Michael Gordon Popular Books

Michael Gordon Biography & Facts

Jeffery Michael Gordon (born August 4, 1971) is an American stock car racing executive and former professional stock car racing driver, who currently serves as the vice chairman of Hendrick Motorsports. He raced full-time from 1993 to 2015, driving the No. 24 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports in the former NASCAR Winston Cup Series and Sprint Cup Series (now called NASCAR Cup Series), and also served as a substitute driver for Dale Earnhardt Jr. in the No. 88 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports in select races during the 2016 season. He is regarded as one of the best and most influential drivers in NASCAR history, helping the sport reach mainstream popularity. Gordon started his professional racing career in the Busch Series with Hugh Connerty Racing, followed by Bill Davis Racing, winning three races, and began racing full-time in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series for Hendrick Motorsports in 1993. He is a four-time Cup Series champion, having won the title in 1995, 1997, 1998, and 2001. He also won the Daytona 500 three times in 1997, 1999, and 2005. Gordon has completed three career Grand Slams and has won a total of sixteen Crown Jewel races (three Daytona 500s, four Talladega 500s, three Coca-Cola 600s, and six Southern 500s), both of which are all-time records. He is third on the all-time Cup wins list with 93 career wins, while having the record for the most wins in NASCAR's modern era (1972–present) and the most wins in one modern era season, with 13 during the 1998 NASCAR Winston Cup Series. Gordon's 81 pole positions led all active drivers and is third all-time, and also a modern era record; Gordon won at least one pole in 23 consecutive seasons, making this a NASCAR record. Other records include the most restrictor plate track wins with 12 and the most road course wins with 9, and he was the active "iron man" leader for consecutive races participated in with 797 through the 2015 season.In 1998, NASCAR named Gordon to its 50 Greatest Drivers list. Ten years later in a 2008 article, ESPN's Terry Blount ranked him 10th in the 25 Greatest Drivers of All-Time. Foxsports.com named him as the fifth best NASCAR driver of all time. He was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2019. As of 2016, Gordon was considered the highest-paid NASCAR driver ever and the 18th highest-paid athlete of all-time with $515 million in career earnings, per Forbes.Gordon, along with Rick Hendrick, co-owns the No. 48 Chevrolet previously driven by Jimmie Johnson, who won seven Cup championships from 2006 to 2010, 2013, and in 2016. Gordon also has an equity stake in the No. 24 team. Gordon also owned a Busch Series team between 1999 and 2000, Gordon/Evernham Motorsports (co-owned with Ray Evernham; later solely owned as JG Motorsports), winning twice. Early life and career Gordon is of Scotch-Irish descent, and was born in Vallejo, California to parents Carol Ann Bickford (née Houston) and William Grinnell Gordon of Vacaville, California. Gordon's mother and biological father divorced when he was six months old. His stepfather, John Bickford, married his mother in the 1970s. He has a sister, Kim, who is older by four years. His younger cousin, James Bickford, competed in the K&N Pro Series West. Gordon attended Tri-West Hendricks High School in Lizton, Indiana and was on the school's cross country team; he graduated in 1989.When he was four years old, Gordon rode a BMX bike that his stepfather bought for him and began racing quarter midgets at the age of five. The Roy Hayer Memorial Race Track (previously the Cracker Jack Track) in Rio Linda, California is noted as the first track Gordon ever competed on. By the age of six, Gordon had won 35 main events and set five track records. In 1979 Gordon won 51 quarter midget races. When he was 11, Gordon won all 25 of the karting races he entered. At age 12, Gordon became bored with cars and decided to start a career in waterskiing before switching back to driving one year later. In 1986, Gordon began racing sprint cars, winning three races. The next year, Gordon was awarded a USAC license at age 16, the youngest driver to do so.During the 1980s, Gordon and his family had to overcome an insurance hurdle. The minimum age for driving the sprint cars was 16, and his persistence paid off with an all Florida speed weeks. Supporting his career choice, Gordon's family moved from Vallejo to Pittsboro, Indiana, where there were more opportunities for younger racers. In the late 80's, he drove in the World of Outlaws series and picked up some feature wins. He became the youngest driver in the World of Outlaws at the time. He also won races at Bloomington and Eldora Speedways. After graduating from high school in 1989, he quickly changed and went to Bloomington to race that night. Before the age of 18, Gordon had already won three short-track races and was awarded USAC Midget Car Racing Rookie of the Year in 1989. That season was highlighted by winning Night Before the 500 midget car race on the day before the Indianapolis 500. During the decade, Gordon also ran sprint cars in Australia and New Zealand. In 1990, Gordon won his second consecutive Night Before the 500, the Hut Hundred, and the Belleville Midget Nationals on his way to winning the USAC national Midget title. In 1991, Gordon captured the USAC Silver Crown, and at the age of 20 became the youngest driver to win the season championship. He also won the 4 Crown Nationals midget car race that season. In his midget car career between 1989 and 1992, he finished in the Top 3 in 22 of 40 USAC midget car events. In 1992, Gordon competed in the Slim Jim All Pro Series' Winchester 400, but finished 24th after crashing on lap 172. The following year, he ran a Featherlite Southwest Tour race at Sears Point Raceway, finishing 29th after suffering an engine failure.In the early 1990s, Gordon expressed interest in IndyCar racing, but was not able to find a ride due to low funding. However, former Formula One driver Jackie Stewart offered Gordon a test drive in Europe, in what Gordon assumed was Formula Three or Formula 3000; Gordon did not perform the test due to being in contact with NASCAR. NASCAR Busch Series In 1990, Gordon met Hugh Connerty, who owned some Hooters restaurants and was also a partner in Outback Steakhouse. Connerty secured some sponsorship for a car through Outback, and they tested for the last few Busch Grand National races left in 1990. Ray Evernham was called in to work with Gordon in his stock car debut. His first Busch race came on October 20, 1990 at North Carolina Motor Speedway in the AC-Delco 200. Gordon drove the No. 67 Outback Steakhouse Pontiac for Connerty. Gordon ran the second fastest lap during qualifying and started on the outside of the front row of the field. Gordon would, however, get involved in a wreck on lap 33. He ended up with a 39th-place finish.In 1991 and 1992, Gordon began racing in the Busch Series full-time, driving Ford Thunderbirds for Bill Davis.... Discover the Michael Gordon popular books. Find the top 100 most popular Michael Gordon books.

