GORDON'S GOAL OVERSHADOWS MILESTONE START AT NEW HAMPSHIRE
LOUDEN, N.H. (September 11, 2007) - Jeff Gordon will become the youngest active driver to reach 500 career starts this weekend when he takes the green flag in the SYLVANIA 300 at New Hampshire International Speedway.
This career milestone will be downplayed, however, because this weekend's event also marks the first race in the 'Chase for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup.'
Gordon would be first in the point standings, ahead by 312 markers, if the "old" points system were still in effect. Instead, Gordon is ranked second, behind teammate Jimmie Johnson by 20 points under this season's point system. This year, following last weekend's event at Richmond, the top 12 drivers in the standings had their points reset to 5000 and received 10 additional bonus points for each win they earned in the first 26 events of the season.
Team DuPont has proved all season long that they are the most consistent team, statistically speaking. They have an average finish of 8.19 this season, the best of any team in the Cup Series. Gordon also leads in the categories of poles (six), top-fives (15), top-10's (21), races led (18), and laps led (1033). In fact, Gordon failed to finish outside of the top 20 only three times (Lowe's, Michigan, and California) and those are the only three times he has failed to finish on the lead lap this season.
"I have an awesome team around me this season," Gordon said. "We communicate so well and we are well-rounded in all areas. I have confidence that we will be a top contender week-in and week-out in these final 10 races, and it starts this weekend in New Hampshire."
"Being the NEXTEL Cup champion means that you were better than anyone else in the clutch," Gordon said. "You beat 11 other guys who were about even with you in just 10 races. This year's Chase will most likely come down to the last race, but it's about gaining momentum and starting this first race off strong."
And hopefully that means wrapping up the 500th career start with an 80th trip to victory lane.
News Archives:
Jeff Gordon Ready to Fly at Daytona
Gordon Could Tie Earnhardt, Schumacher at Indy
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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