Jeff Gordon was the youngest NASCAR Cup Series champion of the modern era when he won the 1995 title at age 24.
Gordon secured his first Winston Cup championship in his third full season, driving the No. 24 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports. His 1995 campaign included seven victories, and his consistency gave him a 300-point advantage over Dale Earnhardt in the final standings. The championship established Gordon as NASCAR's next major star.
NASCAR's modern era is generally dated from 1972, when the schedule was substantially streamlined. Gordon's record therefore applies specifically to champions from 1972 onward. He later added titles in 1997, 1998, and 2001, becoming a four-time Cup Series champion.
The broader all-time record belongs to Bill Rexford, who won the 1950 championship at 23. That is why Gordon is often described as the second-youngest champion overall, despite holding the modern-era record. Drivers such as Jimmie Johnson and Kyle Busch won titles later in life.