Best Seller Michael Gordon Books of 2024

  • When I Get Upset synopsis, comments

    When I Get Upset

    Michael Gordon

    SelfRegulation Skills Series 9Telling kids to "CALM DOWN" rarely works.   The emotion itself is not a bad thing Help your child learn selfregulationFind a healthy way to ...

  • I Can Handle My Big Feelings synopsis, comments

    I Can Handle My Big Feelings

    Michael Gordon

    It's okay to be upset it's good to let it out.Emotions can come out in loud, shocking, and sometimes unappropriate ways.  When big emotions are too much to keep inside, we ca...

  • Galway Bay synopsis, comments

    Galway Bay

    Mary Pat Kelly

    In the bestselling tradition of Frank Delaney, Colleen McCullough, and Maeve Binchy comes a poignant historical family saga set against the Famine. In a hidden Ireland where fisher...

  • My Bad Temper synopsis, comments

    My Bad Temper

    Michael Gordon

    Are you trying to help an angry & anxious child? All of us get angry sometimesand our children are no different. If you're looking to share a few laughs and talk about emotions...

  • In Our Mad and Furious City synopsis, comments

    In Our Mad and Furious City

    Guy Gunaratne

    Longlisted for the 2018 Man Booker PrizeShortlisted for the 2018 Gordon Burn PrizeShortlisted for the 2018 Goldsmiths PrizeInspired by the reallife murder of a British army soldier...

  • How To Be Kind synopsis, comments

    How To Be Kind

    Michael Gordon

    Kindness is a simple action but it can be hard for children. This children's book about kindness promotes compassion, sharing and empathy.This joyful kids book shows how to be kind...

  • How I Feel synopsis, comments

    How I Feel

    Michael Gordon

    Based on selfregulation theory, this is a perfect way to help kids let their feelings out in a healthy way. Children will learn how to breathe through anger and frustration, to be ...

  • My Supermom synopsis, comments

    My Supermom

    Michael Gordon

    Who is your personal hero? You know the answer would be your mom! Written in beautiful rhyme this is an excellent bedtime story that honors all mothers in the world.Here's wha...

