Hendrick Motorsports' Jeff Gordon: Let’s talk racing, not drug testing
By SceneDaily Staff
Friday, July 03, 2009
Hendrick Motorsports' Jeff Gordon is second in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series standings heading into Saturday's race at Daytona International Speedway.
David Griffin
NASCAR Scene
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - Jeff Gordon was more than happy to share his thoughts on many different topics Thursday afternoon at Daytona International Speedway, but he made it clear he’s tired of answering questions about one issue: Jeremy Mayfield and NASCAR’s drug-testing policy.
When asked how he felt about a judge’s July 1 ruling overturning Mayfield’s suspension for violating NASCAR’s drug policy, Gordon said he supports NASCAR’s current drug policy.
“I have no idea – I am so confused right now at the whole thing that I am going to let it all play out,” he said. “I’ll be honest, I haven’t been following it enough to know what’s going on.
“Leave me out. I support NASCAR in what they’re wanting to do and what they’re trying to do with the drug policy. I think it’s the right thing to do and I support that 100 percent.”
A reporter then asked Gordon if the Mayfield vs. NASCAR court case was hurting the sport.
“I know I’m a driver and I get asked a lot of questions, I appreciate that – you’re asking the wrong guy,” Gordon said, reiterating his stance that he supports NASCAR’s current policy “100 percent.”
Gordon said he wouldn’t have a problem being on the race track with Mayfield.
“I didn’t have any issues with Jeremy on the track [before] … and I don’t think that would change if he was out on the track any time soon,” he said.
Gordon is much more concerned these days with several other drivers, namely the challengers who will battle him in the Chase For The Sprint Cup.
The four-time NASCAR Cup champion, who currently sits second in the series standings, said he doesn’t worry about his current ranking. It’s all about winning races, Gordon said, and earning the 10 bonus points per victory that a driver keeps when the field is reset for the Chase.
“We’re trying to get those bonus points to win races. Because we’re up front in the points, it gives us the benefits of taking more risk as far as strategy and going for those wins," Gordon said. " … I’m fine with being fifth and having five wins right now."
Gordon, who has won six points races at Daytona, knows victory No. 7 won’t come easy at the 2.5-mile track, where restrictor plates and big crashes go hand-in-hand. Gordon has been in his share of those crashes and admits they can take a mental toll on a driver.
“It’s not the funniest thing in the world,” Gordon said. “It’s sometimes painful. Mentally, it can play with you a little bit. I’ve had some crashes where there’s like a brake failure and it’s out of your hands and out of your control.
“You have to rely on your team - and I’m fortunate that I’ve got the best guys in the business - so it helps all those fears go away quickly. When you make a mistake and you end up with a big crash, then it will stick with you for a little while.”
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14 responses to "Hendrick Motorsports' Jeff Gordon: Let’s talk racing, not drug testing". Post a Comment.
gwen_susie388 said:
Jul 3, 2009 at 10:43 AMJeff Gordan is right about letting it play out. That's about what all of us our doing anyway. Gordon said he wouldn't have a problem with Mayfield on a race track any time soon. A lot of us have been following it and I would like to continue reading articles on what's going on in the case. However, I have said, I will be glad when all of this is over and I will be...For the sake of Mayfield, the drivers, NASCAR, fans and for every one else.
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» Confirm Abuse ReportTimothy Schultze said:
Jul 3, 2009 at 11:03 AMWell spoken just like the true Champion he is and a Great spokesman for the sport although not always verbal enough he usually gets his point across good luck this week end and have a great year ending up in the top seat.
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» Confirm Abuse ReportAnonymous said:
Jul 3, 2009 at 11:35 AMWhat does Jeff mean when he says "I’m fine with being fifth and having five wins right now."? He only has one win this year ?? What is he referring to ?
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» Confirm Abuse ReportAnonymous said:
Jul 3, 2009 at 2:03 PMhe is a good spokesman and is good for the sport true champion. good luck this weekend jeff
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» Confirm Abuse ReportBOSN said:
Jul 3, 2009 at 3:17 PMI think he's on Meth too...lol
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» Confirm Abuse Reportgojeffgo said:
Jul 3, 2009 at 3:33 PMJeff should take magnesium for all that back pain. His body needs it after all the terrific crashes he has suffered through. I want him to heal up so he can race at Eldora in September!
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» Confirm Abuse Reportjbracerx said:
Jul 3, 2009 at 6:10 PMAnonymous, I think he was refering to the bonus pts and taking risks for a Win. I beleive that should have said,.... I'd be happy in 5th place right now with 5 wins instead of being in 2nd with 1 win.
Report as AbuseLets go Big Daddy and get #7 at Daytona in route to #5 !!!!!!!
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» Confirm Abuse ReportPatty said:
Jul 3, 2009 at 6:14 PM#3 - I think Jeff meant that if he were fifth in points, with five wins, that would be fine. So, if the chase started right now, he'd have 50 bonus points with 5 wins. But now he's second with one win, so he'd only have 10 bonus points.
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» Confirm Abuse Reportbthompson133 said:
Jul 3, 2009 at 8:38 PMhe doesn
Report as Abuset have a problem with jm. heard a few idiots say all drivers had a problem with him. guess they're wrong when ray's buddy backs him
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» Confirm Abuse Reportdale said:
Jul 3, 2009 at 9:56 PMAbout time a driver showed some common sense on this topic. I don't think any of the drivers are certified to perform drug tests so they should stick to what they know.
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» Confirm Abuse Reportgwen_susie388 said:
Jul 3, 2009 at 10:06 PMThat's right #10 Dale!
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» Confirm Abuse Reportjuliekhoward said:
Jul 3, 2009 at 11:44 PMIt is great to see a driver interviewed that refused to bash another driver, even though he sure had the invitation. I am not sure a few years ago he would have responded the same way. It is evident he has class. More of the drivers need this.
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» Confirm Abuse Reportejr8bud said:
Jul 4, 2009 at 10:13 AMAmen Jeff----Enough Said
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» Confirm Abuse Reportdale said:
Jul 4, 2009 at 11:40 PMipopakeg, I would feel safer running on the track with Mayfield than I would being anyplace near a loser like you.
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