Gordon Captures Goodyear Gatorback Award In Las Vegas!

Despite two disappointing finishes in the first two events of the 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season, Jeff Gordon rebounded in this past Sunday’s Shelby American 400-mile race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, finishing third overall and flashing the competitive form that led him to four NASCAR Sprint Cup Series titles.

Gordon captured a Las Vegas track record for most laps led, and also posted the fastest lap time while leading (180.971 mph, Lap 236) the event securing the “Goodyear Gatorback Belts Fastest Lap” of the race award.

The award is part of the NASCAR Prize Money and Decal Program, also referred to as the contingency program, which provide teams prize money and weekly awards based on performance in several categories.

Established in 2003, the “Goodyear Gatorback Belts Fastest Lap” weekly contingency award recognizes the driver who turns the fastest lap time while leading each NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. Goodyear Gatorback belts have been used by NASCAR teams since 1981 and have been an exclusive NASCAR Performance automotive partner since 1997.

Gordon dominated the race, leading 219 of the 267 laps while searching for his first victory of the year.

“Obviously it was a great day for us, dominating performance,” said Jeff Gordon during his Sunday post race interview at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. “I’m disappointed [not getting the win], but at the same time, you know, we haven’t dominated like this in a very, very long time. Today we showed what we’re capable of. It gives us a lot of momentum to go to Atlanta.”

Gordon, 39, is in his nineteenth year as a driver in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. During his renowned career, Gordon has turned 167,642 laps, leading 20,970 of them, in 584 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races.

Thank you to NASCAR media for this content.

Special Q/A in Turn 11 with Jeff Gordon at Infineon!

Vallejo native Jeff Gordon, who holds the track record for wins at Infineon Raceway, will be front-and-center for race fans on Sunday, June 21, with a special chalk-talk session just hours before the drop of the green flag for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race.

The best part is 750 lucky fans will have a “front-row spot” for this Q&A session by purchasing the “24 Special” ticket package. Race fans that purchase a race ticket for the Toyota/Save Mart 350 will get the second ticket for just $24 (total price $119). That’s a savings of $70. They’ll also be front-and-center for the session.

The chalk-talk session will be open to the public, but to get the up-close access, you’ll need the “24 Special.” The Q&A will take place on the road course at Turn 11, one of the most exciting turns on the circuit, at 11 a.m. (PST). Race fans are encouraged to assemble at 10:30 a.m. at the Sunoco Gas Station, which will serve as the entrance to Turn 11.

“For Jeff Gordon, this race is as close as it comes to a home game.  He’s from Vallejo, he drives this track like a demon and is always a fan favorite,” said Steve Page, president and general manager of Infineon Raceway. “We know this package will be a big hit and we appreciate Jeff’s commitment to our fans.”

All fans will be admitted to the session, but only those that purchase the “24 Special” will have the up-front access.

“Infineon Raceway is a special place for me since I grew up down the road in Vallejo,” said Gordon, a five-time winner on the Sonoma Valley circuit. “I’m real happy that I can do this for the fans and I hope a lot of people turn out for this. It’s going to be a lot of fun.”

Race fans can purchase the “24 Special” by calling 800-870-RACE or visiting www.infineonraceway.com.

Thanks to Diana Brennan at Infineon Raceway for this information.

Two To Go: Will Jeff Gordon be able to find victory lane in 08′?

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 checker 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 Gordon has never found victory lane.

Go JG!!!!!