Gordon gets Texas-sized sendoff

For a guy who didn’t want a lot of hoopla surrounding his final season of full-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series racing, Jeff Gordon has been getting quite a bit of attention lately.

On Thursday, Gordon took a detour to Dallas, Texas, where he participated in “Jeff Gordon Day” ceremonies in the Dallas Arts District. Gordon was also there to help promote the April 11 Duck Commander 500 at Texas Motor Speedway (7:30 p.m. ET on FOX).

With approximately 2,000 fans in attendance, Gordon gave Duck Commander’s John Godwin the ride of his life in the No. 24 Chevrolet, doing burnouts at the intersection of the Woodall Rogers frontage road and Harwood Street in downtown Dallas. Former Dallas Cowboys defensive back Everson Walls, who wore No. 24 during his playing days, also took part in honoring Gordon.

“What a great day,” Gordon said. “I got to do the donut, and I can’t thank the city of Dallas enough for recognizing what I have done in the sport and for recognizing all of these great fans that came out here today. I can’t wait to come back for the Duck Commander 500 here in April.”

Gordon’s return in April doubtless will bring more accolades — whether he wants them or not.