Emotional Jeff Gordon breaks down at NASCAR awards – USA TODAY
LAS VEGAS — Friday night’s annual NASCAR awards might have been the official coronation for new Sprint Cup Series champion Kyle Busch.
But in many ways, it was Jeff Gordon’s night.
Gordon, relatively stoic all year about his upcoming retirement from racing, repeatedly broke down in tears during his speech — as well as during a surprise appearance from Tom Cruise, who showed up to honor the four-time champion.
The outpouring of emotion was a major departure from the future Hall of Famer’s year-long farewell tour, in which he repeatedly said the finality hadn’t hit him yet. Clearly, it did on Friday.
“It’s been absolutely amazing, and I couldn’t have ever imagined how my life would turn out,” Gordon said while unsuccessfully fighting off tears. “Now here I am, 25 years later, stepping away from one of the most prestigious series in all of motorsports and a fulfilling career that can only truly be described as remarkable.”
Gordon had the most difficult time while thanking Rick Hendrick, speaking through near sobs as he expressed pride and appreciation for everything the team owner had done.
But he was emotional before even getting onstage. A video tribute from the drivers — some sarcastic, some sincere — left Gordon with puddles in his eyes. Then, when Cruise’s name was announced and the superstar actor suddenly appeared, Gordon lost it.
“He brought joy to millions, used his immense and deserved popularity for the betterment of the world — both at home and abroad,” Cruise said. “Transcendence — few reach it; he did. And although many of us want to say, ‘We’ll miss you,’ what we really mean is, ‘We thank you.’”
Brian France then came onstage to present Gordon with the Bill France Award of Excellence.
“You’re the very definition of a champion, and quite simply, you changed the sport for the better,” France said.
The connection between Gordon and Busch was fitting. Busch considered Gordon his childhood hero and told the story of getting Gordon’s autograph in Las Vegas as a 12-year-old race fan.
“You’ve come a long ways from being that kid wanting to get my autograph,” Gordon said. “But I’m really proud of you — how you’ve matured, how you’ve grown as a person, how you’ve handled adversity. You deserve this, buddy. Great, great job.”
Busch said racing against Gordon for his first championship in his hero’s final season was a twist he never imagined.
“I couldn’t have dreamed it any better, even as that 12-year-old child,” he said. “I just hope to be able to represent the sport even half as well as you have throughout your entire career.”
Follow Gluck on Twitter @jeff_gluck
PHOTOS: 2015 NASCAR awards banquet
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