pandr
05-18-2012, 03:56 PM
Jeff Gordon looking for All-Star kickstart to his season
By Jim Utter - charlotteobserver
Thursday, May. 17, 2012
CONCORD Jeff Gordon says his approach to the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race isn’t any different than to any other race on the series schedule.
He would probably accept a different result, however.
Gordon comes into Saturday night’s non-points All-Star Race 24th in the Sprint Cup Series standings after the first 11 races.
In his career, which spans 19-plus seasons, he has never been so low in points so far into the season.
“Every week we're racing and pushing as hard as we can to try to win the race or get the best finish possible,” said Gordon, who has three All-Star wins to his credit, tying the late Dale Earnhardt. “It doesn't matter if points are on the line or not.
“However, it is a win-or-nothing kind of situation. If we don't win, then we don't lose any points – so you can kind of leave (the track) with a smile on your face.”
That would be a welcome change.
A victory in the All-Star Race wouldn’t help him climb his way back up the standings, but it would be a boost.
Gordon hasn’t finished better than 21st since he was fourth at the April 14 race at Texas Motor Speedway.
Along the way there have been cut tires, engine issues, various wrecks – you name it, he’s experienced it.
Qualifying for the All-Star Race, which features three laps and a pit stop, is set for 5 p.m. Friday. Gordon has started from the pole in the race just once (1996).
The race, which pays $1 million to the winner, has had many memorable moments. Gordon has had his share of bad and good – even in the same night.
“We’ve won all three segments, and battled Darrell Waltrip and Dale Earnhardt for the victory,” said Gordon. “But we've also run out of gas while leading on the last lap (1998).
“We've won in a backup car after wrecking the primary in Turn 1 on Lap 1 (2001). They dropped the green (flag) that night and it just started pouring, and several of us wrecked. But NASCAR allowed us all to pull out our backup car.”
“The All-Star Race is always pretty wild and crazy.”
Could it also save for Gordon’s season?
C/P Thats Racin
By Jim Utter - charlotteobserver
Thursday, May. 17, 2012
CONCORD Jeff Gordon says his approach to the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race isn’t any different than to any other race on the series schedule.
He would probably accept a different result, however.
Gordon comes into Saturday night’s non-points All-Star Race 24th in the Sprint Cup Series standings after the first 11 races.
In his career, which spans 19-plus seasons, he has never been so low in points so far into the season.
“Every week we're racing and pushing as hard as we can to try to win the race or get the best finish possible,” said Gordon, who has three All-Star wins to his credit, tying the late Dale Earnhardt. “It doesn't matter if points are on the line or not.
“However, it is a win-or-nothing kind of situation. If we don't win, then we don't lose any points – so you can kind of leave (the track) with a smile on your face.”
That would be a welcome change.
A victory in the All-Star Race wouldn’t help him climb his way back up the standings, but it would be a boost.
Gordon hasn’t finished better than 21st since he was fourth at the April 14 race at Texas Motor Speedway.
Along the way there have been cut tires, engine issues, various wrecks – you name it, he’s experienced it.
Qualifying for the All-Star Race, which features three laps and a pit stop, is set for 5 p.m. Friday. Gordon has started from the pole in the race just once (1996).
The race, which pays $1 million to the winner, has had many memorable moments. Gordon has had his share of bad and good – even in the same night.
“We’ve won all three segments, and battled Darrell Waltrip and Dale Earnhardt for the victory,” said Gordon. “But we've also run out of gas while leading on the last lap (1998).
“We've won in a backup car after wrecking the primary in Turn 1 on Lap 1 (2001). They dropped the green (flag) that night and it just started pouring, and several of us wrecked. But NASCAR allowed us all to pull out our backup car.”
“The All-Star Race is always pretty wild and crazy.”
Could it also save for Gordon’s season?
C/P Thats Racin