Rainbow's End: Gordon 5th title in the final race failed

Rainbow's End: Gordon 5th title in the final race failed

Homestead, Florida (CNN) - Jeff Gordon, instead of celebrating the championship ended with a goodbye party.Gordon NASCAR Homestead Miami Speedway at the end of the season his career Sunday floors, failed to add the story of the end of the sixth.But the family, friends, greeting and farewell was filled with today's four-time NASCAR champion, was not enough to rein in."Just being part of this wonderful day that no doubt is wrapping up this profession, and I get out of here and I feel like I'm on top of the world championship, he was not that my There is no doubt in mind, Gordon said, and I'm doing. " "I just still a little bit right now cutting the competitor can not help me."But it will be soft and a little later will be fine."Early on the southern coast, about 400 people ready to throw down with Gordon, regardless of the outcome was planning a big party."Well, we can all be very good about it and know that to win," said Gordon. "But there is no such thing as a race car is perfect. They are better than the rest, is very close and good, and sometimes, the same way. I have no such thing as a perfect day , life is not perfect, learned a lot in life. But that does not mean they are more accurate than ever before."I won the race and this tournament, so I would be right, and I do not think that can accept. I would not have known."As well as anyone could expect and managed today. Gordon passionate heavy favorite from the start, and it showed.Your fellow drivers Danica Patrick and Kyle Larson himself before last hat worn Gordon Hendrick Motorsports as well as Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jimmie Johnson and Casey Kahne peers. Patrick Old School "Rainbow Warriors" wore one with colors.When he was a little Logano Joey Logano share a moment to watch them in with Facebook posted a photo of her and Gordon."I was his idol growing up," Logano wrote. "Sometimes I did not run to win against you. Congratulations on a great career, Jeff Gordon."The road got a police escort to the hole - - and he posed for a picture by Gordon's No. 24 Chevrolet stopped when Harvick got a souvenir in the modern era.Drivers, sponsors and VIPs in the room, including a pre-race drivers' meeting and then with everyone during the NASCAR Gordon showing a video tribute, and gave him a standing ovation."Jeff, congratulations for the outstanding career. We have for NASCAR thank you for everything, and will do," said NASCAR Vice Chairman Mike Hilton. "I am a true champion and men's top shelf."Fans lined the red carpet leading to the meeting of Gordon and showered with praise. Gordon responded by dozens of them high-fiving.In January, Gordon, aged 44, announced it would be his last season. He won 93 in 23 plenary sessions. Was bigger than the rest - he wanted more.He said he visits the racing legend Mario Andretti, including all the details of their findings hoped to remember, three times Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton and sports car ace Scott Pruett. Gordon made sure his team do not forget it.To celebrate the race, Gordon each class driver in the finale and "Thanks for the memories" and inscribed with its point of departure a smattering of carbon fiber is given.Richard Petty at Atlanta in 1992, the last season before had something like this. Gordon said, "a little blue" including money clips, this race every driver gave a little. Gordon kept in the drawer all these years and then a safe.

"I just have to race against me in all these years mean something to me in recognition that everyone wanted to do," said Gordon. "It seems they are appreciated."On Saturday, Gordon to put a little money in the clip has given $ 93 in the case of the final victory, God told him that a dollar was more prepared.But Gordon mishandling of everyone afternoon fought race car, because most did not happen. It was over, Gordon and team owner Rick Hendrick his crew on the radio, thanked the team and then made a final turn down pit road."There is now a race is not as far as the relationship does not matter, does it," said Hendrik. "I think I would have loved to have seen him come up with the tournament, would have liked to beat him, but we do not, many men do better than that came out in the top four."Gordon climbed from his car, waiting for the arms race and Hendrick stepped in.They shared a long hug and some words of encouragement. Gordon Hendrick accepted once the helmet, his wife and their two children before being mobbed by his fans embraced handed him. Someone in the crowd said, "You're still the man!", ShoutedJust do not champion."I think we were more of a threat in this tournament a little disappointed," said Gordon, who has won everything in 2001, "In addition, it is an absolute dream come true."