Early Life and Education of Jeff Gordon: A Complete Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Jeff Gordon. From birth to education, explore key events.

Jeff Gordon is a retired American stock car racing driver and current executive at Hendrick Motorsports. Driving the No. 24 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports from 1993-2015, he achieved immense success in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series and Sprint Cup Series. He is considered one of NASCAR's greatest and most influential drivers, credited with boosting the sport's popularity. Gordon also briefly served as a substitute driver in 2016.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

August 4, 1971: Jeff Gordon's Birth

On August 4, 1971, Jeffery Michael Gordon was born. He later became a stock car racing executive and former professional stock car racing driver.

Others born on this day/year

1989: High School Graduation

In 1989, Jeff Gordon graduated from Tri-West Hendricks High School in Lizton, Indiana.

1993: Meeting Brooke Sealey

In 1993, Jeff Gordon met Brooke Sealey, a Miss Winston Cup model, in victory lane at Daytona International Speedway after he won the first of two qualifying races for the 1993 Daytona 500. They began dating in secret due to an unwritten rule.

November 26, 1994: Marriage to Brooke Sealey

On November 26, 1994, Jeff Gordon and Brooke Sealey were married after Gordon proposed to Sealey at a French restaurant in Daytona Beach.

1998: Jeff Gordon Chevrolet Opening

In 1998, Jeff Gordon opened a dealership, Jeff Gordon Chevrolet, located in Wilmington, North Carolina.

1999: Rolex 24 Remark

In 1999, sports columnist Mike Bianchi remarked on Jeff Gordon's success at Daytona International Speedway, noting that the only reason Gordon hadn't won the Rolex 24 was because he had never raced in it.

March 2002: Divorce Filing

In March 2002, Brooke Sealey sued Jeff Gordon for divorce, alleging marital misconduct, and Gordon eventually counter-sued. Sealey cited Gordon's relationship with professional model Deanna Merryman in her divorce papers.

2002: Introduction to Ingrid Vandebosch

In 2002, Jeff Gordon was introduced to Ingrid Vandebosch during a dinner party at The Hamptons by a mutual friend.

June 13, 2003: Divorce Finalized

On June 13, 2003, Jeff Gordon's divorce from Brooke Sealey was finalized after a contentious legal battle, with Sealey being awarded $15.3 million.

2004: Questioning Faith

By 2004, Jeff Gordon stated he had "a difficult time focusing on one particular faith."

2004: Dating Ingrid Vandebosch

Jeff Gordon began dating Ingrid Vandebosch in 2004.

2004: Carneros Chardonnay Debut

Jeff Gordon debuted his wine line with a 2004 Carneros Chardonnay in October 2005.

May 2005: Jeff Gordon Racing School Partnership

In May 2005, Jeff Gordon announced a partnership with Bob Lutz to form the Jeff Gordon Racing School, a stock car racing experience for fans which began its operations at Lowe's Motor Speedway in August that year.

October 2005: Wine Line Launch

In October 2005, Jeff Gordon started a line of wine with Briggs & Sons Winemaking, Co., debuting with a 2004 Carneros Chardonnay.

June 24, 2006: Engagement Announcement

On June 24, 2006, Jeff Gordon announced his engagement to Ingrid Vandebosch at a croquet event at Meadowood Resort in St. Helena, California. According to Gordon, they had kept the engagement secret for the following 30 days.

November 7, 2006: Marriage to Ingrid Vandebosch

On November 7, 2006, Jeff Gordon and Ingrid Vandebosch were married in a small, private ceremony in Mexico.

January 2007: Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon Wine Release

In January 2007, Jeff Gordon's wine line with Briggs & Sons Winemaking, Co., released Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon wines.

June 20, 2007: Birth of Ella Sofia Gordon

On June 20, 2007, Ingrid Vandebosch gave birth to their first child, Ella Sofia Gordon, in New York City.

Others born on this day/year

2007: Martin on Standby for Gordon

In 2007, Jeff Gordon asked Mark Martin to be on standby to take over the No. 24 car in case he needed to miss a race for the birth of his first child, Ella Sofia Gordon, who was born on Wednesday, June 20, in New York City. Gordon competed in the Toyota Save/Mart 350 on June 24.

2007: Jeff Gordon 24 Energy Drink

In 2007, PepsiCo introduced Jeff Gordon 24 Energy, an orange tangerine-flavored energy drink, which has since been discontinued.

2009: NASCAR Racing Experience

In 2009, Bob Lutz rebranded the Jeff Gordon Racing School as NASCAR Racing Experience.

August 8, 2010: Standby Driver

On August 8, 2010, Jeff Gordon had Scott Pruett assigned as a standby driver for Watkins Glen because his wife was due to give birth the weekend of August 8, 2010.

August 9, 2010: Birth of Leo Benjamin Gordon

On the morning of August 9, 2010, Ingrid Vandebosch delivered their son Leo Benjamin Gordon.

Others born on this day/year

2010: Pruett on Standby for Gordon

In 2010, Jeff Gordon asked Scott Pruett to be on standby at Watkins Glen due to the impending birth of his second child, Leo Benjamin Gordon, who was born less than a day after the race. Pruett ran practice laps in Gordon's car, but Gordon completed the race.

2011: Wine Competition Win

In 2011, the 2007 Ella Sofia Napa Valley Joie de Vivre wine from Jeff Gordon's wine line won double gold medals at the Indy International Wine Competition.

2012: Canadian Motor Speedway Designer

In 2012, Jeff Gordon became the designer of the Canadian Motor Speedway in Fort Erie, Ontario, which will be the largest track in Canada.

2015: Sports Illustrated Interview

During a 2015 interview with Sports Illustrated magazine, Jeff Gordon discussed his evolving relationship with religion, stating that he feels it helped make him a better person but that he chooses to practice it more privately now.