CHANGING TRACK A CONCERN FOR GORDON - NOT ENGINE

    CONCORD, N.C. - The engine underneath the DuPont Chevrolet is one thing 
Jeff Gordon won't worry about this weekend in the only 600-mile event on the 
NASCAR Winston Cup schedule.
    NASCAR implemented a "one-engine rule" at the beginning of the 2002 
season. Many looked at this race as the true test since the same engine would 
be used in qualifying, practice and a 600-mile race.
    "When NASCAR announced the rule, we were worried about this event," said 
Randy Dorton, Director of the Engine Department for Hendrick Motorsports. "We 
feel more comfortable now after monitoring engine components from other 
500-mile races with additional miles added to them so far this season.
    "We also put restrictions on the amount of miles our teams can put on a 
motor during practice leading up to the event. We want to be sure that we 
provide an engine that produces maximum horsepower – and will last 600 miles 
on race day."
    "Randy and the guys in the engine shop do a great job with the motors," 
Gordon said. "I know when we arrive at the track that we have some of the 
best motors available. All we need to worry about is getting the car through 
the corner because I know the car will be strong down the straightaways."
    Sunday's 600-mile race at Lowe's Motor Speedway will get under way at 
5:30 p.m. with the checkered flag falling approximately 4 ½ hours later in 
much cooler conditions. Communicating the changing track conditions is 
crucial in Gordon's quest for his fourth victory in 10 starts in NASCAR's 
longest race.
    "It's a long race and you can't panic when they drop the green flag and 
the car isn't perfect," said Gordon, driver of the DuPont Chevrolet. 
"Conditions will change a lot as the sun goes down and the track temperature 
drops. The car must be adjustable and you have to go the right direction with 
your adjustments. Communication among the team is very important as the race 
wears on.
    "While you have to be patient during this event, there's not much pacing 
going on. The cars work so well and the engines produce so much horsepower, 
it's just go-go-go."
    Gordon, who won his first NASCAR Winston Cup race at Lowe's in May of 
1994, will be a threat to win the pole during Thursday night's qualifying 
session. In the spring event in Charlotte, he won the pole five consecutive 
years (1994 - 1998), has started outside the top 10 only twice and has a 5.7 
average starting position.
    Overall at Lowe's, Gordon has four victories, seven poles, nine top-five 
and 10 top-10 finishes in 18 events.