     |
|
|
|
|
Has it really been nearly 20 years since Jeff Gordon made his first NASCAR Cup series start? It almost seems
mindboggling that the racer formerly known as "The Kid" and "Wonderboy" has now become the leading face of the sport's
veterans. Although a lot has changed in NASCAR since Gordon's first Cup start in November 1992, there has been one constant –- the No. 24 Chevrolet is one
of the leading contenders on any given weekend.
While the driver now sports some gray in his sideburns and has a family life with his wife, Ingrid, and two children,
he's just as competitive as he's ever been. The fact that Gordon is still competitive after all these years is a
testament not only to the personnel and equipment at Hendrick Motorsports, but also to the driver who's become one of the
all-time greatest talents.
Gordon's longevity in racing is also attributed to his good health, as he's only experienced a few minor injuries in his
Cup career. An ailing back hindered Gordon in the 2008 and 2009 seasons, but a solid workout routine
has kept him at the top of his game for a title run this fall.
Although the 2011 season is far from his dominant years of the mid-late 1990's, the 40-year-old racer has kept pace with
younger competitors such as Kyle Busch, Carl Edwards, and Jimmie Johnson. Much like his dominant days, when he doesn't
have the car to keep up with his competitors, he'll bide his time and move toward the front in the closing stages.
When Gordon began his Cup series career, his contemporaries included
Davey Allison, Dale Earnhardt, Darrell Waltrip, Harry Gant, and Alan Kulwicki. Gordon has bridged the gap
from the stars of the 1980's and 1990's to the present day. He bucked the trend of car owners waiting for a driver
to pay his dues in less than stellar equipment before advancing in the Cup series. Due to Gordon's success, the entry age
into the Cup series was greatly reduced.
Ironically, Gordon may have found the racer who's been more than just his equal.
Having won five straight titles, Jimmie Johnson has teased and defeated his challengers, including Gordon during the
2007 season. Johnson and his No. 48 team have peaked at the right time while keeping themselves within striking distance of
the points leaders -- a tactic the No. 24 team has tried to adopt in 2011. Essentially, they've been playing a 36-race
round of poker, with Johnson not showing his best cards until the very end.
Gordon and crew chief Alan Gustafson have shown flashes of brilliance during the 2011 season. Their victory at Phoenix
proved that a little adversity won't derail a trip to the winner's circle, while Pocono was patience and perseverance by
both driver and crew chief.
By working out inconsistencies at some of the intermediate tracksm while maintaining their strength at the superspeedways and
short tracks, Homestead-Miami Speedway just might be the stage for another Drive for Five moment after the checkered
flag on November 20.
|