  • You Are Just Right synopsis, comments

    You Are Just Right

    Michael Gordon

    "It's OK to be different"It's never too early to start talking to children about race, diversity and acceptance. Here's a heartwarming story encouraging readers to celebrate divers...

  • One Inch at a Time synopsis, comments

    One Inch at a Time

    Mike Gordon & Jean Alexander

    Winner of the QED Award (“Quality, Excellence, Design”) from Publishing Innovation Awards.  Meet Winchell, an endearing little inchworm who leads a fun and charmed life in his...

  • I Get Angry Like A Tiger synopsis, comments

    I Get Angry Like A Tiger

    Michael Gordon

    Tired of tantrums? Here's a great story for helping kids manage their emotions and anger. It's okay to feel angry, but it's not okay to hurt anyone with our words and actions Help ...

  • The Choices I Make synopsis, comments

    The Choices I Make

    Michael Gordon

    Decisions Can Be HARD! Here's a great story for helping kids manage their emotions and anger.This fun picture book opens a lot of opportunities to talk about emotions and feelings....

  • The Tantrum Monster synopsis, comments

    The Tantrum Monster

    Michael Gordon

    Monster is in a bad mood. Despite our best efforts, reality doesn't always meet our expectations. There is no need to be upset or mad. Help kids explore overwhelming feelingsAnger ...

  • Starting Over synopsis, comments

    Starting Over

    LaToya Jackson

    La Toya Jackson was always closer to Michael than anyone knew. In this heartfelt memoir, she pays tribute to his tortured soulrevealing the intimate moments she shared with the dee...

  • Waiting is Hard synopsis, comments

    Waiting is Hard

    Michael Gordon

    Teaching kids patience requires, well...patience. Here's a great story for helping kids manage their emotions. Great way to help children understand the concept of waiting Help chi...

  • My Choices synopsis, comments

    My Choices

    Michael Gordon

     Decisions Can Be HARD! Here's a great story for helping kids manage their emotions and anger. Teaching kids how to make good choices Every choice (good or bad) comes with con...

  • When I Feel Left Out synopsis, comments

    When I Feel Left Out

    Michael Gordon

    Sometimes Deano feels left out because he looks and acts differently from other dinosaurs.Learn the importance of having all types of friendsHelp young children who may be feeling ...

  • How To Accept No synopsis, comments

    How To Accept No

    Michael Gordon

    Disappointment is a Good Thing? Help kids learn to identify and regulate their emotions Anger is a normal, healthy emotion. Teach children coping skills  Handle big emotions a...

  • Today I Am Mad synopsis, comments

    Today I Am Mad

    Michael Gordon

    Kids feel emotions in big ways! Here's a great story for helping kids manage their feelings. Help children learn to identify and regulate th...

  • My Big Brother synopsis, comments

    My Big Brother

    Michael Gordon

    Each of our lives will always be a special part of the other.There's Nothing Quite Like A Sibling Bond Written in beautiful rhyme this is an excellent story that values patience, a...

  • When I Feel Frustrated synopsis, comments

    When I Feel Frustrated

    Michael Gordon

    Life doesn't always go as planned. Sometimes we fail and feel frustrated. 
 Frustration itself is normaland in fact necessary to learn and grow Help children learn how to beco...

  • Giraffe Friendship synopsis, comments

    Giraffe Friendship

    Michael Gordon

    Not sure how to effectively boost your child's confidence? Simple rhymes, cute animals in adorable settings, and real emotions that kids can relate to.Here's what readers are ...

  • The Dragon Talks synopsis, comments

    The Dragon Talks

    Michael Gordon

    Emotions & Feelings Series Book 7 The Dragon Won't Stop Talking For 5 Minutes? Teach children the value of respecting others by listening and waiting for their turn to speak.He...

  • The Angry Dragon synopsis, comments

    The Angry Dragon

    Michael Gordon

    Readers' Favorite Bronze Medal Winner in the Children Preschool genre (ages 3 5)Emotions & Feelings Series Book 3Why Dragons So Angry? Despite our best efforts, reality doesn...

  • I Feel Mad synopsis, comments

    I Feel Mad

    Michael Gordon

    What to do when you are so mad you feel like exploding!!Learn common reasons why kids get madHelp kids identify their body sensationsLearn good ways to let the anger outUse mad pow...

