Starry Eyed Kyle Larson’s Touching Tribute Moved Hendrick Motorsports Legend Jeff Gordon To Tears in Emotional Ceremony in 2021

For the younger generation of NASCAR – the likes of Kyle Larson and Chase Elliott – their heroes weren’t Dale Earnhardt and Cale Yarborough. For them, NASCAR was only about Jeff Gordon, who they saw dominating the field while growing up and wishing to be in a NASCAR car one day.

Kyle Larson grew up in California, racing Outlaw Karts and midget cars. The boy from Elk Grove was so talented at a young age that a USAC official named him Yung Money. For young Larson, it was that strapping man driving for Hendrick Motorsports that made him fall in love with NASCAR. Jeff Gordon was blazing through toward victories and Cup Series wins between 1995 and 2001.

Larson gave a touching tribute to him, as he said, “Jeff Gordon, man! As a 5-year-old dressing up for my first day in Kindergarten head to toe in the Rainbow DuPont 24 gear with the matching backpack…”

“I probably didn’t think I’d be sharing this stage with you 25 years later with you as my boss. You’re a role model to so many dirt kids from California like myself. You’re still that same role model and one of the most humble people I’ve ever met. I’m so lucky to have you in my corner.”

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Gordon is undoubtedly one of the biggest legends of NASCAR. To have him on the team is an honor for all drivers, but especially for someone who looked up to him in his formative years.

Jeff Gordon becomes The Amelia 2023 Honoree

The Amelia award is a long-running motorsport event, presented by Hagerty. Its purpose is to save the culture of motorsport for future generations, in its purest form.

Annually, the award celebrates one legend of motorsport and additionally also donates millions to fund charitable organizations. It has over time donated over $4 million to such organizations.

McKeel Hagerty, CEO of Hagerty, said while awarding Gordon the award “Jeff embodies the spirit of The Amelia, often referred to as ‘the racer’s concours’. His incredible success on the track has made him a household name, but Jeff is more than a legendary driver…”

Gordon has now joined an elite list of NASCAR drivers to be given this award. Others on the list include Sir Stirling Moss, Richard Petty, and Roger Penske.

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Gordon’s achievements and credentials made him a legend of NASCAR. This new award cements his place in motorsport lore as well.