1997 Jeff Gordon NASCAR Winston Cup Championship Trophy. The NASCAR equivalent of the Stanley Cup or the Lombardi Trophy, the presented hardware represents the pinnacle of achievement in the high-octane world of stock car racing. Though the declining acceptance of tobacco products encouraged a sponsorship change for the 2004 racing season, the Winston Cup Series operated as the premier tournament since the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Corporation secured naming rights in 1971.

Presented is the second of four Winston Cup trophies earned by the driver of the number "24" Chevy whose domination of the competition in the late 1990's made him one of the most popular race car drivers in American history. The trophy was consigned to Heritage by an employee in the Charlotte, North Carolina building where Gordon's public relations firm, Performance PR Plus, was headquartered. When the company vacated the property, they left a number of Gordon trophies behind and they were sold for charity at silent auction to benefit the United Way.

The design is anchored by the bold engraved proclamation, "1997 NASCAR Winston Cup Champion, Jeff Gordon" that commands the base. Just above, an image of Gordon, his facsimile signature, the number "24" and "Hendrick Motorsports" appears on a second brass plaque. The logo of the "NASCAR Winston Cup Series" is just above.

The trophy measures 10x23x34" at its largest dimensions, providing ample heft to match its historical import. As the ultimate prize for one of America's most recognizable sporting figures, this trophy should draw no shortage of bidding attention. Third party shipping required.