Jeff Gordon will continue as a NASCAR television analyst for Fox Sports in 2017, but if the opportunity presented itself he would also be open to co-hosting a daytime talk show alongside Kelly Ripa, Gordon said on Saturday at Sonoma Raceway.
Jeff Gordon interested in co-hosting ‘Live with Kelly Ripa’
Gordon didn’t downplay speculation he would succeed Michael Strahan as Kelly Ripa’s co-host when speaking with reporters on Saturday.
Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Gordon, a four-time Cup Series champion, who retired at the conclusion of the 2015 season, is a top candidate to join Ripa as co-host of Live with Kelly, according to a TVLine.com report last week. He would replace Michael Strahan, who left the popular show in April to work on ABC’s Good Morning America full-time.
“I’m flattered that my name has been associated with that,” Gordon said. “I’ve always maintained a great friendship with the show and some of the producers and folks within the show. I had a great time co-hosting on that show, and I certainly would welcome it.”
Beyond serving as a NASCAR analyst, Gordon has previous television experience having hosted Saturday Night Live in 2002 and guest co-hosting Live with Kelly on nine occasions.
If Gordon, 44, were to be named Ripa’s co-host it would be in conjunction with his NASCAR Fox duties, he said. Such an arrangement would necessitate some juggling of schedules, as Fox broadcasts NASCAR races from mid-February through the end of June. Although syndicated, Live with Kelly airs on ABC affiliates immediately following Good Morning America.
“My priority is Fox and Fox Sports and NASCAR, so I will definitely be back in the booth next year,” Gordon said. “If there was something that would fit into and around that, great.
“I don’t know if that’s a reality, but it’s been really interesting kind of seeing that unfold. I really don’t have anything that I can say about it.”
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