Backseat Blonde - Gordon Takes Indy, Avoids the Bottle

August 9, 2004

Gordon Takes Indy, Avoids the Bottle
By Allison Wagda

It’s back.

Not “he’s back.” Jeff Gordon never left. But “it,” that glint
in his eye, that edge to his grin, has returned…meaning
Gordon is the driver to beat this season.

Sure, Jimmie Johnson’s running well and currently
leads in points. He’s become quite acclimated to Cup racing in a relatively short
period of time. But under any championship scenario NASCAR could concoct,
Gordon is the man. Or as he yelled to his team on the radio after taking the checkers,
“We’re all the man!”

Ever since he burst on to the scene over a decade ago, Gordon has been a
contender. But there’s a special look that appears on his face when he knows he’s
the best. Right now, he is.

The numbers prove it. Pole positions: five, including four in a row during one string of
races. Victories: five…more than any other driver on the circuit. Might have been six if
the track at Martinsville had actually held together.

There was nothing NASCAR could throw at him yesterday to prevent the victory.
Official’s slacked on throwing the caution for reported debris, resulting in a nice tear
in his front fender. Didn’t slow him down. The NASCAR pulled out the new green-
white-checkers rule, adding an extra lap to the scheduled length, giving Dale Jarrett
and Elliott Sadler one more chance to pass him. Didn’t happen.

And with “Bottlegate” still on the minds of everyone from last week, fans
wondered…if Gordon (a Pepsi driver) wins, what will he do with the giant Powerade
bottle? I’m sure to NASCAR’s dismay, Gordon chose to stop right at the strip of
bricks on the front stretch, got out and started celebrating. When the TV cameras
followed, NASCAR officials quickly tried to muscle him off to Victory Lane for the
“official” celebration (and the big blue bottle). It was all caught on camera. I was
shocked at their behavior. They were actually physically trying to push him. NASCAR
should fine themselves like they fined Johnson last week, under the ubiquitous
“Actions Detrimental to Stock Car Racing.”

Rich Hendrick, owner of Gordon’s 24 Dupont Chevrolet, was summoned to the
hauler formerly known as the Big Red Truck following the race to discuss the Victory
Lane no-show. Gordon maintains it wasn’t planned. Expect another ludicrous fine
exceeding Johnson’s today.

Sunday’s win was an unprecedented fourth victory for Gordon on Indy’s hallowed
grounds in only 11 Brickyard 400s. Dale Jarrett, hoping for his third checkered flag at
Indy, fought for his life but came up just short.

Gordon isn’t always a fan favorite. People either love him or can’t stand the site of
him. It’s partly due to his birthplace (California), and partially because when Gordon
first entered NASCAR, he challenged veterans when young drivers were supposed to
be earning their stripes. Oh yeah, he was a little cocky too. That just grated on
NASCAR’s fan base.

But over the years, Gordon has proven to be more than a flash in the pan. His four
titles rank him among the greatest ever in the sport, yet he’s only 33 years old. Still a
young pup by NASCAR standards, where many drivers race well into their 40s.

It’s been three years since Gordon took a title. He’s been running up front, but this
year he’s poised to resume the throne if he can unseat teammate Johnson and hold
on once the top ten teams are once again on a level playing field. What’s different
this year? Gordon’s highly-publicized divorce was finalized late last year, and he and
crew chief Robbie Loomis seem to be gelling better than ever. I also think Johnson’s
successes have motivated Gordon.

In this time of change in NASCAR, Gordon is also one of a few outspoken drivers
trying to preserve much of what made the sport great. He hasn’t exactly endorsed the
new “Chase for the Championship,” and has openly expressed dismay at the
inconsistencies coming from NASCAR’s front office. Many old time fans find
themselves unexpectedly agreeing with him.

Regardless of whether you like him or not, Gordon deserves the respect of all fans.
Without him, things sure would be boring.

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