The Frontstretch: Jeff Gordon... Intimidator? by Thomas Bowles -- Sunday July 9, 2006

That was a blatant wreck and Gordon knows it too. His car was definitely faster than Kenseth’s and he could have easily passed him with 2 laps to go. Gordon has dug a hole for himself and will fall in it too. Kenseth has lot of cushion in the points standings and you better believe that he’ll take every opportunity he gets to make Gordon’s life miserable over the coming few weeks. Gordon can’t afford too many mulligans and a wreck here and there can put him out of the top 10 again. Gordon doesn’t have the charisma of intimidator. He is still too weak and looks for making excuses all the time.

Above all, NASCAR’s dubious handling of cautions bewilders me everytime. It was a single car wreck with no debris on the track but they chose to take forever to restart the race. What was NASCAR trying to accomplish? To black flag Gordon or not? NASCAR knew that several teams were close on fuel but chose to run those extra laps. Tony stewart once again was victim of bad luck. His top 3 run was thwarted by NASCAR’s idiosyncrasies.

Yeah some may think it was a blatant wreck…but had another driver been in the position of Jeff Gordon, the fan reaction would have been alot different.

The question of whether JG wrecked Kenseth intentionally or not is best answered by asking, “How fast would he have found his brake pedal if it had been Jimmie in front of him instead of Matt?”

I don’t have a problem with the use of the bump and run—but its not supposed to be a bump and wreck.

I don’t have a problem with payback, in reasonable measure and under appropriate circumstances—but a mile-and-a-half is not the place.

IMO Jeff Gordon should have been sent to the back for agressive driving just as Carl Edwards was sent back for spinning Mikey at Daytona.

I have no problem with the “bump and run”. But when you spin someone out like that it is just wrong. If that had been Matt doing that to Gordon He would have been black flagged. Being one of NASCARs “Golden Boys” has its privlidges.

If someone else had done it to him, he’d have been whining so loud our ears would be bleeding. That’s the difference between him and the #3 (one of many)- SR never whined when someone got into him – that was racing. Gordon seems to like bullying people out of the way, but cries like a little girl when someone does it to him.

Had Junior been the one in Jeff’s position, it wouldn’t have mattered who he spun out to win, the crowd, the fans, everyone would have looked upon him as he though he was following in his father’s footsteps. The Itimidator wouldn’t have thought twice about that move. I believe Stremme is the one who spun Matt into the wall anyway, not Gordon.

I think it was a deliberate wreck. There is a big difference between putting someone in the wall and tapping them to get around. Matt said that he knew that Gordon had the faster car and knew that he would get around him, but for Gordon to take someone out who is blocking to win the race intentionally ? Rubbing is racing is the way of NASCAR, but wrecking and bragging ? That is Gordon just asking for it.

Jeff didn’t wreck him, he spun him. Stremme wrecked Kenseth. I’m always amazed at how fans who see things so “clearly” always get the facts wrong.

Let’s see here, I’m leading with 5 to go. I’ve got one of the best ever on my bumper (who I “blatantly” wrecked a couple of months ago). What do I do? I think I’ll swing my rear bumper at him a couple of times as he’s much faster than me. Hmm, if I remember, he won 4 titles by winning, not 1 title by finishing 7th every week.
Kenseth worked real hard to make his rear bumper a target, so he shouldn’t cry when someone hits the bullseye.

No matter what anyone says! “Rubbing is racing” I’m glad to see the change in Gordon’s attitude. After missing the chase last year he is hungry and is not going to back down from any driver. He defintely had the much faster car and Kennesth made two blocking moves the second of which cost him a second place finish. Matt the Brat, just got schooled from the new “Intimidator”

First of all I am not a fan of Jeff Gordon, but what is the big deal. This is racing not kindergarten. Paybacks are paybacks. They work both ways so expect to see Gordon get spun later.

Well I see all the JG haters are once again crying. Question of whether JG is the ‘Intimidator’ – yes he can be – he learned alot from
Earnhardt Sr. and uses it when needed. Kenseth is just a cry baby – he knew that JG would pay him back for his blatantly wreaking JG a few weeks ago. Come on Matt, take it like a man!! I would have a lot more respect for you than I do now with your crying.

