Jeff Gordon has 'no plans' to race after the 2015 NASCAR season

Jeff Gordon, one of NASCAR's most popular and well-known drivers, has announced that he plans to step away from the circuit at the end of the 2015 season.

Though he doesn't plan compete in a race after the 2015 season, Gordon was reluctant to call his decision a "retirement," citing a desire to continue working within his team. "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," he said in a statement.

After announcing his retirement to his team, Gordon took the time to share the news with his fans on Twitter:

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Those fans will likely be disappointed that Gordon will never compete for a championship again, but they can take solace in his statement. "I don't foresee a day when I'll ever step away from racing," Gordon said. "I'm a fan of all forms of motor sports, but particularly NASCAR."