Jeff Gordon, a four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and current leader of a top Hendrick Motorsports team, is known not only for his racing success but also for his engaging personality off the track. Kyle Larson, the 2021 Cup Series champion and Gordon’s teammate, recently opened up about what Gordon is like in personal settings, revealing a side fans rarely see. Larson’s comments provide a fresh perspective on Jeff Gordon’s character, highlighting the contrast between his serious role and his playful nature.
Although Gordon is Larson’s boss within Hendrick Motorsports, their connection transcends a typical workplace relationship. Larson emphasized how different their interactions are from a conventional boss-employee dynamic, showing the unique bond the drivers share.
Revealing the Fun and Relaxed Side of Jeff Gordon
During an appearance on the ‘Games With Names’ podcast hosted by Super Bowl LIII MVP Julian Edelman, Larson discussed his long-standing relationship with Gordon, spanning over a decade since they first met in 2011 after Larson’s USAC season. Gordon has served as a mentor to Larson throughout his career, but their friendship is grounded in much more than professional advice.
Larson described Gordon’s dual nature, distinguishing the serious business persona from the more carefree individual he sees outside the racetrack environment.
Jeff is great, because he’s like..Jeff is funny because business Jeff, like Hendrick Motorsports Jeff, very serious, you know,
Larson revealed.
And it’s hard for me to take that serious because then I also see him at the club, you know, he’s like a DJ, right? He’s got his own setup, and yeah, so it’s hard for me to like, when he is getting serious, to take him fully serious, because he’s just a like a kid. He’s so cool. He’s down to earth, like it’s awesome,
he added.
The conversation shifted to Gordon’s DJ hobby, and when asked if Gordon has a DJ name, Larson laughed and shared the nickname they’ve given him.
I donno if he’s gotta a DJ name,
Larson said. We call him ‘DJ 24/7’.
Larson then recalled a memorable vacation in St. Barts, where Gordon’s enthusiasm for DJing was on full display.
We went to St.Barts. He invited me on vacation. It’s him and his wife, me and my wife, Clint Bowyer and his wife, and then another friend of theirs,
Larson explained.
Rented this house, and dude, he rented a full like DJ set like I donno what do they call that? And then like speakers and all that. Just so he could DJ while we were on vacation. It was sick!
he added.
Kyle Larson’s Views on “Talladega Nights” and NASCAR’s Image
The discussion also touched on NASCAR’s portrayal in popular culture, particularly focusing on the 2006 comedy film Talladega Nights, starring Will Ferrell as an overconfident driver famous for the line,
If you’re not first, you’re last.
Larson shared his mixed feelings about the movie, admitting he enjoys it but is concerned about the impact it had on how NASCAR is perceived.
I — I mean I like the movie,
Larson said.
I think it did not do anything good for our sport. I think it turned our sport into like a joke, unfortunately. But uh, it is — I mean that’s got to be like the most — one of the most popular race movies,
he concluded.
Understanding the Importance of Jeff Gordon’s Personality
Kyle Larson’s remarks shed light on the human side of Jeff Gordon, revealing a personality that balances the pressures of racing leadership with an infectious, youthful enthusiasm. This insight is particularly significant for fans and teammates alike, as it contradicts the often serious image of top-level sports figures. Knowing that Gordon can switch between a business-focused demeanor and a laid-back, fun-loving character enriches how his role within Hendrick Motorsports is viewed.
The playful “DJ 24/7” nickname and stories from their vacation demonstrate how close personal bonds can develop among top athletes beyond competition. As Larson continues to race under Gordon’s mentorship, this dynamic team environment may foster even greater success for Hendrick Motorsports in upcoming seasons, while further humanizing the sport’s biggest personalities.
