional athletes to engage in charitable causes and inspires non-athletes to volunteer and support their communities.

Furthermore, Gordon partnered with AARP in 2011 through the Drive to End Hunger program, which tackles hunger relief near NASCAR tracks and addresses the issue among senior citizens. His dedication extends to his involvement in the Clinton Global Initiative, working towards solutions for global challenges.

Marriage and Divorce Settlement

Jeff Gordon has been married twice. He first met Brooke Sealey, a former Miss Winston Cup model, in victory lane at Daytona International Speedway in 1993. They initially kept their relationship secret due to an unwritten rule prohibiting drivers from dating the models. After Sealey’s tenure as Miss Winston ended in 1993, they publicly revealed their relationship. Gordon proposed to Sealey before the 1994 Daytona 500, and they got married on November 26, 1994. They initially lived in North Carolina but later relocated to Florida due to fan intrusions.

However, their marriage encountered difficulties, and in March 2002, Sealey filed for divorce, accusing Gordon of marital misconduct. Gordon countersued, and the divorce proceedings included allegations of Gordon’s involvement with professional model Deanna Merryman. Sealey sought various assets, including their oceanfront home valued at $9 million. The divorce was finalized on June 13, 2003, with Sealey receiving a settlement of $15.3 million.

After his divorce, Gordon began dating Ingrid Vandebosch in 2004. They got engaged in 2006 and married in a private ceremony in Mexico on November 7, 2006. They have two children together, Ella Sofia Gordon and Leo Benjamin Gordon. The family currently resides in the SouthPark neighborhood of Charlotte, North Carolina.

Jeff Gordon Quotes

I think fear is what keeps us from going over the edge.

You may be leading, then you might be at the back of the pack trying to work your way up. It’s just a constant reminder not to give up, and to know that God, in my mind, is really in control.

You may be leading, then you might be at the back of the pack trying to work your way up. It’s just a constant reminder not to give up, and to know that God, in my mind, is really in control.

For some reason, no matter what happens in my life, I always seem to have a piece of my heart that says everything is going to be okay.