Those of you that have been reading my posts for a while know that I am predicting that Jeff Gordon will not make the Chase in 2008. Now it’s impossible for me to read minds, but there are two reasons: #1- “The Rainbow Warrior” has priorities in his life (family, business interests), and #2- The heartbreaking near miss at a 5th Cup title took a lot of wind out of his sails. In a way, Gordon was like the New England Patriots of NASCAR. He ran a great schedule in 2007 with 6 wins, but his protege and employee Jimmie Johnson was even better- depriving the proprietor of 81 career victories a date with history. I’ll also add a third reason for good measure- every driver is due for a run of bad luck, and it seems like he’s due.

But tomorrow- Gordon gets a respite.

Win once on a short track, and people may call you lucky. Race long enough, and you may get lucky again. Win 7 times at Martinsville and rack up 7 poles (including yesterday), and people may just call you “Mr. Martinsville.”

Jeff Gordon is Mr. Martinsville.

A number of factors will work in the #24 DuPont Chevy’s favor. In addition to his obvious skill at handling “The Paper Clip” track, he has the advantage of being out front. As we saw at Bristol two weeks, track position is critical when you cram 43 cars onto a half-mile track. Experience will also work in Gordon’s favor. In my humble opinion, short tracks aren’t kind to green horns. You have to know when and where to pick your battles on a track like this, thus some of the young bucks who have made some noise early this year will be challenged.

Because of his hard luck streak, it’s also easy to forget that Gordon has the backing of the New York Yankees of NASCAR. Knowing you have Hendrick Motorsports in your corner all0ws you to race with a greater confidence and offers one less thing to worry about.

Gordon will be challenged. Jimmie Johnson will be gunning for his fourth consecutive win at the Virginia track, and like Gordon, the two-time defending titlist feels like he has something to prove. Based on experience, I expect we’ll also hear from Tony Stewart, Carl Edwards, Kevin Harvick, and Jeff Burton.

Regardless of who wins, Martinsville will be a treat for the traditional fan’s senses. We’re talking about all the beatin’, bangin’, and tight passing that makes short track racing such a gas. All that paint tradin’ also gives rise to tempers, so we may see some good old-fashioned fightin’ too. The “X” factor is the new car. With these tanks, you can beat on somebody all you want, but it doesn’t mean you’ll take somebody, so you’d better pick your battles carefully.

It will be fun for fans of all drivers, but when the tire and engine smoke clears, Jeff Gordon will find gold at the end of his rainbow for career win 82, putting him within breathing distance of such NASCAR immortals as Cale Yarborough (83 wins), Bobby Allison and Darrell Waltrip (tied with 84 wins). This trio ranks behind Richard Petty (200) and David Pearson (105) for all-time wins.

Tags: Jeff Gordon

4 Responses to “Fearless Forecast: Jeff Gordon Will Win at Martinsville”

Leave a Reply

Name (required)

Mail (will not be published) (required)

Website