Good points, Tim. Bottom line is Gordon will soon surpass the Intimidator in number of races won in a much more competitive environment.

The lesson is this: If you’re slower, get t’ hell out of the way.

Lost in the soap opera spin spin is the fact that the 24 now has a handle on the 1.5 mile ovals. No doubt he will soon be the odds-on favorite for the Championship.

I loved it. Jeff is just doing his job and if it would have been reversed the idiot fans would still be jumping up and down. I say if you can’t stand the heat Kenseth get out of the race. I love Jeff being the new Intimidator,although it won’t set well with Earnhart fans and who cares. Dale Jr(Daddy want a be) will never be a Champion or driver that Gordon is

Hello Gordon hater Tom,
Get your facts straight. And quit bashing the best driver in NASCAR. He took lessons from the best, Earnhardt and R. Wallace.
It you but your rear in front of a faster car and
slow down, what do you expect. You are going to be moved. Say what you will but this was not payback, just going for the win and a slower trying to block. NASCAR tried to stop blocking what happened to that??

Come on folks! Gordon HIT Kenseth and took him out! I was at the Pepsi 400 last week and saw Carl Edwards get blackflagged for “aggressive” driving. What’s the difference between what Gordon did and what Edwards did? The answer 4 titles. Gordo is the most whining baby there is. Earnhardt spun people to win but that was the “old” NASCAR, it died when he died. Dale, Jr. doesn’t spin people to win, remember the All Star Challenge when he bumped Newman and then backed off to let him get control of his car? Anytime Jr. is in a wreck, he ALWAYS says it was his fault even if it wasn’t. When was the last time (or only time) Gordo accepted the blame for anything? Remember this is the same racer who last month was telling Jimmie Johnson not to race him! What a wimp!!!

Please, Please, never refer to Jeff Gordon as Itimidator. That title belongs to only one man, Dale Earnhardt, Sr.. Jeff Gordon will never measure up to Dale Earnhardt in any way! Dale was very much loved by all fans but Jeff Gordon will never achieve that in his life time! It’s ashame he has to win the way he does, but we have to remember he is a member of Rick Hendrick’s racing team and Nascar is afraid to punish any of them. To me, that was really agressive behaviour, which Nascar has said they will not tolerate! Apparently, that only applies to any team but Hendrick’s. Lest we forget, he was pardoned by former President Clinton before he left office!

how can you metion his name in the same breath as Earnhardts he never is or never will be as great as Dale . Dale would bump you , spin you and go on if you did the same to him he just called it racing no crying!!!

The race before Chicago, Mr. crybaby Gordon was on the scanner screaming about Jr. hitting in in the turns… well, well well, what did he just do to Kenseth, hit him in the turn. Its never about Gordon, starting the race after a caution. if he is first, he cries they are laying back to get a run at him, if he is second, he lays back… wonder if he would have braked for the 48…

Yeah B Tilley – and lets not forget Bill Clinton was impeached for lies told under oath! As for Earnhardt being ‘very much loved by all fans’ it was the same Earnhardt that told Jeff Gordon not to sweat the fact that some fans boo him and believe me some fans did boo Earnhardt at times same as they do Gordon – Yeah I would say Jeff Gordon is the ‘Intimidator’. As for your statement about the Hendrick organization and NASCAR – you really need glasses.

Hey Jo..You talk about Jeff Gordon should not be in comparison with Dale Sr..Well, there is no way Dale Jr. should be even in the same sentence with Jeff Gordon. Get over it..Junior would have done it in a southern minute if he had the chance! If anyone would care to listen Jeff Gordon is the first one to admit when he is at fault but Kenseth feels the need to piss all Chev drivers off (Harvick..Stewart..) till he gets his way. Hey Matt why don’t you practice what you market and be tough as a Dewalt Power tool instead of being a Tool! I agree Jeff Gordon should not be taggged as the Intimidator becasue soon he will be known as the Dominator

Good to see Jeff holding his own.No more letting people run over him.GO JEFF GORDON!!!

