Over the past 14 years Jeff Gordon has racked up some ridiculous numbers - 81 victories, 239 top-5’s, and 324 top-10’s, with an average finishing position of 13.4 in 513 races.  With the sun setting on the season, 34 races in the books, Gordon finds himself in an unusual position he hasn’t felt in a long time…winless!

The 24 team has had their ups and downs in 08′. During the early stretch of the season it seemed as though all the good luck experienced in 2007 came lashing back at them. Accidents at Daytona, Las Vegas and Texas found them on the outside of the Chase looking in. The middle stretch was a constant battle for consistency, finding great set-ups, testing, and figuring out how to recapture the magic that made them so successful the previous year. With fingers being pointed, Steve Latarte on the hot seat, and frustration mounting, the 24 managed to do enough to make the Chase.

Eight races into the Chase, it seems as though JG and company have begun to figure some stuff out. 3 top-5’s, 3 top-10’s, and a 2nd place finish last week at Texas have them moving in the right direction. But, is it enough to propel them to victory lane with just two races remaining.

Gordon has won at least two races every year since 1994, a statistic unmatched by any other competitor currently in the Cup Series. This weekend in Phoenix may be his last and best chance to grab the elusive checkered flag. At PIR, Gordon has an average finish of 8.5, trailing only Mark Martin and Jimmie Johnson in that category, and won his only race there in the spring of 07′. Homestead (the final showdown of the year) offers more of a challenge. With a respectable 10.6 average finish there since 1999, Homestead still remains as one of only two tracks where Gordon has never found victory lane.

Go JG!!!!!

// Click here to read the rest from Victory Lane

November 7th, 2008 9:13 AM

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