Jeff Gordon: “What happened is the team deserved to win and the driver didn’t get it done”
Aug 17, 2007
CIA Stock Photos
Last Sunday one of NASCAR’s all time winningest drivers, four time series champion Jeff Gordon spun out while leading with less then two laps remaining at Watkins Glen handing the victory to Tony Stewart.
“I knew I had to push, Tony was really good,” said Gordon. “I wanted that win really bad. I pushed and I pushed too far. What happened is the team deserved to win and the driver didn’t get it done.”
By Greg Engle Editor, Cup Scene Daily
Aug 13, 2007
Jeff Gordon was on his way to another victory at Watkins Glen International when he spun out on a turn, allowing Tony Stewart to scoot past and pull away for an easy victory in the Nextel Cup Centurion Boats at The Glen on Sunday. Seattle Times
It all went away when, under heavy pressure from Tony Stewart going into Turn 1 with just less than two laps to go, Gordon wheel-hopped his No. 24 Chevrolet and spun from the lead back to ninth.
A champion’s class was exhibited when Gordon first told his crew over the radio after the checkered flag, “I’m sorry—you did an awesome job and you deserved that win. Dave Rodman, NASCAR.COM
It was Jeff Gordon’s race to lose.
And he did.
With two laps remaining in the Centurion Boats at The Glen and Gordon leading the race, the four-time WGI champion drove too deeply into Turn 1 and wheel-hopped himself right out of contention and into a ninth-place finish. The bobble gave the lead - and the victory - to Tony Stewart. SHAWN VARGO, The Leader
Gordon, too, seemed to subscribe to the theory that racing for the win was now the sole objective.
“I wanted that win really bad. Points don’t mean anything,” Gordon said. “I pushed and I pushed too far. I was driving the wheels off of it and (the crew) was doing an awesome job in the pits and making good calls and put us in position to win.
“I don’t like giving up wins. I don’t like making mistakes.” JIM UTTER, CharlotteObserver.com
