"I was disappointed after that race just like I was at Watkins Glen,” Gordon said. " The DuPont team gave me a great car and made some great calls in the pits during the race. I told the guys last time that I'd make it up to them, and I plan on doing that again."
Gordon has two wins at Michigan, the last coming in 2004 and he’ll have the extra motivation of not only wanting to redeem himself after last weeks very public gaffe at Watkins Glen, but an entirely different attitude than the rest of the field. Gordon has clinched his spot in the Chase while the rest of the field are still jockeying for position as the cutoff draws near.
“For us, we're just looking at things differently,” Gordon said. “That's not even an issue for us right now, it's about trying to win races and get bonus points and get ourselves ready for that Chase. It's an interesting battle back there for 10th, 11th, and 12th; and I know that's a story, but it's not our story."
The team will have another incentive this weekend. Crew chief Steve Letarte returns after a six-week NASCAR mandated suspension. In his absence however the No. 24 team hasn’t exactly suffered. Gordon has top-10 finishes in each of the six races Letarte was absent and amassed more points than any other driver during the same time period.
"Jeff Meendering did a tremendous job filling in for Steve, but it'll be great to have Steve back," Gordon said.
As the Chase draws ever closer, Gordon is well aware that those in the Chase once the field is determined after Richmond will have their points reset. The only advantage to be gained for him right now is grabbing as many of the10 bonus points awarded for victories that he can.
“It's all about wins right now," Gordon said. "We want to get as many bonus points as we can before the Chase starts. Essentially, second place pays the same amount of points for us the next four races that last place does - nothing."
Greg Engle the Editor and owner of the Cup Scene Daily, is seeking employment in the Motorsports journalism industry.
In 2006, he spent 34 of 36 weeks on the road covering the NASCAR schedule. He is a National Motorsports Press Association award-winning columnist and has worked for the Sporting News.
Greg has been bylined in newspapers across the country, including the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the Los Angeles Times and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution through the NASCAR Wire Service. He’s also been featured on NASCAR.com, ThatsRacin.com, ESPN and Fox Sports. Greg also host's the nationally syndicated radio show Speed Talk Live that is currently appearing in 78 markets in the US.
He served in the US military for 23 years and served in Operation Just Cause, Desert Storm and Operation Enduring Freedom
If you or your outlet is interested please email him at greg@cupscene.com
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