Jeff Gordon: Racing Back to the Front--My Memoir

by Jeff Gordon, Steve Eubanks (Contributor)

Jeff Gordon's long-awaited racing memoir -- an unprecedented and thrilling look inside the life of a NASCAR champion.

It didn't matter that Jeff Gordon hailed from California -- hardly a fountain of stockcar pedigree -- or that they said he was too small to race with the big boys on the dirt tracks and ovals of his youth. It didn't matter that Dale Earnhardt called this upstart "Wonderboy" -- no one raced the legendary Earnhardt harder, and no two drivers had more respect for each other. And it didn't matter that the racing world said Gordon was finished with the breakup of the crew on the #24 car and the departure of Ray Evernham, his crew chief, in 1999 -- he came back two seasons later to win a record-equaling fourth Winston Cup, this time with Robbie Loomis as crew chief. In the end, all that matters is that Jeff Gordon is the greatest living NASCAR champion, and it only remains to be seen just how many championships he can win.

But what's it really like to climb into a stockcar every weekend and challenge for a championship? Offering a never-before-seen entry into the thrilling world of NASCAR racing, Jeff Gordon takes us into the cockpit of the #24 DuPont Chevrolet car; right into the garages where his cars are made; and inside the lives and efforts of his extraordinary team, the Rainbow Warriors. Just how does his car get built, tested, and driven, and how do these personalities mesh into a championship team? Along the way we find out what he thinks of life as both a NASCAR champion and a never-left-alone celebrity, where he came from and to whom he owes all his successes, and above all, what it takes to be a champion in one of the most dangerous and thrilling sports of all.

Jeff Racing Back to the Front -- My Memoir is a pit pass all its own, giving passionate NASCAR fans unique access into the life and career of one of the most storied champions in the sport.

Genres: Biography, Sports, Racing, Nonfiction, Memoir

300 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 20, 2003

Reviews

[Mom · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have long been a fan of Jeff Gordon and I enjoyed reading his memoir. However, this book was not all I was hoping it would be. It isn't like I didn't know what he was talking about, because I know a lot about cars, but I feel like this book is a man's book. I really tried hard not to yawn through some of it.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being from Indiana and knowing all the areas that Jeff talks about from his childhood racing days, I enjoyed reading his stories about moving up through the ranks of racing and the chances and chance encounters that took him from a kid who wanted to be an Indy car driver to a NASCAR champion. I'd love to read another book about the time from when this book ends that follows his discovery of Jimmie Johnson, finding love with Ingrid and becoming a father. If you're a Jeff Gordon fan, it's a must read. If you enjoy autobiographies about someone who found their passion young and fulfilled their dreams, read on.

[Anthony Sperando · Rating 3 out of 5]

An insightful look at Jeff Gordon's life and accomplishments from "his" words up until 2003. Really interesting look at how Gordon signed with Hendrick Motorsports, how Ray Evernham left for Dodge, and how Hendrick signed Jimmie Johnson, as well. A must read for all Jeff Gordon, Hendrick, and really any NASCAR fans (who want to read a book).

Read on Kindle via Library check-out via Libby app (also owned the book)

[Cheryl Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good read if you like NASCAR. Much insight into the racing world and not just Jeff.

[Jeff Wombold · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amust for any NASCAR enthusiast

[Christa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read both Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s bios. This was more complete.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a pretty good book. Any NASCAR fan would like it.