Back in 2016, despite his unwillingness, Jeff Gordon raced the #88 Chevy to help Rick Hendrick. Then, he was filling the void left by Dale Jr., who was dealing with concussions. It was, in fact, a no-brainer for the 54-year-old. However, when Hendrick gave him the same opportunity now, the Vice Chairman of Hendrick Motorsports had a three-word response.

“‘I just think Jeff ought to drive a truck, too,'” Gordon revealed how the HMS owner has been lobbying to get him behind the wheel of a truck before adding his decision:

“If I were going to race on the smallest track possible. I’m not driving this truck. This is about you guys. I’m done driving. I’m having enough challenges and fun trying to keep up with him (Kyle Larson) and him (Rick Hendrick).”

The conversation began with 54-year-old Tony Stewart‘s mentality of trying to win everything he can. Gordon, sitting right in front of Hendrick, was, of course, not to be spared. But he cleared that there was “not a chance” to push him back into racing. Even when Kyle Larson tried to coax him into revealing his reasons, Gordon’s ideology was very simple…

Jeff Gordon has had his fair share of success in NASCAR. So it’s quite understandable why he doesn’t feel the need to return to the sport again. He is not interested in NASCAR anymore. For him, his work at Hendrick Motorsports and in their day-to-day operations is more important than actually racing those cars.

Unlike Jimmie Johnson, who, at 50 years of age, is trying to experiment and enjoy racing as much as he can, Gordon has grown bored. So, unless he has a sudden change of heart, it’s best not to expect Gordon racing anytime soon.

However, there is another racing series that is secretly capturing Jeff Gordon’s heart.

Jeff Gordon bares his fangs against IROC competitors

During the Goodyear tire test for this year’s International Race of Champions, Jeff Gordon was present on track with other legendary drivers. In Kurt Busch’s words, Gordon and the others turned it into a mini-race.

“And Jeff, I thought we were just going to do a little photo stunt, and he drops the hammer. It’s like, ‘Oh, I’ve got to go.’ It turned into a semi-race out there.”

Gordon, who has participated in the IROC during his NASCAR career from 1995 to 2000, is more than happy to witness the resurgence of the series. His former colleague at Hendrick Motorsports, Ray Evernham, is one of the primary factors behind IROC’s revival in recent years.

“I got fortunate to get that invite and be a part of IROC, with my own career. It’s just amazing every time we’d line up and take the green. You just can’t believe the names that you’re seeing on the cars and who you’re racing against. The best of the best.

“It just makes it a lot of fun and exciting. And so now, there’s just history behind that. And to see it re-emerge, I mean, IROC is a brand in itself. Cars were named after it, you know? So, it’s awesome to see it coming back and to be a part of it.”

So while NASCAR does not provide him the same amount of excitement, it’s not like fans need to wait for too long to watch Gordon race again. This year’s IROC will be the best opportunity to relive his glory days in NASCAR.