Matt Kenseth isn't contemplating his next chapter

Despite a "dry spell" Kenseth isn't ready for the rocking chair.

Jeff Gordon, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet

Matt Kenseth, Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota leads

BRISTOL, Tenn. – Matt Kenseth made it clear on Friday, retirement isn’t on his radar.

When the comparison was made between Kenseth and Jeff Gordon, who is also 43 but is stepping down from full-time Sprint Cup competition at the end of the year, the Joe Gibb Racing driver quipped, “He has a lot more miles on him than I do, so we’re not really comparing mileage or starts or wins or championships.”

Kenseth did not start racing on the Cup tour full-time until 2000. By then, Gordon had a seven-year head start on Kenseth and amassed 49 victories and three of his four Sprint Cup championships in the vaunted No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevy.

Kenseth’s first Cup title came in 2003 while driving the No. 17 Ford for Roush Fenway Racing. Overall, he’s posted 31 career Cup victories – seven which Kenseth earned during his first season with Joe Gibbs Racing in 2013.

Kenseth is currently 12^th in point standings. Gordon is 13^th. Both have struggled this season – and that’s where the comparison ends. While Gordon is ready for a new adventure, Kenseth has plenty of racing ahead of him.

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 although some of you might argue because we are in somewhat of a dry spell.

Matt Kenseth

“I haven't really put any thought into it yet or very little thought into it to be honest with you,” Kenseth said. “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 although some of you might argue because we are in somewhat of a dry spell.

“I think you probably will know, thankfully I don't know yet and 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. I'm sure the fortunate few, that 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."