A Return to Pole Position

Jeff Gordon is back in a familiar place, atop the NASCAR standings. Gordon, 35, who won the last of his four NASCAR crowns in 2001, says newfound happiness in his personal life has contributed to his racing rebound. He married Belgian model Ingrid Vandebosch last fall and the couple are expecting a daughter any day now. Gordon's life off the track is featured in "24X24: Wide Open with Jeff Gordon," which airs on TNT July 7 and will be available on DVD July 10. He spoke with NEWSWEEK's Mark Starr.

NEWSWEEK: You had a bruising experience with private lives going public during your divorce. Why seek this exposure?
Jeff Gordon: I guess I'm a little more comfortable with allowing people to be there. It's behind the scenes, but it's not like people are waking up with me or following me in the shower.

What about you will surprise people?
That I'm a regular guy. The perception people have is based on what they see on Sundays at a race. That's the competitor in me, or me representing my team and sponsors. That's not who I am away from the track.

Many NASCAR fans regard you as an interloper—too northern, too slick, definitely not a good ol' boy. Will this "regular guy" win them over?
I'm not trying to win anybody over. If it makes a few new fans, great. If it just gives something to fans that have been loyal to me, that's also great.

Has the hostility from fans bothered you?
Definitely. When it first started and I was getting booed, I felt, "I'm out there winning races and trying to be the best driver and represent my sponsors," so I didn't understand it. Now I understand I'm never going to get those fans on my side. And I understand where my place is in the sport.

Which is where?
Because I wasn't born in the South, I have a different take on things. I've been able to bring something unique to the sport that has helped it grow. I've stopped trying to please everyone or get every fan on my side. Now it's all about going out there and trying to get more wins and more championships.