The Race for the Chase has caused all this crap. Bottom line – Gordon ADMITTED to being “agressive”, and “hungry for a win”. NASCAR is so freaking inconsistent with their punishments!So, since drivers like Kenny Schrader or Kyle Petty – who haven’t won a race in probably longer than Jeff Gordon’s been alive – are most assuredly “hungry for a win” – that gives them the right to just push other drivers out of their way? Since NASCAR’s golden boys(Gordon, Earnhardt,Jr.) didn’t make the Chase last year – there is no way they are going to penalize either one for “aggressive” driving! They will have no problem doing it to anyone else. As much as I love racing – NASCAR & the TV coverage are making it a lot harder to enjoy!

ARE YOU SERIOUS?? NASCAR IS BIASED TOWARDS JR AND STEWART (HE NEEDS A RAZOR AND A WEIGHT WATCHERS MEAL) PLUS WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU SEEN SCHRADER OR PETTY UPFRONT AT THE END OF THE RACE, OHH YEAH MAYBE YOU ARE RIGHT THEY HAVENT DONE THAT FOR 30 YEARS EITHER

First of all why is it when Jeff hits someone for the win it was just good hard racin ?
When someone hits him they were out to get him. He needs to realize its not all about him. Jeff may pass Dale Sr. for wins but, he is not or will not ever be the Intimidator. All his fans should stick with the Wonder Boy or Rainbow Boy. Because he can dish it out but, until he can take it without cryin thats all he will ever be is just a BOY.

DISH IT OUT?? ISNT THAT WHAT HE DID SUNDAY????

Well he sure could take it in Bristol. End of Story !!!

The intent was there. Jeff admits it over and over, he INTENDED to make contact…if it had been Mark Martin, or Jimmy Johnson especially, he would have gotten off the gas, gave them a second…but because it was Matt, he floored it and drove right through him.

It doesn’t matter that Matt ran out of gas and wouldn’t have won anyway…it was that Jeff consciously went “I’m going to make life difficult for him” and took him out. Period.

Same tactics Dale Earnhardt used…and I didn’t like HIM on the track, either.

You are missing the point! If NASCAR thinks it’s OK for drivers to push their way to the lead – then Schrader, Petty, or your Grandmother could win a race!!!!

Those who say that the #3 car never whined are just proving that they see what they want to see. Sr. whined when Mayfield beat him at Pocono by pushing him out of the way. He whined when JG pulled out of the draft behind him at Daytona and Sr caught by surprise by the move ended up in the wall.I guess JG was supposed to drive his car and Sr’s at the same time. I didn’t care for Sr. after he wrecked Terry at Bristol, but I pulled against him mainly because of his fans

He just rattled his cage!!

What is all the grumbling about? Jeff G ADMITTED the crime. So why was he not hit with some sort of penalty? Rick, I say you are wrong that JG would back off if it had been a team member. He just does not CARE. All he sees is the WIN. More to life than that Jeffy Boy.

DID ANYONE ACTUALLY WATCH THE FINAL FIVE LAPS OR WERE YOU ALL BOMBED OUT OF YOUR GORDS FROM THE KEG OF KEYSTONE LIGHT!!

I WATCHED IT, DIDN’T EVEN APPEAR THAT GORDO EVER TOUCHED THE 17 JUST GOT HIM WAY AREO LOOSE, I WATCHED THE REPALY NEVER SAW ANY CREASE AND OR PAINT TRANSFER FROM GORDO TO THE 17!!!

LOST IN ALL THIS IS THE 17 WASN’T PAYING ATTENTION TO FUEL PRESSURE AS HE ALSO RAN OUT OF FUEL, AND THE FACT THAT MATT KNEW HE WAS SLOWER THAN THE 24!!

STOP CRYING YOU NECKS!!

GORDO WILL MAKE THE CHASE OUT!

If you look at the tape, it’s pretty hard to assess blame here-yes Gordon was being agressive-as any driver should in the closing laps for a win (look at it this way: if YOU were a car owner and YOUR driver was in Jeff’s position, would YOU want him to just ride home in second?!) but Kenseth also slowed dramatically. When one driver checks up in racing that close, the guy behind him will likely make contact. What Jeff did is identical to what Kenseth did to him at Bristol. Had it been another driver he happened to spin, it would not be an issue. But same driver, everyone thinks payback. If fans want a “Show” including hard racing and the occasional crash because of it, then it should not be okay for some to do and not others.(And FYI, Edwards was penalized because htere ir a rule about bumping other cars in the corners at Daytona and Talladega. That rule does not exist elsewhere and is up to NASCAR’s discretion.)

