Jeff started racing at age 4, in quarter midgets.
In 1981 at 10 years of age Jeff broadened his career to go-karts.
When Jeff was 13 he tackled sprint cars.
In 1987 Jeff ran with the World of Outlaws.
Jeff's family also relocated from Vallejo, California to Pittsboro, Indiana. In 1988, he started running USAC cars.
In 1989 Jeff was first featured on Thursday Night Thunder on ESPN.
In 1991 Jeff started running with the Busch Grand National Series full time. Jeff drove for Bill Davis in the #1 Carolina Ford Dealers Thunderbird. Jeff captured one pole in 1991. Jeff was also crowned Busch Grand National Rookie of the Year.
In 1992 Jeff stayed with Bill Davis and drove the #1 Baby Ruth Thunderbird. Jeff won 3 races and captured 11 poles in 1992. Halfway throught he 1992 season Jeff found his Busch Grand National team without a sponser for 1993. This is when Rick Hendrick approached Jeff about driving for Hendrick Motorsports. He started the last race of the 1992 season in the Chevrolet Monte Carlo sponsered by DuPont Automotive Refinishes.
In 1993 Jeff was crowned NASCAR Winston Cup Rookie of the Year.
Jeff won his first race at the Coca Cola 600 at Charlotte in 1994.
His first NASCAR Winston Cup Championship came in 1995, the second in 1997, the third......
