CHARLOTTE – Four-time NASCAR champion Jeff Gordon says the 2015 Sprint Cup season will be his last as a full-time driver.
The 43-year-old says he's not officially calling it a retirement because there's always the possibility he could compete in special events, but he has no immediate plans to do so.
Gordon spent his entire 23-year career with Hendrick Motorsports in the No. 24 car. With 92 career wins, he's third in all-time victories behind Richard Petty and David Pearson.
Gordon battled lower back issues during last season.
Before there was Jimmie Johnson, Gordon was NASCAR's golden boy, collecting four cup titles in seven years and 58 wins before his 30th birthday.
Born in Indiana and raised in California, Gordon's almost instant success didn't endear him to the then-predominiately southern fan base.
The year 2014 proved a resurgent year for Gordon. He won four times including a record fifth brickyard 400 title. But he missed the championship round and a chance at a fifth cup crown by a point in Phoenix.