GORDON REVS UP FANS, RECEIVES SPECIAL HONORS DURING 'JEFF GORDON DAY' AT KLYDE WARREN PARK
DALLAS, Texas (March 12, 2015)
- The Dallas Arts District provided the perfect canvas Thursday for the
artistry that four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon
has been known for throughout his illustrious career.
Gordon made a spectacular entrance for "Jeff Gordon Day" at adjacent
Klyde Warren Park by taking Duck Commander's John Godwin for a spin in
the No. 24 Panasonic Chevrolet stock car that culminated with burnouts
at the intersection of the Woodall Rodgers frontage road and Harwood St. in the heart of Dallas.
That
was just the start of a day where Texas Motor Speedway partnered with
Dallas' scenic 5.2-acre Klyde Warren Park to honor Gordon's career with
special guests such as Dallas Cowboys great and fellow No. 24 Everson
Walls and unique gifts in front of more than 2,000 of his fans.
"What
a great day," said Gordon, who announced in January that 2015 will be
his final season in NASCAR Sprint Cup Series competition. "I got to do
the donut and I can't thank the city of Dallas enough for recognizing
what I have done in the sport and for recognizing all of these great
fans that came out here today. I can't wait to come back for the Duck
Commander 500 here in April."
And
Godwin couldn't thank Gordon enough for doing the donuts since he got
the best seat in the house as he rode as his passenger in the specially
equipped two-seater stock car.
"I
want everyone to come to the Duck Commander 500, watch all of these
guys, and watch Jeff win," Godwin said. "It's going to be awesome!"
Gordon, in Dallas to promote the Duck Commander 500 on April 11 at
Texas Motor Speedway, enjoyed a day of celebration with his fans and
special presentations from Texas Motor Speedway, the city of Dallas and
Walls.
"We
are so excited to host a true legend in Jeff Gordon," Klyde Warren Park
President Tara Green told the crowd. "This park was literally made out
of nothing and in the last two years it has grown to have days like
today."
Texas
Motor Speedway President Eddie Gossage kicked off the presentations as
he reflected on Gordon's historic career and what he has meant to the
sport of auto racing. Gossage presented Gordon with a shadowbox
containing a Texas-shaped paver from Texas Motor Speedway's Victory Lane
and photos from his first - and currently only - victory at the
speedway that came in the 2009 Samsung 500.
"He
is so important and has been such an iconic figure and has changed how
the business works," Gossage said. "Jeff came from California, beat
everybody and has done things that no one else could do. He has made it
so when you look for drivers you look everywhere, just not from the
South. That is one of things he has changed. He has done so well out of
the car and that is just as important these days as winning on the
track. It has been really fun to watch him grow professionally and
personally."
Dallas Mayor Pro Tem Tennell
Atkins then presented Gordon with a Letter of Recognition on behalf of
Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings, acknowledging the accomplishments of his
historic career.
"I
will never get that close to a car doing those donuts ever again,"
Atkins said after enjoying a VIP view of the burnouts. "I know you must
have great insurance. I had faith in you Jeff to do those because I
stood so close! I have enjoyed watching him thrill all the people of
Texas and around the world. You are truly a world leader."
The iconic No. 24 Chevrolet that he has piloted for 23 seasons defines
Gordon's career and who better to join the festivities than one of the
greatest No. 24s in Dallas sports history. Walls, a four-time NFL Pro
Bowl defensive back who led the league in interceptions three times,
presented a signed, authentic No. 24 Dallas Cowboys jersey with Gordon's
name stitched on the back.
"I
am looking forward to coming to the Duck Commander 500 and I will be
all about Jeff," said Walls, who is a member of the All-Time Cowboys
Team. "I could care less about all of those other guys; I just care
about the No. 24."
Gordon
then did what he has done best outside of the car all these years,
engage with his fans. He conducted a lengthy Q&A session with the
throng and found time to sign autographs and pose for photos during the
day. Some fans arrived during the wee hours of the morning to secure the
best viewing location. Longtime Gordon and NASCAR fan Leonard Fortuna
arrived at 7:45 a.m. CT for the afternoon's festivities.
"After
watching him all these years, it's kind of bittersweet knowing that
this is his last year," Fortuna said. "Not to see that ol' No. 24 with
him going around the track will be a little tough, but we will follow
him where he's going and are thrilled to get to see him today."
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