So this is the first of several “Inside the Actor’s Studio” interviews I completed while I was in Las Vegas for Champion’s Week. Jeff Gordon’s birthplace is Vallejo, California which is only 25 minutes from where I grew up and still not that far from where I live now. So he’s obviously someone I’ve known about since I was a kid outside of the fact that he’s a four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion. And obviously it was a HUGE deal to meet and interview him. He’s a very nice man who always gives thoughtful answers to any question anyone throws at him. So this was fun. Enjoy!

What is your favorite word? Awesome

What is your least favorite word? Hate. I try not to ever use “hate,” I just don’t see any good meaning or purpose behind the word and what it’s about.

What turns you on? I think it’s being passionate about something that you love, whether it be family, work, obviously racing’s my work, as well as giving back.

What turns you off? People that don’t have respect for others.

What sound or noise do you love? I love music. I’m always inspired by different types of music. It doesn’t always have to be the words, sometimes it is, sometimes it’s just the beat, ya know, that can put me in a good mood or make me appreciate the moment. But no better sound than your kids when you come home and walk through the door.

What sound or noise do you hate? The sound of a blown engine. *laughter*

What is your favorite curse word? I try not to curse too much, but I do especially in the heat of the moment in the race car. I’m guessing the F-word. At lot of the time I’m saying it but I’m not, like, acknowledging it.

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? I guess if I had the talent to do anything, it would be probably be the vert ramp, X Games, on a skateboard. Who wouldn’t want to be flying through the air like Shaun White winning gold medals?

What profession would you not like to do? Any desk job. I don’t know. I’m so fortunate that I get to do something that’s so exciting and competitive. I think you can find competition in pretty much anything but I think I’d get bored pretty easily. So, if I had to do a lot of typing and writing I think I’d be in trouble.

If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates? Well, just the fact that I arrived there would be a good sign. I think that it can’t be anything bad once you’ve arrived but I guess what would be the best thing is for Him to be proud of how I lived my life and that I earned the right to be there.


Read more of my “Inside the Actor’s Studio” questionnaire interviews in the archives and read about how it all started with Tony Stewart.