The coming few weeks will be very interesting and I am sure Gordon will get the taste of his own medicine. Few bad finishes due to mishaps (could be intentional wrecking) will hurt him lot more in the standings. NASCAR once again showed inconsistency and didn’t force Gordon to the back of the field. Gordon even admitted during the interview, so what else is needed. With the chase format, the racing is getting intense and everyone from 3rd to 10th are scrambling to stay in the hunt. So I hope the Gordon nation doesn’t whine and cry when he gets punted by someone else. For the record, I am a Tony Stewart fan and I am sure people would have hung him up if he was in Gordon’s place. Gordon once again gets the benefit of doubt. Gordon’s desperation shows his character, he can’t withstand the pressure when the heat for the chase is on.

Hey all you Earnhardt fans. Remember at Bristol when Senior spun Labonte to win? Don’t tell me he never crashed anybody to win. If you’re going for the win with 4 laps to go, wouldn’t you have done the same thing? Plus Kenseth slowed down in front of Jeff, so he really had no time to reach the brake. All you Earnhardt fans are just mad because Gordon is just one win behind Earnhardt’s carrer wins. All I have to say to you Earnhardt and Kenseth fans is to SHUT UP and GET OVER IT!!!!! (Remember Bristol?)

Wow, if one of the Busch brothers had made that move the comments here today sure would have been different!

Excellent article and I agree completely with everything that was said. It was wonderful to see the confidence and fire back in Gordon’s voice and eyes. It’s been a long time coming. Gordon clearly had the better car, as was evident by how well his car worked on long runs and how fast he caught Kenseth. While I don’t think the “punt” was payback, its evident that Gordon is not going to sit back and be Mr. Nice Guy anymore so the rest of the world had better get used to it. Bristol was just the preview…

If the 8 car had been the one to spin the 17, the fans media and the world would have said that it was good hard racing and that he was following in his fathers footsteps. It really says a lot to the NASCAR fans who throw the beer bottles and debris on the track afterward. You should be ashamed of yourselves and never been allowed to any race aever again. As for Gordon being tabbed the next Intimidator? I hope that never happens cause he will be much better that SR. I guess when Gordon wins next time to tie and then pass SR for alltime wins, the beer bottles will be thrown on the track again? It really makes NASCAR fans look bad!

What were you all watching? Matt knew JG was faster and the only thing he could do is check-up to get JG to back-off and put some space between them. JG didn’t and not many other drivers would either with 2 laps to go. That’s Racin!

Who finished in points in 2001? Who finished second in California in 2005? Who finished second in points in 2000? Get my point…Racing is all about the winner, quit complaining (and I don’t even like JG)

wow, sr, rusty, stewart, jr, do it, just a hungry driver going for the win,jg does it and its a crime!shut up all!! whats all this about payback,by my account jg needs to pay back stewart for dover 0-5, and harvick for sonoma a few years back when jg ran out gas on the last turn!!! and kenseth and everyone just shut up, remember bristol, and i dont remember this much uproar when stewart ran you through the grass at daytona,because you know he would do it again if you confronted him and cryed. I respect the #3,but please, only 5 cars could honestly compete for the win in the 80s, today 25 cars can, and jg is still winning, cant wait till new hampshire when he ties sr,maybe all the jr fans can throw their wives (sisters i mean) out on the track!!!!! grow up and get over it,nascar isnt just a southern sport anymore, thats the real deal, the civil war ended years ago!!!!!

Gordon admits he was definitely being aggresive and he is hungrey. Hiden meaning he is admitting that he can’t handle being a loser any more and is worried about making the chase. He knows the there is alot of talented drivers including the young and dumb (fearless) out there and the sport has became much tougher. He is no longer the man to beat. Jeff is used to being THE star and he can ‘t handle the fact that he isn’t as good as he used to be. It has to be hard mentally owning half of a kid who may surpass him in talent (Jimmy).

you know if that had been Jr or stewart it would have been classified as good hard racing, or if jeff had a cool nickname like the intimidator or smoke it would all be ok. Point is that jeff never feel into that good ol boy act and so haters call him a whinner. every one on that track has pushed someone out of the way. And as far as the paybacks are concerned that was the payback for bristol REMEMBER!!!

