Jeff Gordon Wins 2014 Third-Quarter Driver of the Year: Details and Reaction

Jeff Gordon has arguably been the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series' most consistent driver this season, and that consistency was rewarded in the form of a major award on Wednesday. 

According to FoxSports.com, the driver of the No. 24 Chevrolet was named third-quarter Driver of the Year.

Gordon had a huge amount of success during the time period taken under consideration for the vote. He won both the Brickyard 400 and Pure Michigan 400 while also turning in solid finishes on a weekly basis.

brightcove.com/?flashVars='videoId=3704708008001

After being chosen as the winner, Gordon accepted graciously, per FoxSports.com.

"It's an honor to be recognized as the Driver of the Year for the third quarter, and it's been an incredible summer for this No. 24 team," Gordon said. "The team has really been performing at a high level, and anytime you win a Brickyard 400, it's extremely special."

Gordon is currently seventh in the Chase for the Sprint Cup standings, but he is in prime position to survive the first cut down following Sunday's race at Dover.

The Driver of the Year award is unique in that it takes into account drivers from multiple racing series. According to Gray Caldwell of HendrickMotorsports.com, Gordon beat out IndyCar drivers Will Power and Scott Dixon, sprint-car driver Donny Schatz and NHRA drag racer Jason Line to take the third-quarter honors.

Winning third-quarter Driver of the Year puts the four-time Sprint Cup champion in position to potentially win the Driver of the Year award for the entire calendar year. Gordon joins Hendrick Motorsports teammate Dale Earnhardt Jr., who won the first quarter, and Indianapolis 500 winner Ryan Hunter-Reay, who took the second.

It is a fairly safe assumption that the 2014 Sprint Cup champion will be strongly considered for the fourth-quarter Driver of the Year award, which means that Gordon can solidify his positioning by winning a fifth Sprint Cup title.

Gordon is already a four-time Driver of the Year, and his success this season suggests that he has the tools necessary to make it five.

Follow @MikeChiari on Twitter