Jeff Gordon makes his FOX NASCAR debut – Nascar

Jeff Gordon made his 2016 season debut with the FOX NASCAR broadcasting team on FS1’s “Race Hub” Monday.

Danielle Trotta and Adam Alexander kicked off the episode with Alexander saying, “We’ve done a lot of shows in this studio, but this is one we’ll remember forever.”

“It’s been a great offseason, but I can’t wait to get to Daytona and be part of the FOX team,” Gordon said.

The Gordon family took a trip to Australia over the competition break, and enjoyed fireworks in Sydney and racing, as well.

Gordon reflected on his final season, in which he was in the hunt for the NASCAR Sprint Cup championship in the Championship 4 Chase race at Homestead-Miami.

“You can’t script it,” Gordon said. “There were struggles. It wasn’t the way I wanted it to go all season, but the Chase … and of course the banquet in Las Vegas. It really was the best of times.”

Watch: @JeffGordonWeb picks his favorite career moments on @FS1‘s #NASCAR #RaceHub. https://t.co/j8anHqeUjX

— FOX SPORTS: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) January 19, 2016

Gordon and fans alike were shocked when actor Tom Cruise introduced Gordon for his speech at the Sprint Cup Awards banquet in Las Vegas.

“I already knew it was going to be an emotional night,” Gordon said. “I was really proud to be on that stage, and I also knew it was a chance to reflect on my career. I’m a planner, though. I like to plan and that truly was a surprise. It was very overwhelming.”

Another surprise from earlier in the season was one of Gordon’s retirement gifts. At Texas Motor Speedway, he received two Shetland ponies for his children, Ella and Leo.

“I was not real thrilled with Eddie Gossage and Bruton Smith at the time,” Gordon said with a laugh,  “But they really have been the brightest gift.”

Godon said the logistics of pony ownership were interesting, but they have found a stable in North Carolina for the ponies, who are named “Nutella” for Leo’s favorite snack and “Prince,” though Ella may change her mind about her pony’s name.

Gordon also joked that he’s eager to see what promotors/track owners Gossage and Smith might have in mind for Tony Stewart, who is retiring after the 2016 season.

“With Tony’s passion and love for animals …. You never know what’s going to happen,” Gordon said.

Gordon stepped away from driving the Hendrick Motorsports No. 24 Chevrolet after the 2015 season (he doesn’t like the word “retire”) with 93 wins and four championships in NASCAR’s premier series.

Gordon will join fellow analyst Darrell Waltrip and play-by-play announcer Mike Joy when FOX opens the 2016 season with the coverage of SpeedWeeks from Daytona International Speedway. He will help call races, practices and qualifying sessions for the network.