DOMINATOR, THATS GOOD I LIKE THAT

Ok for jeff gordon to be even associated with being the new intimidator one thing is gonna have to happen and that one thing is. HELL IS GONNA HAVE TO FREEZE OVER FIRST

All of the Gordon haters need to get a life. If you look at Jeff’s career he has won four championships through good clean driving. A single incident with a slower car that was about to run out of gas cannot change that. Dale Earnhardt Sr. was a great driver but he was a driver that would knock someone out of the way without a second thought. In my opinion Jeff Gordon has already surpassed Dale Sr. and will eventually take the top spot in the NASCAR history books. I guess it should comfort Jeff to know that his fans are of a different caliber than those senseless enough to throw drink containers onto the track. Go JG…......Go Dominator!!!

First off Gordon never even touched Kenseth, maybe the haters would be happy if he just sat back and gave the win away. Second, Connie you must be on some good stuff….I mean, not as good as he used to be?? Jimmie will surpass him in talent?? You need to have your head checked. Gordon will never be appreciated for who and what he is….the best, plain and simple. That may be just my opinion, but I don’t think so, the #’s prove it. Also, Jimmie is good, but he’ll never be Gordon. Gordon has 4 championships, and threatens a 5th, if he gets it he will have 5 championships with 3 different crew chiefs, and will likely surpass SR in wins to do it, all while all these new drivers are coming in. I say Gordo’s the man, and I think he is just positioning himself to take his place in history as the best talent we’ve ever seen, period. One more thing, It’s too bad more people can’t understand how short life is and realize who this is before he’s gone too. Bottom line is, wether you love or hate JG, you know inside there’s no one better.

when jeff got spun out at bristol with 3 laps to go i didnt see any of his fans throwing food and bottles like highschool kids. Jeff fans are the fans i like to be. Thanks all you JG fans for keeping a cool head in the bad times and sticking to your guns in the good.

hey i got a question for all the dominator fans if hes so dominant how come hes behind 2 of his teammates in the chase?

yeah to all the Gordon fans if you’re boy is so damn dominate then why isn’t he ahead of his two teammates int he top ten? Jeff isn’t that great he’s a pos nuff said.

Well it’s easy to see Bryan and Pat are both of small minded nature, JG fans are speaking of the big picture, his dominant career. Hell, you two were probably in diapers when he started winning. Pos Pat?? You are the pussy. Nuff said.

oh btw you didnt answer my ? what does his dominant career have to do with him being behind his two teammates?

I’ve been a Nascar fan since the 1992 season and in the time I’ve watched, Gordon has clearly been the better driver between him and Earnhardt.Not really even close once Gordon’s team got some experience.For those who say Gordon should not be mentioned with Earnhardt , I agree , he’s been much , much better.Even in his worst season (2000) with everyone new from fabricator to crew chief ,He still won more races than Earnhardt.I didn’t see Petty or Pearson but from what I’ve seen he’s clearly been the best.P.S. Got to give mention to Tony Stewart who’s also a tremendous talent.

no more mr nice guy Gordon. I smell a big win at indy!

Gordon Fans…Something to think about. Explain to me the racing skill that’s involved with bumping someone/anyone out of the way to desparately win a race to be in the chase. I’m amazed that fans would rather have a cheap shot win vs. a skillful racing pass by their favorite driver. Yeah, Yeah….I know, Earnhardt Sr. did it when he was driving. And in your disillusioned world you envision your driver to be just like him. Another question begs to be asked here….but I’ll leave that one to your imagination. I’ll only say, this is 2006 and we’re in a new era of nascar. Gordon may be a great driver…but he appears to be be very desparate right now. And his method of winning on Sunday did not show case ANY racing skill of ANY kind. It was a cheap shot and it weakens his reputation as a skillful driver. I want my Champion to be a skilled racer who can make a clean pass for the win. Gordon could have made a clean pass to win and chose not to. That choice only served to demonstrate his immaturity as a racer and his desperation to make the chase list. Even Gordon said – he would do whatever he needed to do to win that race and get back into the chase. That Folks is desparation, a cheap shot and immaturity – NOT Skill or Quality Championship material.

