NASCAR Jeff Gordon Gives Sprint Cup Awards Ceremony Emotional Speech, Tom Cruise Introduction

You can't think of NASCAR without Jeff Gordon, and you can't think of Jeff Gordon without NASCAR. The two are synonymous. However, they're not everlasting. Prior to the 2015 season, Gordon announced his plans for retirment upon the conclusion of the year--a year that saw plenty of success (go figure). At the Sprint Cup Awards Ceremony at the Wynn Las Vegas, Gordon was honored for his exceptional career with the Bill France Award of Excellence. Introduced by actor Tom Cruise, who described the driver as "transcendent," Gordon let his emotions show.

"Daytona International Speedway, 30 Rockefeller Plaza, Rwanda, the Waldorf Astoria, the White House, and now the Wynn," said Cruise, via Fox Sports. "He felt as comfortable discussing a championship with George Bush as breaking down Homestead with Kyle Busch, at ease discussing SNL skits with Jimmy Fallon as racing door to door with Jimmie Johnson. And with that he brought joy to millions, used his immense and deserved popularity for the betterment of the world both at home and abroad, transcendence.

"Few reach it, he did. And although many of us want to say we'll miss you, what we really mean is we thank you."

After being presented the award by NASCAR chairman and CEO Brian France, Gordon took to the podium. He started by congratulating former teammate Kyle Bush on a championship year, and his growth as a professional--from being a guy who wanted his autograph, to the champion he is today. Gordon then spoke of his time behind the wheel, dismissed any notions of another year, and talked about what a journey it all has been.

"Will there be another year?" began Gordon. "No, there won't be. I am so ready, so content, because I'm so proud of all that I have done."

Gordon went on to discuss how NASCAR in particular changed his life. How it went from this thing he didn't really know about, to providing him with almost a quarter century of racing on one of the most prestigious series in all of motorsports.

"It seems like it was just, you know, not that long ago that I was traveling from Indiana to North Carolina to see what NASCAR was even all about, and now here I am 25 years later stepping away from one of the most prestigious series in all of motosports and a fulfilling career," said Gordon, before choking back a few tears.

"That can truly only be described as remarkable, and for that I am forever, forever thankful."

Throughout the speech, Gordon thanked NASCAR, his sponsors, fans, the media, and his family. He showed his gratitude for having the opportunity to drive for just one car throughout his entire Sprint Cup Career, and his pride in driving a Chevy in all of his racing starts. Gordon was thankful, humble, and gracious. 

And while Gordon will surely be missed on the track, he won't be far from it. He's set to join the Fox NASCAR Broadcasting booth next year.