Pit Stop Report

On the second day of NASCAR, the driver you will see
Drives the rainbow-colored Dupont Chevy!

Again, poetry ain’t my strong point. Put down that tomato!

Today’s driver is no stranger to victory, with several Championships of his own. 2007 looked like the year that Gordon might get his next crown, but teammate Jimmie pulled through in the long run. I’m no fan of Gordon, but I do have to say that in recent years, I’ve been far more impressed by his attitude/personality than when he first entered the racing arena in the 90s. But I digress…

Let’s cut to the Chase…

JEFF GORDON
Rank: 2nd
Poles: 7
Wins: 6
Top Fives: 21
Top Tens: 30 (!!)
Winnings: $7,148,620

Watch Jeff’s speech on NASCAR.com.

What I liked in his speech: “I used to think this was an awards show, but now it’s a soap opera…” Hahahaha…love that comment! I love that the former pouter was so gracious about Jimmie’s Championship - of course, it is his teammate, but Jeff has been known for his attitude at time.

I also liked Gordon’s remarks to Mr. Hendrick. You can tell that Gordon loves driving for that team and appreciatiates the guidance he gets.

What I didn’t like in his speech: Why in the world did he bring up his crew chief’s age and relative inexperience? Come on, dude. Just give a compliment and move on. I also don’t like that he completely downplayed the birth of his first child…nice that he got choked up over Ingrid, but his remark about the kid was a throwaway one at best. And seriously, now. Drop the Southern accent. We all know you’re not Southern!

Stayed tuned as we roll through the Twelve Days of NASCAR!

Until then, drive fast and turn left!

Jeff Gordon, NASCAR, Hendrick Motorsports, Awards Ceremony

As promised, I’m going to bare all here at the Pit Stop Report and lay out the predictions from my ill-fated magazine article, and then compare them to reality. Some are funny, some actually on target. Either way, get your fill here!

Prediction
Speaking of drivers that fans either love to love or love to hate, Jeff Gordon has failed to live up to predictions that he would soon overtake the milestones set by racing champion Dale Earnhardt, Sr., and has not won a championship since 2001. Gordon needs a major infusion of both consistency and luck to revitalize his career so that he can truly chase after the seven championship mark set by both Earnhardt, Sr. and Richard Petty – a mark he’s still shy of by three. Since he’s tamed down his whiny/bad boy image, his career has slacked…perhaps Stewart and Gordon can exchange attitudes and both can find success.

Reality
Gordon found an extreme amount of success in 2007 with (count ‘em) 6 wins, 30 top tens and 21 top fives. In addition, Jeff was on the pole SEVEN times this year. For consistency, he definitely had teammate Jimmie beat, but he just didn’t have enough wins when it counted: during the chase. Man, Jimmie just seemed untouchable near the end, didn’t he? Gordon drove his absolute heart out and it really looked like he might get his next championship in 2007, but it just didn’t come true, as he ended the season 77 points back. In what is now a recurring mantra…maybe next year, Jeff.

One last PvR coming up: come back in just a few to check on Kevin Harvick!

Until then, drive fast and turn left!

Jeff Gordon, NASCAR