Ed Hinton, ChicagoTribune.com: A different Gordon returns to Joliet for Sunday’s USG Sheetrock 400: back as NASCAR’s top driver, with victories in four races and the lead in the Nextel Cup standings, after years of doldrums.
And on all fronts, as a new father about to turn 36, he is the happiest he has ever been.
“For sure,” he says. “For sure.”
It started here.
Auto Racing Daily: ON THE TRACK AND DRIVERS SAYING THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST TRACKS AROUND: “It’s a great track and today’s the first day to be on the track since last year and already I’ve seen where the grip level has gone away which is a good thing. It’s going to make for more side-by-side racing for the groove to widen out and I think we’re going to see an incredible race this weekend. “
Auto Racing Daily: JEFF GORDON: I’m not so sure if I called Tiger that he would answer my calls. But, you know, we’ve touched base through our foundations and I played some golf with him years ago. I think he’s pretty busy right now. So I don’t want to bother him. Even if I could call him, I probably wouldn’t because I wouldn’t want to bother him.
Auto Racing Daily: JEFF GORDON: I think it’s in Kyle’s hands. I think he’s got the utmost support from me. I showed him that before and these moves happened. I had a meeting with him, and you know, he and I have been texting one another back and forth. He’s going through some of the tough things that happened from the All-Star event with his brother.
Auto Racing Daily: JEFF GORDON: Hey, I never count those guys out. I feel like Carl Edwards has been strong sporadically throughout the year. But when he’s strong, he’s real strong. And they have had some things that have kept them out of being in contention to win more races. Of course, Matt Kenseth is the most consistent guy out there. I mean, you never count those guys out. I mean, they’re always there and fast, no matter what kind of season they’re having. So I always think that they’re going to be a factor.
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