Jeff Gordon announced this week plans to bring back the rainbow paint scheme he has became known for in his last-ever race before retirement in August.
The NASCAR driver drove his No. 24 Rainbow Warrior car from 1992 to 2000. While driving the rainbow car, Gordon won three of the four Cup Series championships he competed in and collected 52 of his 92 victories — so the paint scheme
must be his lucky charm, reported SB Nation.
"It's such an iconic paint scheme, it's what I got introduced to
NASCAR with," Gordon said on "CBS This Morning" this week. "Fans, especially young fans, were attracted to this car because it was so bright it always stood out."
Gordon claims that NASCAR is bringing the car back thanks to popular demand.
“The reason we're bringing it out is because of Twitter, Facebook, and social media — they want this car out on the track. It's exciting for them and it's exciting for me to drive it again."
Gordon tweeted to show off the car to fans on Tuesday:
Axalta Racing, the company sponsoring Gordon’s revamped rainbow race car, also tweeted about the vehicle’s comeback:
Gordon first announced his retirement in January, saying that August's race at Bristol Motor Speedway will be his last.
“As a race car driver, much of what I've done throughout my life has been based on following my instincts and trying to make
good decisions," he announced, according to Sporting News. “I thought long and hard about my future this past year and during the offseason, and I've decided 2015 will be the last time I compete for a championship."
"I won't use the ‘R-word' because I plan to stay extremely busy in the years ahead, and there's always the possibility I'll compete in selected events, although I currently have no plans to do that. I don't foresee a day when I'll ever step away from racing. I'm a fan of all forms of motorsports, but particularly NASCAR,” the 43-year-old reassured his fans and Hendrick Motorsports team, Sporting News reported.
Following his announcement, Gordon tweeted to again reassure his fans that his retirement will not be the end of his involvement in his sport: