Jeff Gordon announces 2015 will be his final full season in Sprint Cup Series

NASCAR legend Jeff Gordon says 2015 will be his final full season competing in the Sprint Cup Series.

"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," Gordon said in a release. "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."

Gordon, who ranks third all-time in Series wins, broke the news to the Hendrick Motorsports team on Thursday.

Back spasms have limited Gordon in recent seasons, but the 43-year-old still found the podium 13 times in 2014, including four victories. He finished the year sixth on the Sprint Cup leaderboard.

"I won't use the 'R-word' because I plan to stay extremely busy in the years ahead," Gordon said. "There's always the possibility I'll compete in selected events, although I currently have no plans to do that."

Gordon's racing resume includes four NASCAR Cup Series championships (including back-to-back crowns in 1997 and 1998), three Daytona 500 titles and five wins at the Brickyard 400. His 77 career poles place him third all-time.

Gordon's legend extends all the way back to childhood, when he won 35 events and set five track records at six years old. He said he's not ready just yet to turn his back on the racing world and will continue to remain an equity owner in Hendrick Motorsports and a partner of Rick Hendrick.

"I don't foresee a day when I'll ever step away from racing. I'm a fan of all forms of motor sports, but particularly NASCAR. We have a tremendous product, and I'm passionate about the business and its future success," Gordon said. "... Racing has provided a tremendous amount of opportunity that's been extraordinarily rewarding and fulfilling in my life."