Saturday Night Live Season 28 Episode 9 Jeff Gordon/Avril Lavigne

Jeff Gordon, the famous NASCAR driver and four-time Sprint Cup champion, came to host the ninth episode of the twenty-eighth season of Saturday Night Live. He was joined by the Canadian pop-punk singer and songwriter, Avril Lavigne, who was the musical guest for the night. The episode was aired on December 14, 2002, and was met with mixed reviews from the audience.

The opening sketch of the show spoofed the TV game show "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire," with Will Ferrell playing Regis Philbin. The sketch poked fun at the controversy surrounding the show, as some contestants were accused of cheating by using coughs from the audience as an indication of the correct answer. The sketch featured impressions of celebrities like Mariah Carey, Ozzy Osbourne, and Snoop Dogg.

Jeff Gordon's monologue was a humorous take on his experience as a NASCAR driver and his encounters with fans. He reminisced about his early days in racing and joked about the stereotypes associated with the sport. He also took a playful jab at other famous drivers like Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Tony Stewart.

One of the highlights of the show was the Weekend Update segment, featuring Tina Fey and Jimmy Fallon. The show's news segment, which often made light of current events, skewered the war on terror, North Korea's nuclear program, and the ongoing controversies surrounding Michael Jackson. The segment also featured a hilarious impression of Senator John Kerry by Darrell Hammond.

The skits of the night varied in quality, and some fell flat with the audience. Some of the standout skits were the "Family Dinner" sketch, which featured Avril Lavigne and cast member Amy Poehler as two moody teenagers; the "Couples' Therapy" sketch, which had Jeff Gordon and cast member Rachel Dratch as an unhappily married couple seeking counseling; and the "Santa's Workshop" sketch, which saw Gordon as an overzealous elf tasked with making toys for needy children.

Avril Lavigne's performances were energetic and well-received by the audience. She performed her hit songs "I'm with You" and "Sk8er Boi," showcasing her trademark punk-pop sound. In a departure from her usual style, she also performed a ballad called "Losing Grip," which displayed her vocal range and emotional depth.

In the end, the episode was a mixed bag, with some sketches and performances shining brighter than others. However, Jeff Gordon proved to be a capable and charismatic host, bringing his unique perspective as a successful NASCAR driver to the show. Avril Lavigne added some youthful energy and musical talent to the mix, making for a memorable episode of Saturday Night Live.