NASCAR WCUP: Jeff Gordon going for seventh consecutive road course victory
10 August 2000
Posted By Terry
Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
|
Now the driver of the DuPont Chevrolet is going for his seventh consecutive road course victory on Sunday as the NASCAR Winston Cup Series visits New York for the Global Crossing @ The Glen.
A win this weekend would solidify his "King of the Road" status in the Winston Cup Series as he would take over sole possession of first in all-time road course victories. Gordon is tied with Richard Petty, Bobby Allison and Rusty Wallace -- each with six wins.
The three-time defending champion of this event began his winning streak in August of 1997 at Watkins Glen. Since then, Gordon has led 313 of 606 laps, or 51.6 per cent, at Watkins Glen and Sears Point combined.
"Track position seems to play a critical role at the road courses," Gordon said. "With only a couple places to pass, the quicker you can get to the front, the quicker you can get into a rhythm.
"I get into a rhythm on a road course. If you're constantly trying to pass cars for position, it leads to inconsistency which leads to problems."
Gordon's lack of road racing experience was evident in his first three Winston Cup road course events as he failed to finish in the top 10. After capturing his first top 10, a ninth at Watkins Glen in 1994, he has rolled off 12 consecutive top 10's.
"Prior to that win in 1997, I had won on superspeedways and short tracks," Gordon said. "It became a goal of ours to win on a road course. I worked really hard on my road course driving and we stepped up our road course program.
"I can't believe we've won six in a row. I've got to hand it to this team, we haven't grown complacent during this streak. We're constantly trying to improve our road course program.
"We can't relax because the competition is so tough out here. There used to be only a few guys who could win on a road course. Mark Martin and Rusty used to be the favorites every time. Now, any number of drivers are capable of winning.
"My teammate Jerry Nadeau is tough on road courses. Guys like John Andretti, Bobby Hamilton and Sterling Marlin have really come on strong the last couple of years. Everybody knows you can't throw away these two races, especially if you're running for the championship."
Along with three wins at Watkins Glen, Gordon has five top fives, six top 10's, one pole and has led 146 laps at the 2.45-mile circuit. Add Sears Point into the equation, and his credentials show six wins, 10 top fives, 12 top 10's and 329 laps led in 15 events on road courses.
Text provided by Jon Edwards
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