GORDON WANTS BETTER THAN 'AVERAGE' FINISH AT PHOENIX
AVONDALE, Ariz. (Nov. 7, 2007) - With two races to go in the 2007 season, Jeff Gordon probably needs to be better than "average" if he is to capture the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup.
Through eight of 10 "Chase" races, the driver of the No. 24 DuPont Chevrolet has posted two victories, five top-fives and seven top-10s with his worst finish being an 11th-place finish at Dover. His average finish during those races: 4.6.
Despite that average finish, he trails Hendrick Motorsports teammate Jimmie Johnson by 30 entering this Sunday's race at Phoenix International Raceway.
Johnson, who has a 5.2 average finish in that same span, has posted three consecutive victories.
"You have to give credit to Jimmie and the 48 crew," said Gordon. "They've made some good calls in the pits and they've had cars that can win.
"But 30 points isn't that much. The biggest thing right now is we're getting beat and they're the ones winning the races. We have to put pressure back on them and out-perform them.
"They're on a roll right now and we've got to answer this weekend."
At Phoenix, Gordon has only one victory but that came earlier this year in the "Car of Tomorrow" debut at the one-mile track. Along with that win, he has also collected eight top-fives and 14 top-10s in 17 starts.
In fact, the four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion has finished on the lead lap in 12 consecutive events at the Arizona track. A 12th-place finish in 2005 is his sole finish outside the top 10 during that stretch.
While Johnson may be in the driver's seat, Gordon still controls his own destiny. If Gordon wins the final two races and keeps Johnson from gaining any additional bonus points for leading laps, Gordon will be celebrating his fifth championship.
"If it comes down to being smart and staying out of trouble, I think we still have a great shot at the championship."
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
Texas victory has eluded Gordon - So Far
Gordon and Vandebosch Married in Private Ceremony
Fifth Championship Still Possible for Gordon at Homestead-Miami
Jeff Gordon has announced that wife Ingrid Vandebosch is pregnant.
Gordon Not Affected by Weather at Daytona
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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