[Louis Cypher]

South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Associated Press
Posted June 13 2003, 4:35 PM EDT

WEST PALM BEACH -- Four-time Winston Cup champion Jeff Gordon paid an undisclosed chunk of his fortune to end his seven-year marriage.

According to court documents, Brooke Gordon waived alimony and was guaranteed $15.3 million from the sale of two properties, including the couple's 23,095-square-foot oceanfront home in Highland Beach.

The court filing does not specify when the properties would be sold or provide further details about the division of assets, which include boats, an airplane, and pricey cars.

Terry Young, a lawyer for Brooke Gordon, said she was ``extremely pleased'' with the settlement. She filed for divorce in March 2002, citing marital discord.

``We feel the settlement actually vindicates our belief that Mr. Gordon's interest in the race teams was significant,'' Young told The Associated Press. ``The settlement recognizes what we contended was Mr. Gordon's net worth as opposed to what he contended it was.''

In a statement, Jeff Gordon said, ``I'm happy with the terms of the settlement and I wish Brooke the best in the future.''

In early court filings, Jeff Gordon estimated his worth at about $48.8 million and his 2001 earnings at more than $18 million.

Generally, Florida law requires assets amassed during a marriage to be split evenly, but Jeff Gordon contended he should not have to split the couple's estate because he risked his life to collect it.

Brooke Gordon, 32, argued her husband was worth much than he said. Her lawyers asked to examine the contracts other car owners have with their drivers and sponsors to determine Gordon's worth. The race car driver also owns a stake of Hendrick Motorsports.

NASCAR contracts are closely held secrets because teams don't want to reveal what kind of deals they are able to negotiate.

Most of the car owners were outraged at the request to open their books, even though Brooke Gordon's attorney promised confidentiality. According to court filings on behalf of Brooke Gordon, the appraisals showed the value of the race teams at five times what Jeff Gordon reported in affidavits.

The Gordons met early in the driver's career in Daytona's Victory Lane when the former Miss Winston model presented him with a trophy. They were married for seven years and had no children.

Their divorce was set for a six-day trial in October until a settlement was reached after a 12-hour, court-ordered mediation session.