ESPN reports that Jeff Gordon, the 43-year-old NASCAR superstar, has recently announced that he will cease to be a full-time stock racing car driver after the 2015 season.

According to Latin Post, Gordon, who won the Sprint Cup four times, issued a release that read, "As a race car driver, much of what I've done throughout my life has been based on following my instincts and trying to make good decisions." The release added, "I thought long and hard about my future this past year and during the offseason, and I've decided 2015 will be the last time I compete for a championship."

Ruling out the possibilities of retiring from the profession, Gordon stated, "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."

In a recent interview to The Associated Press, the NASCAR superstar said that he made the decision halfway through the 2014 season. He said that he delayed announcing his decision, as he wanted to tell his two young children, Ella and Leo, abut it first.

According to Gordon, the reality of his decision hit home when he informed his children about it. In fact, Gordon cried, and kept on sobbing throughout the 30-minute drive to Hendrick Motorsports, where he lost his composure again when he informed his team and employees about the decision.

While Gordon did not have a single will during the 2008 and 2010 NASCAR seasons, the ace driver has a remarkable 92 career Sprint Cup wins. Currently, Gordon is ranked third after Hall of Fame drivers Richard Petty (200) and David Pearson (105). He won the championship four times - in 1995, 1997, 1998 and 2001. Gordon spent his 23-year-long career in the Hendrick Motorsports No. 24 car.

Talking about his future plans, Gordon said, "I'll explore opportunities for the next phase of my career, but my primary focus now and throughout 2015 will be my performance in the No. 24 Chevrolet," adding, "I'm going to pour everything I have into this season and look forward to the challenge of competing for one last championship."