Jeff Gordon will join Fox Sports in 2016 to serve as a race analyst full-time for the television network's coverage of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, as he will team with play-by-play announcer Mike Joy and analyst Darrell Waltrip in the booth.
Fox announced on Thursday that Gordon, a four-time champion in NASCAR's premier series, has agreed to a multi-year contract that begins this season with in-race reporting from his No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet during select Sprint Cup races. His role as an analyst will begin with Daytona Speedweeks next February. He will call all Sprint Cup races as well as practice and qualifying sessions for those events.
Chase Elliott, the defending Xfinity Series champion, will take over Gordon's seat in the No. 24 next year.
Gordon, currently in his 23rd and final full-time season of Sprint Cup competition, will replace Larry McReynolds, who will move into the in-race studio -- the "Hollywood Hotel" -- to work alongside Chris Myers and Michael Waltrip.
"NASCAR has provided me so many incredible memories, experiences and opportunities throughout my 23 years as a driver, and I can't wait to start a new chapter in racing with this new relationship with FOX and to be in the booth with Mike and Darrell," Gordon said. "I feel so lucky to be a part of a sport that I'm very passionate about, and now I get the opportunity to share that passion to millions of race fans from a whole new perspective."
Gordon has served as a race analyst for Fox Sports' coverage of three NASCAR Xfinity Series races this season. Earlier this month, Gordon won the pole for the Sprint Cup event at Talladega, and then moments later, he went up to the booth to join Adam Alexander and Phil Parsons for the television coverage of the Xfinity race.
"Jeff is not only a champion but an icon of a racing generation," said Eric Shanks, Fox Sports president, COO & executive producer. "We are thrilled he has chosen to become a part of the Fox Sports family and pair his experience with Darrell. Each is credited with helping elevate NASCAR to the popularity it attained in his respective era, and alongside Mike Joy, this duo will treat fans to unmatched insights each and every week."
Gordon has had numerous television and movie appearances in the past. He's the only race car driver to host Saturday Night Live. Gordon also co-hosted Live! With Regis and Kelly more than 10 times. He had appearances as himself on The Simpsons, Spin City and The Drew Carey Show.
His filmography include: Taxi, Herbie: Fully Loaded and Looney Tunes: Back in Action. He also voiced the character, 'Jeff Gorvette,' in the animated film Cars 2.
Gordon will remain an equity partner in Hendrick Motorsports following the 2015 season.
[SportsNetwork.com]
