It's over! Jeff Gordon reaches divorce settlement

Sun-Sentinel ^ | June 13 2003 | AP

[Nick The Freeper]

WEST PALM BEACH -- Four-time Winston Cup champion Jeff Gordon paid an undisclosed chunk of his fortune to end his seven-year marriage.

According to court documents, Brooke Gordon waived alimony and was guaranteed $15.3 million from the sale of two properties, including the couple's 23,095-square-foot oceanfront home in Highland Beach.

The court filing does not specify when the properties would be sold or provide further details about the division of assets, which include boats, an airplane, and pricey cars.

Terry Young, a lawyer for Brooke Gordon, said she was ``extremely pleased'' with the settlement. She filed for divorce in March 2002, citing marital discord.

``We feel the settlement actually vindicates our belief that Mr. Gordon's interest in the race teams was significant,'' Young told The Associated Press. ``The settlement recognizes what we contended was Mr. Gordon's net worth as opposed to what he contended it was.''

In a statement, Jeff Gordon said, ``I'm happy with the terms of the settlement and I wish Brooke the best in the future.''

In early court filings, Jeff Gordon estimated his worth at about $48.8 million and his 2001 earnings at more than $18 million.

Generally, Florida law requires assets amassed during a marriage to be split evenly, but Jeff Gordon contended he should not have to split the couple's estate because he risked his life to collect it.

Brooke Gordon, 32, argued her husband was worth much than he said. Her lawyers asked to examine the contracts other car owners have with their drivers and sponsors to determine Gordon's worth. The race car driver also owns a stake of Hendrick Motorsports.

NASCAR contracts are closely held secrets because teams don't want to reveal what kind of deals they are able to negotiate.

Most of the car owners were outraged at the request to open their books, even though Brooke Gordon's attorney promised confidentiality. According to court filings on behalf of Brooke Gordon, the appraisals showed the value of the race teams at five times what Jeff Gordon reported in affidavits.

The Gordons met early in the driver's career in Daytona's Victory Lane when the former Miss Winston model presented him with a trophy. They were married for seven years and had no children.

Their divorce was set for a six-day trial in October until a settlement was reached after a 12-hour, court-ordered mediation session.

[Nick The Freeper]

I'm not a big Nascar fan, but 7 years of marriage for $15.3 million isn't bad money if you can get it.

[What Is Ain't]

Another female shakedown artist hits the jackpot.

[StatesEnemy]

Betcha Jeffy will think twice b4 betrothing another 'sweet and lovely'

Ouch! That's a costly lesson.

[Mo1]

Jeff can make up that in a year

[Long Cut]

Celebrities and their marriages have always amazed me. Why in THE WORLD someone would, after losing millions of dollars and having to sell off tangible assets like homes and cars to escape a poorly-thought out marriage would even DREAM about re-marrying is beyond my capacity to explain.

If, in another life, some chippy pulled that with ME, the last thing any future woman in my life would ever hear is the word "marriage". If SHE brought it up, she'd be swiftly seeking newer, more gullible companionship, whilst I happily called out, "NEXT!!"

I've seen friends have their very lives and souls peeled to strips by divorce. I've seen both males AND females financially destroyed by it, and permanently removed from their children because of it. I am at a complete loss to explain why the rich and famous seem to regard it with so little concern. I guess Mark Twain was right.

[Brimack34]

It should read The Lawyer is very happy. Use a go between they are cheaper.

[NormsRevenge]

They have a nice healthy nest egg, Im sure. :-)

That's what can happen if parents support their kids at an early age and let 'em race, Legally, of course.

I hate seeing driving like this crap they sell for movies lately, influencing young folks , away from safety first. Thrills kill... and so does speed.

[martin_fierro]

I'd hit it.

[NormsRevenge]

2 words.. Nuptiual agreement

She strikes a fine pose, indeed!

[boomstick]

Jeff blamed the divorce on their move to Florida and the ensuing isolation; I'd wager that the exodus was advised by their financial planner (Florida has no state income taxes (that's the reason Rush established the "Southern Command", right?)). It's sad that a (presumably) monetary consideration would lead to the dissolution of a union blessed by God (hey, if they got married in the South, it was a Real wedding).

In any case, each has a ton of money, so they can find happiness wherever it may lie. Let's just be thankful that they don't have kids to wreck.

[Pubbie]

Good Lord!!! what terrific - uh - bossoms!

:)

[LdSentinal]

Great news for Jeff. Now he can pursue that relationship with Chocalate Myers.

[Clintons Are White Trash]

That's what he gets for fooling around.

[clockwork]

He should have just hired an escort service...the rewards are the same the risks don't approach 15 million!

[Duramaximus]

I'd hit it.

Dang, she is one fine lady! I would marry her for a weekend.

[Pukin Dog]

Gordon already has another one who looks just like Brooke, only with bigger hooters. The man knows what he likes.

[Pubbie]

"only with bigger hooters."

Bigger?!

How can this woman walk?

[Jeff Gordon]

I'm happy with the terms of the settlement and I wish Brooke the best in the future.

[boycott]

Jeff,

It looks like you let a good one get away. ;>)

[SoDak]

You know what they say, no matter how hot she is, someone, somewhere is sick of her sh*t.