Blog: Jeff Gordon’s Career In Fast Lane At Subway Fresh Fit 500 In Phoenix
Phoenix was supposed to be a true test for the Car of Tomorrow. This was the third outing for the CoT, but the previous two races had been on half-mile tracks at Bristol and Martinsville. Phoenix was a one-mile venue, where aerodynamics would be more of a factor.
Two things are for sure after the three Car of Tomorrow races: First, the race teams are still trying to figure out their new rides, and secondly, Hendrick Motorsports is definitely better at figuring.
All three of the of the CoT races have been won by Hendrick drivers. First, Kyle Busch at Bristol, then Jimmie Johnson at Martinsville and now Jeff Gordon at Phoenix
You could’ve almost predicted Jeff Gordon’s win Saturday night. In the Three CoT races, Jeff Gordon has finished third, second, and now first. He rolled off the truck running fast at Phoenix, winning the pole on Friday, but never discount good luck as a factor in any NASCAR victory.
With 29 laps to go, Jeff Gordon rolled down pit road when the caution flies. But, because he had the first pit stall and was able to complete his pit stop and stay ahead of the pace car, Jeff Gordon inherited the top spot when the rest of the lead-lap cars cycled through making their stops.
Jeff Gordon’s crew chief, Steve Letarte, made the call to complete the stop. That was a race-winning decision.
The Car of Tomorrow may have a lot of unknowns for the race team, but at least it has provided some exciting competition on the track. Both Bristol and Martinsville were basically photo-finishes. And in the late laps at Phoenix, Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart were waging a tight battle for the lead.
In the end, it was Jeff Gordon’s big adventure. Jeff Gordon was able to end a 26-race winless drought, and in the process check another track off his winless list. With winning at Phoenix, now Texas and Homestead are the only two tracks at which Jeff Gordon has not visited victory lane.
As a four-time Nextel Cup champion, Jeff Gordon has no shortage of career milestones. But add another to his list in the fact that this was career win no. 76 for Jeff Gordon--that ties him with the legendary Dale Earnhardt for sixth on NASCAR’s all-time wins lists. Jeff Gordon celebrated by taking a victory lap, while holding a no. 3 flag.
The late Dale Earnhardt used to call Jeff Gordon “the kid.”
Well, “the kid” is now the face of NASCAR, and will rewrite the record books before he is done. Jeff Gordon’s 76th win came in his 481st start. Earnhardt’s 76th win came in his 676th career start. At age 35, Jeff Gordon already has more than $84 million in career earnings. That number is pretty impressive, but then again not unexpected.
Next week, we head to the super speedway at Talladega for Sunday’s running of the Aaron’s 499.
Enjoy the races, everyone.
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