  • When I Am Worried synopsis, comments

    When I Am Worried

    Michael Gordon

    Sometimes the world seems scarytoo scary. This is a comforting story for kids when their world becomes unsettled.Great way to explain anxiety to preschoolers Learn why anxiety...

  • How to Make Friends synopsis, comments

    How to Make Friends

    Michael Gordon

    Friends are important for children's development. But making and keeping friends doesn't always come easily, and children need to learn how to do it.This joyful kids book shows how...

  • How To be Calm synopsis, comments

    How To be Calm

    Michael Gordon

    Children often need help to calm down from strong emotions.  This children's book teaches highly energetic kids to be a bit more present and focused. This joyful kids boo...

  • When I am Angry synopsis, comments

    When I am Angry

    Michael Gordon

    Did you know that anger isn't all bad? Teach children to identify their anger signs Anger is a normal, healthy emotion. Teaching your kids to deal with disappointmentSolutions that...

  • When I Feel Anxious synopsis, comments

    When I Feel Anxious

    Michael Gordon

    Dinosaurs have worries – from monsters to natural disasters.Worries and fears a normal part of childhoodExplain what it means to worry Relaxation strategies for managing anxie...

  • Personal Space synopsis, comments

    Personal Space

    Michael Gordon

    Limits help children feel safe, physically and emotionally. Here's a great story for helping kids set healthy boundaries.Teaching young children about body boundariesLearn how to s...

  • When I Lose My Temper synopsis, comments

    When I Lose My Temper

    Michael Gordon

    Sometimes kids have big reactions to even the smallest problems. Here's a wonderful children's book to help your kids explore their feelings and manage them in a positive way. ...

  • The Second Home synopsis, comments

    The Second Home

    Christina Clancy

    "A novel of family and place and belonging." Rebecca Makkai, Pulitzer Prize finalist"Tender and suspenseful." Chloe Benjamin, New York Times bestselling authorSome places never lea...

  • My Body Bubble synopsis, comments

    My Body Bubble

    Michael Gordon

    Saying NO to hugs is OKAll preschoolers and young kids want to touch everything and everyone as they learn about the world around them. As much as kids enjoy physical contact with ...

  • You Are Kind synopsis, comments

    You Are Kind

    Michael Gordon

    A little kindness goes a long way. How can you help encourage your kids to be kind from a young age? Teach kindness to preschoolers Acts of kindness can be fun, easy, and make a bi...

  • I Can Handle My Anger synopsis, comments

    I Can Handle My Anger

    Michael Gordon

    It's okay to be upset it's good to let it out.Emotions can come out in loud, shocking, and sometimes unappropriate ways.  When big emotions are too much to keep inside, we ca...

  • I Am Like a Volcano synopsis, comments

    I Am Like a Volcano

    Michael Gordon

    Children often need help to calm down from strong emotions.  This children's book teaches highly energetic kids to be a bit more present and focused. This joyful kids boo...

  • The Grumpy Dinosaur synopsis, comments

    The Grumpy Dinosaur

    Michael Gordon

    Emotions & Feelings Series Book 2A little Dinosaur gets annoyed easily, sometimes for no reason at all!Anger is a normal, healthy emotion.It's OK to feel angry but it's no...

  • The Cranky Dragon synopsis, comments

    The Cranky Dragon

    Michael Gordon

    Even the happiest of dragons can have cranky days.What does it mean to be 'moody?Teaching kids how to identify and communicate their feelingsLife changing ideas to avoid future con...

  • When I Lie synopsis, comments

    When I Lie

    Michael Gordon

    How important is telling the truth?Honesty is important in all that we do and it's never too early to teach kids about the importance of being honest.Here's a great story about hon...

  • My Body Signals synopsis, comments

    My Body Signals

    Michael Gordon

    Want to teach your children to be more mindful? Skills to stay calm, focused and relaxed Learn to manage stress and regulate emotions Help kids develop a positive outlookSolutions ...

  • When I Lose My Cool synopsis, comments

    When I Lose My Cool

    Michael Gordon

    OK to feel angry sometimes as long as you deal with it well.Anger can even be a good thing Anger can help kids stand up for themselvesHelp kids recognize their feelings better...

  • The Bad Dragon synopsis, comments

    The Bad Dragon

    Michael Gordon

    This is a book about a bad dragon. A really baaaaaaaaaad dragon.An effective way to teach manners to preschoolersBeing kind to others brings happinessHelp kids make and keep friend...