Transcript: Jeff Gordon

Jeff Gordon

February 15, 2001
10:27 AM EST (1527 GMT)

NASCAR Winston Cup driver, Jeff Gordon, joined fans in chat to talk about his new paint scheme. Find out what he had to say in this edited transcript. Jeff Gordon at 9:58am ET Hi to everyone online today. We are really excited about next season and starting that season off now with our new paint scheme. We are all very excited about the new look!

Jim Bollow from tnt2.naperville.il.da.uu.net at 9:58am ET What made you decide to go with a new paint scheme and when will die cast models become available?

Jeff Gordon at 9:59am ET We have had the Rainbow colored paint scheme for 8 years and we felt like the final change for this team was a new paint scheme. It is something we plan on keeping for a long time. The die cast, I believe, will be out before Daytona in early February.

Jim Supplee from [204.255.236.235], at 10:00am ET Hi Jeff; Can't wait to see new paint scheme. I understand Pepsi will sponsor two races in Winston Cup in 2001, will there be a new Pepsi scheme or will it be the same as the Busch scheme? Will there be special paint for Daytona 500? Good Luck next year.

Avid Fan--Jim Supplee

Jeff Gordon at 10:02am ET They are an associate sponsor for us and we have a new relationship with them because things have changed a bit. We will run the Pepsi Dupont car for two races next year with the Daytona race in July and one other. I am not sure what the other race will be yet.

Jody T. from dialup.mindspring.com at 10:02am ET Jeff, Are you superstitious about paint schemes on your cars and was there any hesitancy to change the look?

Jeff Gordon at 10:03am ET No, not at all. I have been racing for many years and this new paint scheme reminds me of a car I used to race as a kid. I have driven a lot of different race cars and been successful, so I wasn't worried about that.

kevyle10 from [64.12.105.154], at 10:03am ET Hey Jeff, You guys really did an awesome job finishing the 2000 season, talk about consistency! I hope you guys keep that rhythm going into 2001. Did you guys have to change paint schemes? Who makes a decision like that, is it Dupont? I just can't picture a different 24 Dupont MonteCarlo, but I am sure it will be good.

Jeff Gordon at 10:05am ET It is a group effort. Dupont definitely has a big hand in that decision, but I feel that everyone really came together. We also re-newed our sponsorship with Dupont, which means we will be promoting new products for Dupont and this paint scheme just is an exciting way to kick things off.

Jay Bridges from [64.132.98.212], at 10:05am ET Jeff, the new paint scheme is great! I'm also interested in one of your old ones. Can you tell me anything about the "Penrose" car you drove in Martinsville on Oct. 27th, 1991? I know it was "borrowed" and I'm trying to get enough info together to build it. I've got some of Bobby's pictures but I need anything you can give me on interior colors/etc. Thank you and good luck in 2001.

Jeff Gordon at 10:07am ET That was awhile ago, I will try and remember. I was battling with David Green for rookie of the year. After the throttle stuck I ruined my car, so we borrowed a car from Bobby. It was however Bobby had it painted, except for adding some sponsor colors. I know Bobby has that car somewhere, he may know more than I do.

Scott Tucker from [24.4.252.176], at 10:07am ET What kind of things did you all find yourselves lacking this year when it came to the car?And what tracks do you all plan on spending your testing time at this year? Congrats on the team sticking together this year you all looked good by the end. Looking forward to next year!! Goodluck and i'll see ya at the races.

Scott Tucker chesapeake,va.

Jeff Gordon at 10:08am ET I feel like the beginning of the year we were behind because of the team not knowing each other. The second half of the season we started to come together, but we just need to continue to make the car a little faster. That is what we are working on now.

Jeff P. from tnt2.bloomington.il.da.uu.net at 10:09am ET Jeff, We all know you can drive a race car, but how would you rate yourself as a mechanic?

Thanks, Jeff P.

Jeff Gordon at 10:10am ET On a scale from about 1 to 10, I am about a 2. I don't consider myself a great mechanic. Back in my days of Sprint cars, you had to know how to work on the car, but these days I would be a distraction to the car. I am learning more about the car and that allows me to help.

John Clarke from alsv1.occa.home.com at 10:11am ET Who in your mind has the most pure "talent" on the Cup Circuit? (Assuming you as #1 of course.)and can you define "talent" as it relates to racing?

Jeff Gordon at 10:11am ET I think Tony Stewart is a very talented race car driver. Some people have to work harder than others. Jimmie Johnson is a very talented driver, as is my teammate Jerry Nadeau.

