Jeff Gordon sees no issue with use of double-file restarts at Daytona
Hendrick Motorsports driver Jeff Gordon is second in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series standings heading into Saturday's race at Daytona International Speedway.
// David Griffin, NASCAR Scene
Hendrick Motorsports’ Jeff Gordon figures the new double-file restart rules in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series will give drivers a chance to take a bit of a break in this weekend’s Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway.
Well, sort of. Drafting plays an important role in racing at the famed 2.5-mile oval, and three- and four-wide battles are commonplace.
“The racing at Daytona is usually spectacular, and I don’t expect anything different this weekend,” Gordon said. “We’re usually racing in a tight pack where you could find yourself in the middle of three-wide through the corner. Your level of concentration must remain sky high because any small mistake can lead to the ‘Big One.’
“The new restart rule has been a great addition to our sport, and I’m interested to see how it plays out this weekend. It may give us a chance to catch our breath and race only two-wide for a few laps.
“Or at least a few corners.”
As part of the new double-file restart rules, the leader picks the lane in which he’d like to restart. At other tracks, one groove usually is preferred over another, making the choice simple.
But at Daytona, the leader will be looking for friends, Gordon said.
“The leader will have more to think about prior to each restart,” Gordon said. “A preferred racing line – the top or the bottom groove through the corners – usually helps the leader determine which lane he chooses for the restart.
“Here, though, drafting partners may enter into the decision-making process. If I’m the leader and I have the opportunity, I’m going to line up ahead of a teammate and hope we can work together.”
Gordon will be looking for his seventh Daytona victory, having won three times in the Independence Day race and three times in the Daytona 500.
