Is NASCAR legend Jeff Gordon related to Robby Gordon? All you need to know
Former NASCAR drivers Jeff Gordon and Robby Gordon, despite sharing the same last name, are not related. Both competed in the premier stock car racing series during the same era, frequently sharing the track between 2002 and 2011.
Robby was jokingly referred to as the "Other Gordon," as the former #24 Hendrick Motorsports driver was more popular and successful in NASCAR. Robby told NASCAR.com that he often has to clarify to casual fans that he is not Jeff and that they are not related.
Jeff Gordon was born in Vallejo, California, but his family moved to Indiana to pursue more opportunities in racing. He gained recognition through Thursday Night Thunder and joined Hendrick Motorsports in 1993 after a two-year stint in the Busch Series.
Gordon quickly rose to prominence as a young phenom, winning four Cup titles. The NASCAR Hall of Famer won 93 races in the premier stock car racing series and is regarded as one of the most influential drivers in the modern era. He continues to serve as the vice chairman of Hendrick Motorsports.
Robby Gordon is also a California native, born in Los Angeles. While he may not have an illustrious NASCAR career like his more popular namesake, he has achieved success across multiple racing series. Starting in off-road racing, he has ventured into IMSA, IndyCar, NASCAR, and Stadium Super Trucks.
Robby made his NASCAR Cup debut in 1992 but had to wait another decade for a full-time opportunity with Richard Childress Racing. During his time with RCR, he won three Cup races before moving on to race for his own team, where he also secured a victory in the Xfinity Series.
Jeff and Robby Gordon were also rivals on the track. The latter had several intense moments with various drivers in the NASCAR garage, including Tony Stewart and Michael Waltrip.
Jeff Gordon on his rivalry with Robby Gordon
In a recent interview with The Athletic, Jeff Gordon named Robby Gordon as the driver he would least like to be stuck in an elevator with. Jeff stated that Robby got under his skin more than any other NASCAR driver, including former rival Brad Keselowski.
Jeff was livid after Robby dumped him in New Hampshire in 2001 while they were battling for the win. The NASCAR Hall of Famer reckons that he had never been so angry in his racing career.
"Probably Robby Gordon. Robby and I get along fine now, but of any driver, he has probably gotten under my skin the most. Even more than (Brad) Keselowski. Just go back and watch New Hampshire whatever year that was (2001). We won the championship and 9/11 happened and then we went back late (in November). I’m pretty sure it was that race. I’ve never been that angry," he said.
Jeff and Robby Gordon get along well now, despite the intense rivalry they once shared in NASCAR. Jeff remains actively involved in the sport with Hendrick Motorsports while Robby continues to compete in Stadium Super Trucks.