i just love the fact that every one is using the kenseth was running out of gas excuse for gordon hitting him. kenseth never ran out of gas until after the incident!! all you gordon fans are just trying to justify the fact that gordon can dish it out but not take it. gordon should have been penalized after the race for blatently admitting he did it on purpose with no regard to the outcome. just like earnhardt jr got penalized after bristol when he admitted spinning out on purpose a couple of years ago. it just goes to show how classless gordon is getting because he’s not on top any more. gordon could have easily passed on the next lap but felt the urge to punt kenseth and knew he could get away with it. PLAIN AND SIMPLE!!!

enough with all the hating, I think jeff gordon is a trail blazer, the 1st big star not reared in the south!!! Stewart,Kenseth,johnson, Kasey, all owe J.G. THANKS FOR MAKING THIER RISE TO THE CUP LEVEL E-Z, IT WAS JEFF WHO MADE THESE OWNERS TAKE NOTICE OF AYOUNG GUN FROM THE OPEN WHEEL WORLDS !!! AS FAR AS COMPARING HIM TO #3,2 TOTALLY DIFFERENT DRIVERS WITH THE HUNGER TO WIN SOMETIMES AT SOMEONE ELSES EXPENCE, I LIKE THE ATTITUDE JEFFS ADOPTING,HE MIGHT BE GOING FOR WIN# 100 IF HE TOOK THIS MINDSET EARLIER.AS FAR AS JUNIOR GOES,HE`S DONE EXACTLY WHAT HIS AND HIS FATHERS FANS (comment edited) ABOUT J.G., THEY BOTH STEPPED INTO TOP NOTCH EQUIPMENT, BUT I HAVENT SEEN JUNIOR WIN A CHAMPIONSHIP YET,HE HAS ONLY 2 WINS THE LAST 2 SEASONS,I THINK HE WOULD TELL YA THAT HE WOULD BE HONORED TO BE MENTIONED IN THE SAME BREATH AS GORDON, NEVER MIND HIS DAD!!!! AND I LIKE JR!!! AND AGAIN KENSETH SHUT UP,ITS SEEMS YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WITH EVERYONE,YOURE BORING TO WATCH AND DONT FORGET YOU ARE THE REASON FOR THE CHASE,1 WIN IN A CHAMPONSHIP SEASON, WE WERE TIRED OF WATCHING THE CHAMP RUN 7TH EVERY WEEK!!!!!

There so much hating going on here…lol what a joke. To point some things out all this whinning crap after bristol did you here gordon whin not at all! he was pissed and promised he would return the favor….well he did! and good for him. second gordon in no way wrecked the 17 he just simply “rattled his cage” i guess since all you so called race fans want something done about the bumping in nascar its time to fiber glass the whole car so if you do bump your done…is that what you want to see?

no matter how you look at it gordon did kenseth a favor .How many laps were left when that happened?2 or 3 I cant remember but anyway kenseth ran out of gas coming to the pits after spinning,so he might have lasted another half lap to a lap.if he doesn’t spin he has to make a green flag pit stop and almost definetly would have been lapped and would have finished around 30th like stewart so if anything kenseth should thank gordon

Sure there are other current day drivers who have punted their peers to gain position and in some cases to win. But take note – in each of those cases, the drivers were desparate and/or frustrated. And in most cases, they didn’t flaunt it in the face of Nascar.

It doesn’t change the fact that it’s NOT skillful racing. It doesn’t change the fact that if you do that enough times to win, you’re going to lose respect as a quality and skilled racing driver. The numbers may indicate that Gordon can win races. But those who watch those races know that it wasn’t because that driver used skill.

And btw, it’s not a badge of courage to be booed at nearly every race track. I almost felt sorry for him at his premier race, the Pepsi 400-with all his sponsors at the track, Gordon was booed Big Time. No I’m not an Earnhardt Fan. But that race should not be called the Pepsi 400. It should be called the Budweiser 400.

