Jeff Gordon recalls hosting Saturday Night Live while urging Hendrick Motorsports drivers to “go outside their comfort zone”

Modified Oct 14, 2023 17:29 IST

In a resurgence of old quotes, NASCAR legend Jeff Gordon has encouraged drivers to step out of their comfort zones and try new things, emphasizing the importance of connecting with fans. This viewpoint emerged in 2022, when Gordon transitioned into a full-time executive role at Hendrick Motorsports and pondered how drivers can better engage with their supporters, drawing from his own experiences in the sport.

Despite being a household name during his career, the racing world continues to grapple with the mystery of what truly captivates fans. Identifying which drivers resonate most strongly with fans remains an unanswered question. When Gordon joined Hendrick Motorsports, he believed that drivers needed to venture beyond their comfort zones to find the answer.

Referring to his own experience of hosting Saturday Night Live, Gordon confessed to feeling terrified beforehand. In a quote from Sports Business Journal, he stated,

“I want our drivers to be genuine and true to themselves, but I also want them to push past their comfort zones.”

According to Gordon, if drivers are willing to go beyond people’s expectations and immerse themselves in new experiences, it can significantly enhance their connection with fans. He noted that while traditional sporting events and country music concerts are great platforms for engagement, drivers should strive to go even further.

Gordon’s shift in approach since 2022 has seen a change in perspective. In a Sirius XM interview, he stressed the importance of allowing the sport and sponsors to market the drivers. Instead of conforming to a predetermined image, Gordon advocated for drivers to build their personal brand through social media and authentically portray who they are. He expressed,

“Let the sponsors market you, let the sport figure out how to market you. Build your brand through who you are, on social media, and be the best version of yourself.”

The debate surrounding this topic is undeniably intriguing. However, one aspect remains clear: authenticity is key to winning over fans. Without genuine connections, drivers will struggle to attract a devoted following.