Gordon: The only way to win all-star race is by being aggressive
Jeff Gordon believes there is only one way to win NASCAR’s all-star race, and he certainly qualifies as an expert on the matter since he is tied with Dale Earnhardt for the most victories in the event with three.
A driver can’t win the race on strategy or by pacing himself. No, the Hendrick Motorsports driver says, you have to race as hard as you can every lap.
“You have to be aggressive,” said Gordon, who won the event in 1995, 1997 and 2001. “You only drive different in this event because it’s basically a short, sprint race. It’s going to be tough to win the race just being consistent.
“That’s not going to work in the all-star event. It’s about being aggressive in the pits and being aggressive on the race track. It’s about going all-out.”
Saturday night’s NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race is a 100-lap race split into four 25-lap segments on Lowe’s Motor Speedway’s 1.5-mile oval. Pit stops are optional after the first segment, with a 10-minute break after the second where teams can make adjustments to their cars without losing track position.
After the third segment, drivers must make a stop-and-go pit stop, with full stops allowed. Starting positions for the final segment are set by the way cars exit pit road following the third segment.
“I think the all-star race is a fantastic event,” Gordon said. “We all look forward to it because of the excitement, the prestige, the bragging rights and the million dollars that goes to the winner. There are no points on the line, which means there is less pressure on the teams, but it seems there is more excitement surrounding the event. You just have fun and race hard.
“Most importantly, though, I think it’s a great race for the fans. You hope it’s a great race for them because that is really what this event is all about. It’s sort of giving back to the fans for their support and everything they do for us.”
Gordon said his favorite moment among his 14 all-star starts was his victory in the 2001 race. He was among several drivers to crash on the opening lap on a track that wasn't fully dry. But the sanctioning body allowed backup cars to be used, and Gordon raced to victory.
“There is such a buildup prior to the race that is was deflating to be involved in a crash in the first corner on the first lap because the track was wet,” Gordon said. “Then we got word we could run the backup car, and to see all the Hendrick Motorsports teams working to get the car ready was incredible.
“Winning that event was a testament to HMS and the guys on the DuPont team.”
