Selfies with Jeff Gordon all part of the Coca-Cola 600 experience
It doesn't seem that long ago, but this weekend marks the 22nd anniversary of Jeff Gordon's first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series victory, which came in the 1994 Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Gordon, who now works as a NASCAR analyst for FOX, was back at the North Carolina track on Tuesday, where he met with fans, took selfies with them and answered a few questions.
"I love when I hear from fans saying, 'I've been tracking you down for 20 years,'" Gordon said. "I remember meeting people along the way who I really looked up to, and I got excited. It meant a lot to me."
Naturally, winning his first race here created some extra appreciation for this track.
"Charlotte Motor Speedway has always been a destination place for race fans all over the country," said Gordon. "They get to see the race shops; they get to interact with the drivers at events like this and other ones. They get to obviously see a lot at the track that offers them a lot. This is a special place."
Gordon retired from driving after the 2015 season, and so far the career change agrees with him.
"There are certain times and certain events where I go, 'Gosh, I'd love to be a part of that battle,'" Gordon said. "For the most part, I'm enjoying the challenge (of television broadcasting). I'm enjoying the fun I'm having and I'm enjoying stepping away from the intensity. You're talking about being in the car for four, five hours. Pit crews, crew chiefs, spotters, everybody's on edge, pushing it to the limits every single lap. It's just all out."
