Kenseth not considering retirement

Matt Kenseth

Matt Kenseth is just a year younger than Jeff Gordon, who has already said he'll retire at the end of this season. The 43-year-old former champion won't use Gordon's exit as a reason to consider his own future in NASCAR.

He's got no plans to get out of the race car anytime soon and hopes his pole-winning run at Bristol Motor Speedway will lead to the end of a 51-race winless streak.

Asked if Gordon's decision has led him to ponder retirement, Kenseth said he hasn't given the subject any thought. "I feel as good as I did 10 years ago, and I'd like to say that I do as good or better job behind the wheel than I did then," said Kenseth, who starts first Sunday.

"Jeff got to that point where he knew that it was time to go do something else, and it doesn't seem like he has any doubts about that. The fortunate few who can keep jobs and keep running, and don't just fade out because they can't get a competitive job anymore, can decide when that happens. I hope I'm fortunate enough to be one of those guys." Associated Press