Gordon looks to overcome 2007 run and gain fifth Watkins Glen win
By SceneDaily Staff
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
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Jeff Gordon thought he had a shot at his fifth win at Watkins Glen International, but then he made a rare error - one that haunts him still.
The Hendrick Motorsports driver is the all-time leader with nine road-course wins. Four of those have come at Watkins Glen, site of this weekend's NASCAR Sprint Cup Centurion Boats at The Glen.
A year ago, Gordon came close to grabbing his fifth victory at the track, but he spun entering Turn 1 while leading the race and fell to a ninth-place finish.
"I’ve had many nightmares about Turn 1 at Watkins Glen,” Gordon said. “It was a really frustrating race, but I don’t know if we were going to win because Tony [Stewart] was a little better than us.
“I was pushing to stay ahead of him, and I just pushed too hard.”
It was an uncommon mistake for the four-time Cup champion - and one that Gordon doesn't plan to make again.
Despite his four wins, two poles, six top-five and eight top-10 finishes in 15 starts at the track, Gordon and his team have put a little extra effort into this weekend's race. Although he's sixth in the driver point standings, Gordon has yet to earn a win this season.
“We went to Road Atlanta last week, and I felt like we had a promising test,” Gordon said. “I feel like we learned some things that will gain us a little speed here.
“I love racing at Watkins Glen. It's fast, and it’s a track that suits our cars very, very well.”
Perhaps this weekend will be the one where he grabs another win. Gordon, meanwhile, has some other things on his mind as well. He turned 37 Monday, a cause for some reflection. But as he looks back, the driver doesn't appear interested in trading his experience for another shot at youth.
“Absolutely not,” Gordon said. “I really enjoy where I am in the sport and am comfortable with how things are going. I like the amount of respect that I have in the garage area and the experience that I’ve gained over the years and how that pays off.
“I certainly have no regrets and have accomplished more than I ever thought I would. I’m not wishing I was 21 again. I’m pretty happy with how things are.”
- Mentioned Drivers:
- Jeff Gordon
Comments
5 responses to "Gordon looks to overcome 2007 run and gain fifth Watkins Glen win"
Tim the Fan said:
Aug 5, 2008 at 1:59 PMJeff mentions that he enjoys the respect he has built in the garage amongst his peers. Maybe one day he'll have the respect he deserves from the fans. Like him or hate him, he has done great things in and for the sport. I for one respect "that".
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» Confirm Abuse ReportTodd Bishop said:
Aug 5, 2008 at 3:12 PMAgreed, he's a class act.
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» Confirm Abuse ReportTimothy Schultze said:
Aug 5, 2008 at 5:34 PMAgreed ill also add that he does great things off the track as well to help both less fortunate children and families great guy all around.
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» Confirm Abuse Reportmary patton said:
Aug 6, 2008 at 5:47 AMHe is one of the best and his stats prove it. Rick Hendrick gets only the best of the best!!
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» Confirm Abuse Report4da88 said:
Aug 8, 2008 at 7:40 AMI love seeing Jeff with Ella. Shows the human side of him.
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