Gordon to attempt to tie Earnhardt's record tonight
By Rea White - Associate Editor
Saturday, May 17, 2008
- TEXT SIZE: Increase Text Size Decrease Text Size Reset Text Size
- No Comments. Leave a Comment
- Digg This
- Add to Del.icio.us
- RSS Feeds
Latest Headlines
CONCORD, N.C. – Jeff Gordon is prepared to go for a record fourth win in tonight’s NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race. Currently, he’s tied with Dale Earnhardt with three all-star victories.
Gordon and his Hendrick Motorsports team start second in the race after a solid qualifying effort Friday night.
He says that winning this non-points race, and it’s accompanying million-dollar payday, means a lot to any driver.
“This is a very special event,” Gordon said. “We’re all kind of relaxed right now because points aren’t on the line. The pressure is just not there to have this awesome race car for the race in order to get those points but I can tell you once they put you inside the car and it’s time to go I would say that this race more than any race that I have, I cinch those belts up just a little bit tighter because you just know how far you’re gonna push.”
Gordon said that drivers know going into the 100-lap event, which is divided into four 25-lap segments, is going to have to work for this victory.
He also dismisses the reputation the event has for creating somewhat reckless racing. While there are no points on the line and a host of drivers say that they will be a bit more aggressive in this event, it is men known for their patience – Gordon, Jimmie Johnson (who has two wins) and Mark Martin (two wins) – who have found lots of success with this shortened, segmented racing format.
“I wouldn’t call it reckless,” he said. “I think anybody whose reckless isn’t around at the end of this race. I think that it’s knowing when to be aggressive and when to be patient. A lot like most races that we do every week and the only difference is when it comes time to be risky you could be more risky because you’re just looking for that win.
“Anything else is really last place. So you’re going to take more risks because there’s more to gain. You’re not out there for points, you’re only out there for the win, for the trophy, the money and to celebrate in victory lane and to give the fans a great show. So you take more risks, but you still have to be patient.”
Gordon says that drivers need to look around and see who might be pushing too hard and then watch for something to happen. He also thinks, as with all races that have featured the model formerly known as the car of tomorrow this season, that starting position will be crucial.
“A car that takes off pretty good is going to be important so you might want to be a little riskier at the beginning and sometimes positioning, if you’re on the outside lane you might want to be more aggressive to hold that guy in that inside lane to get position on him so I think it’s just about choosing when to be aggressive and when to be patient,” Gordon said. “In my mind, that’s I think one of my best qualities. I think that’s one of Mark Martin’s best qualities and I think it’s one of Jimmie’s best qualities, too.
“When I look at the three names … those guys are usually around at the end of most races and have a shot at winning quite a few along the way and that’s what you have to do here. You just have to shorten it up into a 25-lap sprint or a 100-lap race and all.”
- Mentioned Drivers:
- Jeff Gordon
No Comments
Be the first to comment on "Gordon to attempt to tie Earnhardt's record tonight". Login or sign up for a free account below to post your comment