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The Scoop by Carla Maull

The Scoop | NASCAR | Sports Front Page

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Gordon Doesn't Deserve Boos
From the August 27, 1998 TV Times

I ask you . . . what's wrong with Jeff Gordon? If you're a Dale Earnhardt fan, the pat response would probably be -- "EVERYTHING!"

I've heard some lame excuses from those who think he shouldn't be winning all these races - not to mention the money.

Here are a few choice tidbits from those who hate Jeff Gordon and the Rainbow Warriors.

· "Jeff Gordon is over-rated."

· "He drives a Chevrolet, and Chevy has "bought" NASCAR." (Are they implying that Chevy paid off Pontiac and Ford in order to win races?)

· "His daddy bought him a race car." (I believe he was only a teenager then.)

· "He's a pretty boy."

· "He's a cry baby."

· "He's just a young punk."

Is it me, or do none of these comments have anything to do with his driving ability?

Gordon has won four races in a row. And that my friends doesn't come from good looks. It comes from talent, hard work and determination.

The NASCAR season did not start off well for Gordon and his crew. There were blown rods, underpowered engines and incorrect tire pressures, not to mention inefficient fuel monitoring. It wasn't looking good for the Rainbow Warriors. But things have turned around.

With two consecutive wins under his belt, Gordon won the pole position at the Bud At The Glen Aug. 9.

Not considered one of the best road racers, Gordon led at Wadkins Glen, N.Y. for most of the race. After the necessary pit stops, with a little less than half the race left, Gordon found himself in 15th place.

With sheer guts and determination, lap after lap, Gordon passed on the sharp turns and maneuvered himself into second place with five laps to go. In the blink of an eye, first place was his for the taking.

At the Pepsi 400 at Michigan Speedway Aug. 16, his performance would be much the same.

Starting third, Gordon drove a clean race, but found himself nearly 20 seconds behind the leader on the 179th of 200 laps. A much needed caution flag was raised, and Gordon found himself bunched up with the leaders.

When the caution was lifted, it was all Gordon needed to work his way though the pack.

He was methodical in his driving and passing his opponents seemed effortless. It was now a battle between Gordon and Mark Martin.

I have to admit I was torn between Gordon getting his fourth in a row and Martin winning for his family. (A plane crash a week earlier had taken the lives of Martin's father, step-mother and step-sister.)

But Martin could not hold on. There were several sparks from his car, and in a split second, Gordon passed him on the 192nd lap to win.

After the race, Gordon said he was only concerned with finishing and not setting any records.

So now Gordon takes his place in the history books next to Cale Yarborough, Dale Earnhardt, Darrell Waltrip, Harry Gant, Bill Elliott and Mark Martin as the only drivers who have won four consecutive races.

So I ask you, what's wrong with Jeff Gordon?

This is a man who is doing what he loves for a living and is good at it.

He's a man who is sincere and almost humble in the winner's circle.

He's a man who is brought to tears over his success and gives you the impression he doesn't feel like he deserves it.

He's a man who admires his peers and loves his co-workers.

He's a man who has joined a list of greats in his sport.

He's a man who's well on his way to earning a third series championship in four years.