ALL-STAR "TEST" COULD PROVIDE TEAM DUPONT LONG-TERM GAINS
CONCORD, NC. (May 15, 2007) - For the #24 Team, this Saturday night's NEXTEL All-Star Challenge at Lowe's Motor Speedway is a "test" session - a test they hope generates $1 million in immediate returns. And one they hope provides much larger returns in the future.
Jeff Gordon has opened up a 231-point gap in the NASCAR NEXTEL point standings with three wins in the last four races and nine top-fives in 11 races this season, ensuring the four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion the points lead until June. While points are not on the line during this weekend's event, it could have "points" implications for Team DuPont.
"We're using a brand new chassis this weekend, and we're hoping to try some new things with it," said Steve Letarte, crew chief of the No. 24 Chevrolet. "Don't get me wrong, we're going to do everything we can do to win the Challenge, but we're also hoping to learn so that we can apply it to the '600' the following weekend.
During this All-Star event that is split up into four segments of 20 laps each, the No. 24 car will carry the familiar the "fire and flames" design but with the primary colors reversed.
"This is an exciting race for the fans but an exciting race for the teams and drivers, as well," said Gordon. "It's run under the lights with a lot of different paint schemes. There's just a different feel about this race."
In a season that Gordon has tied and surpassed Dale Earnhardt's career win total, he has an opportunity this weekend to break a record he currently holds with "The Intimidator:" most wins in this prestigious event. Earnhardt collected wins 1987, 1990 and 1993, while Gordon's wins occurred in 1995, 1997 and 2001 - coincidentally all championship seasons for the Hendrick Motorsports driver.
"I'm sure it'll be crazy again this Saturday night during the last segment, but 20 laps is a lot of laps. And so much can happen in 20 laps at Lowe's Motor Speedway"
MEDIA INFORMATION:
Jesse Essex, Hendrick Motorsports
704-455-0527
jessex@hmsracing.com
News Archives:
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Gordon Guns for Road Course Sweep
For Gordon at Bristol, Equation could add up to victory
Gordon wants to Keep Riding Wave in California
#24 team shifts into 'Drive for Five' mode
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Gordon Finishes Second at California Speedway; Now Third in Standings
Gordon Believes "Tomorrow" will be much like the Past at Bristol
Gordon Wants to add to Collection at Martinsville
First Phoenix Victory may be in Gordon's Future
Gordon Triumphs at Talladega, 77th Win Makes History
All-Star "Test" Could Provide Team Dupont Long-Term Gains
#24 Team Wants Return To Victory Lane At Lowe's
Jeff Gordon Wins Rain-Shortened Pocono 500
Gordon Heads To NHIS On Top Of The World
#24 Team Finishes Third at The Brickyard
Gordon's Goal Overshadows Milestone Start at New Hampshire
Gordon Expects Talladega Race to be 'Spectacular'
Gordon Hopes to Catch Sight of Checkered Flag at Lowe's
Gordon Wants Better than 'Average' Finish at Phoenix
Sonoma Holds Special Meaning for Gordon
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