NASCAR Champion Jeff Gordon has decided not to race full-time anymore after the 2015 season.
ESPN noted that Gordon announced the news in a release on Thursday.
"As a race car driver, much of what I've done throughout my life has been based on following my instincts and trying to make good decisions," he said. "I thought long and hard about my future this past year and during the offseason, and I've decided 2015 will be the last time I compete for a championship.”
The 43-year-old mindfully did not use the word "retire" in the release.
"I won't use the 'R-word' because I plan to stay extremely busy in the years ahead, and there's always the possibility I'll compete in selected events, although I currently have no plans to do that."
Letting team know this will be my final year competing for a championship. pic.twitter.com/s7aH8OpGQZ
— Jeff Gordon (@JeffGordonWeb) January 22, 2015
Gordon has participated in more than 760 NASCAR races during his 23-year career and is a four-time Sprint Cup Champion.
After the news of his departure from full-time racing was announced, fellow NASCAR great Dale Earnhardt Jr. took to Twitter with his thoughts.
Hard to imagine this is @JeffGordonWeb last full season. Tons of respect for him and what he's accomplished thus far. A total professional.
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) January 22, 2015
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