CONCORD, N.C. -- Remember the popular theory that once Jeff Gordon became a father he would be looking to retire as a Sprint Cup Series driver sooner rather than later?

Well, it turns out just the opposite is true.

“

In some ways, that's extended my career because I want to show them what I do. And I want them to be able to understand it and be a part of it in some way.

”

-- JEFF GORDON

Speaking Wednesday after a sponsorship announcement for his No. 24 Chevrolet at Hendrick Motorsports, Gordon, 39, said he figures to keep on driving in NASCAR's top national touring series for a long time -- even beyond the three years covered by his new sponsorship agreement with the AARP Foundation. Heck, he might even drive until he qualifies for AARP membership, which comes for all Americans at the age of 50.

Now the father of two children with wife Ingrid Vandebosch, Gordon spoke candidly about fatherhood filling him with an intense desire to extend his career because he wants his kids -- daughter Ella, 3, and son Leo, who was born in August -- to be able to experience it along with him.

"In some ways, that's extended my career because I want to show them what I do. And I want them to be able to understand it and be a part of it in some way. So that definitely wants to make me think about driving longer," Gordon said.

It helps that Gordon, who was bothered by severe back pain much of last season, is feeling better this season. Entering this Sunday's race at Talladega, he's fifth in the Cup point standings.

"I've really worked on my physical side of it," Gordon said. "And [Hendrick teammate] Mark Martin is a big part of that. You see a guy his age be able to have the success he's having, and the talent he has is obviously incredible. But if he didn't have the physical fitness behind it, he wouldn't be able to drive at the age of 51.

"I've never put a date on it, but there's no doubt it seems like the years keep stacking up and going further out there, and that's a good thing because I love what I do. I'm passionate about it. I love being competitive. But I want to be healthy doing it as well. So as long as those components are coming together, we're going to keep doing it."

While his back has felt much better this season, Gordon admitted it still is not 100 percent. He attributes being able to manage the pain better to being more dedicated to a regimented physical fitness program -- again citing Martin as an example of the benefits of such dedication.

"Just going to a specialist and talking to them about what I need to do -- the physical fitness, I think is the biggest thing. Just keep myself in better shape," Gordon said. "I think it's something I just didn't put enough effort into. Now I am and I think it's making me a better race car driver, too. So I think it will keep me performing at a better level for a longer period of time as well. (Continued)