Gordon

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Jeff Gordon confirmed Monday that his wife has filed for divorce after seven years of marriage and asked for privacy as NASCAR's most visible couple goes through their split.

"As you are probably well aware, Brooke has filed for divorce," Gordon said in a statement released through his public relations firm.

"Being a personal matter, I hope that everybody will respect our privacy as we work through this difficult time. I also hope everybody will understand that it would be improper for me to discuss or comment on this matter publicly."

Brooke Gordon filed for divorce on Friday, saying the marriage is "irretrievably broken" in court papers filed in Palm Beach County, Fla. It did not specify the problems.

Jennifer Brooke Sealey was a Miss Winston when she met Gordon in victory lane after a race at Daytona International Speedway. Because she was forbidden to date drivers under her contract, the two met secretly for a year before she resigned her modeling position.

They married Nov. 26, 1994, and have no children.

Gordon is in his 10th full season in Winston Cup. The 30-year-old driver has won four championships, 58 races and more than $45 million in prize money.

The couple has appeared in commercials and magazine stories. Brooke Gordon often signed autographs alongside her husband at events.

Gordon, off to a slow start this year in defense of his Winston Cup title, denied this weekend that personal problems have affected his on-track performance.

"My focus has been 100 percent on racing," he said.

She is seeking exclusive use of the couple's oceanfront home, valued at $9 million, as well as alimony, two cars and periodic use of their boats and an airplane.

Gordon's 32-year-old wife also wants her husband to continue to pay the salaries of their housekeepers, maintenance workers and chef, as well as her legal fees.