RELATED: Full coverage of Gordon’s final start
HOMESTEAD, Fla. — NASCAR drivers, crew chiefs, officials and dignitaries toasted retiring four-time champion Jeff Gordon with a standing ovation in the drivers’ and crew chiefs’ meeting before Sunday’s season finale. But they also received a stern warning from NASCAR Vice Chairman Mike Helton to let 2015’s last race play out naturally.
Gordon, just hours before making his 797th start in NASCAR’s premier series, was singled out by Helton and NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France during his final drivers’ meeting as a full-time competitor at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Attendees were also treated to a commemorative video that captured moments from his nearly lifelong career in motorsports.
“Jeff, congratulations on an outstanding career,” Helton said after the video presentation. “Thank you for all you’ve done for NASCAR, and will do, but certainly what all you’ve done throughout that career. You’re a true champion and cross over in a lot of venues as a top-shelf guy, so thank you.”
Several drivers paid tribute by wearing Jeff Gordon hats to the meeting, including Kyle Larson , Danica Patrick and all of his Hendrick Motorsports teammates — Dale Earnhardt Jr. , Jimmie Johnson and Kasey Kahne .
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Gordon will compete for a Sprint Cup championship in Sunday’s season-ending Ford EcoBoost 400 (3 p.m. ET, NBC, MRN, SiriusXM), battling Kyle Busch, defending champ Kevin Harvick and Martin Truex Jr. as the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup playoffs draw to a close. Helton urged all participants to let the title contest unfold without any underhanded tactics over the course of the 400 miles.
“So this is our last race and this’ll be the last time you hear this from anybody at the podium up here, but drivers and crew chiefs, crewmembers, spotters, everybody let the race play out in its natural course,” Helton said. “No one needs to interfere with the natural unfolding of this event. This is our last opportunity, it’s a great opportunity for four drivers. There’s 39 others that are participating in this race, but crew chiefs — and pass this on to your spotters — and drivers, be sure that this day concludes on a high note with no interference of a naturally progressed race.”
Helton also gave priority recognition to country music entertainer Tim McGraw, excusing him early so that he could perform a pre-race concert on the 1.5-mile track’s frontstretch.