Jeff Gordon: Family Hasn't Lessened Love of Racing

The Media Circuit/INF

Since becoming a father to 22-month-old Ella Sofia, Jeff Gordon can hardly deny that life has changed. “It’s definitely made a big impact on my life,” he told reporters Friday at Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama.

The 37-year-old NASCAR driver was quick to clarify, however, that it hasn’t changed everything. “Family has always been important to me and been a priority but it doesn’t change my focus on racing and what I do in the race car,” he explains. “Certainly not how I approach racing.” In fact, Jeff says he’s “more intense about racing today” than he’s ever been.

That said – at the same time — he’s clearly smitten with his daughter. “I love being a dad,” Jeff admits.

“Just this week getting to go to school with her and different classes…We went to the museum and different things. Just seeing things through her eyes is incredible.”

Ella is Jeff’s daughter with wife Ingrid Vandebosch.

Source: Motorsport.com

– Missy

Comments

Rachael on April 27th, 2009

Love Jeff Gordon, he’s one of my favorites and clearly a great dad!

I do wonder though how early these kids enter school? My kids didn’t go until preschool at age 4 and it seems like kids are going earlier and earlier, why does a 22 month old need to attend school? Not saying he doesn’t enjoy these first precious few years, but I loved having my kids with ME!

elena on April 28th, 2009

People should not mistake “school” in the way Jeff said it, with daycare. I had my daughter in school at Ella’s age. It was 2 hours twice a week. It helped. She was an only child and had to learn to share, respect adults, routines, consequences, etc.

I don’t know about all of Ella’s family, but my daughter wss the first grandchild and her life was full of adults–24/7. She learned how to speak early on and was not like a typical 2 year old. The 2 hours at school were great. It really enriched her life. She learned to love veggies there!!

I was a young stay at home mom and valued my time with her, but I also wanted to enrich my daughter’s experience.