(By David Exum, Associate Editor, CupScene.com)
Posted: Saturday,January 16th, 2010
Just because he’s Jeff Gordon doesn’t mean he considers himself a lock to make the Chase For The Sprint Cup in 2010.
“You’ve got to be careful. You know, it’s not an easy thing just to make it in the Chase,” said Gordon during Friday’s NASCAR Preseason Thunder Fan Fest at Daytona International Speedway.
Gordon, who finished third in the 2009 series standings, has made the Chase five out the six years it has been held. Since it’s inception in 2004, the four-time champion failed to make the Chase in 2005. Gordon’s major problem that season had to do with not finishing races as he recorded nine DNFs.
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - JANUARY 15: Jeff Gordon speaks with the media during NASCAR Preseason Thunder Fan Fest at Daytona International Speedway on January 15, 2010 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images)
“I’ve been there where I didn’t make it and was trying everything we possibly could to make it in,” Gordon said. “You find yourself outside the Chase and it didn’t do you any good. You’ve got to bring your best stuff all the time.”
Gordon has certainly brought his best stuff to the track since failing to make the Chase in 2005. He has finished in the top-five twice in the series standings the past four years (second in 2007 and third in 2009).
Gordon and crew chief Steve Letarte join forces once again in 2010. Gordon considers his biggest obstacle to success in 2010 to be teammate Jimmie Johnson, who has won an unprecedented four-straight Cup championships.
“That’s where I give credit to (Johnson), because they seemed to have another gear that they go to,” Gordon said. “I feel like we’re digging as hard and as deep as we can every weekend. I don’t know where we find another gear. But we’re going to have to if we’re going to have competitive and go for another championship. We’ve got to find that other gear.”
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