Ideally, Gordon's final full season before retirement was supposed to consist of collecting checkered flags and adoring praise from the masses. Except success has proved elusive for the four-time champion, as self-induced mistakes cost him potential wins at Daytona, Martinsville and Talladega, with disappointing results occurring most elsewhere.
It's not a scenario Gordon envisioned at the beginning of the year, but just reaching Victory Lane one final time before stepping away would be considered a triumph.
Gordon's last season ends with a zero in the win column and an abrupt playoff exit.
If NASCAR were a fairytale, Gordon would make it to Homestead with a shot at winning a long-sought fifth championship. But with the No. 24 team having been more mediocre than brilliant this season, the ingredients aren't there for a sustained Chase run.