24fan4life from [64.12.105.37], at 10:12am ET congrats on a good year. so how much has Jerry N. coming aboard helped if any this year? we are looking for a 24 and 25 to give everyone a run for it next year!!!!

Jeff Gordon at 10:12am ET We are looking for that also. Jerry is a great teammate and driver to be with. We worked well together and that will just continue next year.

Lynn M from proxy.aol.com at 10:13am ET Jeff I read that you have moved to Daytona, Fla. is this true? How are you and Brooke spending the holidays? Can't wait for February. 2001 is going to be your year go show them guys how to race. Merry Christmas to you and Brooke.

Jeff Gordon at 10:13am ET We have a home in Florida and North Carolina. We are planning on spending time with our families because we don't get to see them enough.

Mike Stelmach from city.hamilton.on.ca at 10:14am ET Hi Jeff. Thank you very much for another great season. What do you think of the new qualifying rules for 2001? Keep up the good work. Yours truly, Mike

Jeff Gordon at 10:14am ET I think it is a good move to go to one round of qualifying. There are a lot of times that 2nd round qualifying hasn't made to much of a difference. I think it will just be better for everyone.

Angela Rigsby from tnt1.georgetown.tx.da.uu.net at 10:15am ET Always been curious- do drivers even bother to set their watches to all the different time zones they cross?? Looking forward to a 2001 trophy, Angela

Jeff Gordon at 10:16am ET I usually just keep mine on wherever I am living. That allows you to stay on your on schedule.

Jeff P. from [63.26.128.40], at 10:16am ET Jeff, Do you and Brook ever get the chance to go out and have a nice quite dinner in a nice resteraunt without you being noticed? Thanks, Jeff P.

Jeff Gordon at 10:17am ET Absolutely, that is one of our favorite things to do. We actually do it more often then you would think.

Ruby Tuesday from [208.28.34.250], at 10:17am ET Mainly, just wanted to wish you and Brooke Happy Anniversary! How was your trip to Italy? Are there many NASCAR fans there?

Jeff Gordon at 10:18am ET Italians have a great passion for racing, but I can't say I ran into many of them. We had a wonderful time!

Jeff P. from tnt2.bloomington.il.da.uu.net at 10:18am ET Jeff, The first time a fan (non family member) asked for your autograph, what did you think?

Thanks, Jeff P.

Jeff Gordon at 10:19am ET The first one is always exciting, it puts a smile on your face. For me I was about 13 years old, so it is hard to remember. I do recall being excited that someone had recognized me.

Jeff Reiman from [192.160.64.89], at 10:20am ET Who is the one other racer that you fear the most when he is in your rear veiw mirror when you are leading the race with one lap to go?

Jeff Gordon at 10:20am ET Of course, Earnhardt, but really anyone can be intimidating if their car is faster than yours.

Allen from [209.151.115.176] at 10:21am ET Hi Jeff, Do you consider Texas Motor Speedway a tough track? Any plans for testing there? Good Luck!!

Jeff Gordon at 10:21am ET For me Texas is a very tough track. I have run there several times and it is tough to stay out of trouble, but I don't know if we have any tests planned there right now.

Wess M. from wsc.ma.edu at 10:22am ET What driver do you feel you've learned the most from in your years in Winston cup?

Jeff Gordon at 10:23am ET I have learned a lot from all of them, you have to take in a lot from all the drivers. Mark Martin is one of them. I have learned a lot from Earnhardt at the Superspeedways and Rusty Wallace at the short tracks. You just have to take in what you can!

John Joseph from [63.251.176.140] at 10:23am ET How long do you see yourself racing?

Jeff Gordon at 10:24am ET As long as I am healthy and competitive. I don't know how long that will be, but hopefully another ten years.

#24fan4life from [63.49.126.205], at 10:24am ET Are you excited about next year. I know I am. What is your goal for next year? From your #1 13 year old fan from pinehurst, nc

Jeff Gordon at 10:25am ET I am definitely very excited. I think we finished the season on a high note. I feel that we are going to be well prepared to battle for the championship in 2001.

Brad Pearson from proxy.aol.com at 10:25am ET Will you be doing any appearances any time soon?

Jeff Gordon at 10:26am ET I am going to be in Alabama next Tuesday doing some stuff for Dupont and GMAC and that is the only thing I know of until January.

Jeff Gordon at 10:27am ET Thanks to everyone for a great 2000 season, I hope you enjoy the new paint scheme. We can't wait for the 2001 season and the opportunity to take our fans to victory lane!