Jeff Gordon made the announcement in Charlotte on Thursday morning that 2015 would be his final opportunity to try and get a fifth championship. He already has four Winston Cups to his credit, but hasn’t won a Sprint Cup yet. His teammate, Jimmie Johnson, has won six and will be hunting for a seventh in the 2015 season.

This reporter’s favorite Jeff Gordon memory happened in 2001, when I was at the track in Indianapolis and was able to watch Jeff win the Brickyard 400. Fans will enjoy watching Gordon drive for five, and can quit their crying, because he has one more year. Gordon is leaving to spend more time with his family and will be going out at the top of his game.