One of the most impressive records Jeff Gordon set during his career in the NASCAR Cup Series was for the longest streak of consecutive starts. Between 1992 and 2015, he started in 797 back-to-back races. In his final season, when he replaced Ricky Rudd from the record books with this achievement, the ‘Ironman’ had nothing but praise for Jeff.
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“It’s not easy. And not just the injuries and stuff. Life — life goes on, with or without you, and sacrifices are made. He’s made those same sacrifices, and a lot of respect to anyone who can do that,” Rudd had said in an interview with NASCAR Race Hub.
Rudd made 788 consecutive starts in his career from 1975 to 2007. Gordon equaled him at Chicagoland, and surpassed him with his New Hampshire appearance, both in 2015. His record touched 797 starts by the time he retired at the end of that year.
The impressive fact was that Gordon was not just making the starts. He was more than capable of winning races till the moment he retired.
His former teammate, Dale Earnhardt Jr., had pointed out this aspect once: “I think the one thing that is most impressive about Jeff is that he’s still able to go out and compete for wins after all these years.”
Few drivers can match the consistency that Gordon, a four-time champion, displayed. The big question is, can someone better Gordon’s record today?
Joey Logano stands closest to matching Gordon’s record
When Kevin Harvick retired at the end of the 2023 season, he had 784 starts against his name. If he’d stayed on the horse for another season, he could’ve put his name in yet another page of the history book. But it wasn’t meant to be.
And the onus is now on the defending Cup Series champion, Joey Logano, who has started 576 consecutive races since he debuted as a full-time driver in 2009.
Logano has secured three Cup Series championships during this time and could end up winning more. But he would need six more years of similar consistency to beat Gordon’s mark. If he starts every race from here on, he will reach his mark in early 2031.
“I’m still a long, long way away. I might be the only guy that can actually get to it. But it is a long way away. 8 years is a long way away,” Logano had said before the 2024 season began.
The Team Penske driver will, of course, add to the tally once the 2025 season starts next month. And you never know, Logano might have the longevity to achieve what seems to be a daunting task now.
