Open-Wheel Exodus Accented By 400
Jeff Gordon is the most visible member of an increasingly large group of NASCAR NEXTEL Cup drivers who formerly raced in the open-wheel ranks. That group also includes former IndyCar Series champion Tony Stewart, Ryan Newman (No. 12 Alltel Dodge), Robby Gordon (No. 7 Jim Beam Ford), Kasey Kahne (No. 9 Dodge Dealers/UAW Dodge), AJ Allmendinger (No. 84 Red Bull Toyota) and former Indianapolis 500 champion Juan Pablo Montoya (No. 42 Texaco/Havoline Dodge).
“Jeff Gordon was probably the biggest influence [in this trend]” said Stewart. “He had a lot of success in USAC – won a lot of races. He wasn’t just handed an opportunity in NASCAR. He earned his way. When he got the opportunity to go to NASCAR, he opened up a lot of opportunities for drivers like myself. … When Jeff had his success [in NASCAR], it boosted everybody’s spirits and helped show everyone in USAC that it was a reality: If they had the same kind of results that Jeff had, then it could happen to them too.”
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