Gordon may gain some respect IF he can demonstrate that he can win using skill. Right now that’s just NOT the case. Again I state, he’s only demonstrating his desparation and immaturity! And Gordon fans seem to be loving these desparate days in their world of dis-illusion! Still amazing to me!

Jeff has said many times, he doesn’t race for the love of racing, he races for the WIN, And it seems that everyone forgets Dale Sr. wasn’t the Loved Driver of NASCAR, he has 4 times as many fans now than he did when he was racing. Jeff is probably the greatest driver of all time, and he is finally fed up with being Mr. nice guy, you either love him or hate him, let the fools throw beer cans, Jeff will laugh all the way to the Head Table in N.Y. several more times befores he hangs it up

Oh comon IceT. We all know as Mark Martin said “technology is winning these races.” My Grandmother could of won that race on Sunday with the 24 car. The reason why the 24 was so dominant in the 90’s was due to recieving all the factory backing from GM and their engines/shock technology/aero tech. Not to mention their illegal hubs (Lowe’s race in 1995: biggest fine in NASCAR history to Ray E), soaked tires (98) and lord knows what else that was never discovered. Notice how the #48 continues the domination and Johnson didn’t do anything spectacular in the Busch series at all. Same goes with Joe Gibbs Racing which has always been affiliated with Hendrick. Face it, any other driver from Rick Mast to Kenny Wallace would be 4 time champ driving the #24 all those years.

The bottom line is the numbers and as it stands right now jeff has 75 wins and 4 championships and Sr has 76 wins and 7 championships. and if you really wanna get technical about the top dog is king richard at 200 wins and 7 championships. and until he beats those numbers then it doesnt matter. and unless jeff can repeat 97 and 98 and win about 10 races for the next 13 years and also manage to win 3 more championships in the process then the king still sits on his throne. and oh btw championships mean a little bit more than race wins. and right now your boy jeff is off by 3. so you all might wanna think about that before you start saying that dale isnt in jeffs league cause its all about the numbers. And a couple other things why do you all keep bringing up junior and what he has or hasnt done we arent talking about jr we are talking about SR NOT jr. and who cares who owns the 48 team its not about who owns it its about whos driving the damn thing.

krisa2k2 is right. Jeff actually did Matt a favor. Matt finished 21st. He could have finished 32nd like Tony Stewart did. I just think all you Kenseth and Earnhardt butt kissers should be quiet and accept that Gordon is the best driver out there.

Hey Don – just when was Jeff Gordon ever Mr. Nice Guy? I must have been sick that week, err, day, err, minute… Maybe it was when he was getting a little on the side while married to Brooke?

Just for the record, I’m not a Kennseth fan either.

Gordon has to show me his racing skills for me to believe.

Right now it’s like that saying—”He’s a legend in his own mind.” And apparently in the minds of his fans.

The rest of the world knows better.

hell he isnt even the best damn driver on his own team otherwise he would be leading the points now wouldnt he? and its about what your doing now not what you did 10 frigging years ago yeah he won 2 out of the last 3 races big deal hell tony won 2 out 3 last year to and so did carl and probably somebody else to. and oh btw im not even a kenseth or a earnhardt fan im just telling you the facts.

Wow!!!..what a bunch of whiners…2 things for you wannabe race fans…Jeff will never change NASCAR history…David Pearson will always be the best race car driver to ever compete in Nascar….Richard Petty will always be the most successful driver in NASCAR history, & Dale SR’s popularity after his death will never be matched,( & yes you newbies, he is ALOT more popular since he passed)..But just remember Jeff won 50 of his 75 against SR & when were looking at Nascar history ten years from now will be talking 200 wins for the King, 106 wins for Greatest& third place will be Jeff, in the 90’s…

Jeff will laugh all the way to the Head Table in N.Y. several more times befores he hangs it up.

Thanks this is a great demonstration of Gordon’s shallow nature. It’s all about the WIN. Not his skill as a driver. Perfect!!!

I will say what others won’t say… I didn’t like the Earnhardt Sr’s intimador tactics. Dale Sr. was never my favorite. But, the #3 was treated with privilage for his intimadations. And, yes he was difficult to disapline because of the “heavy-weight” driver presence that he had. Think about it… this helped create drama that sold NASCAR tickets. So expect Gordon to get the same privilaged respect because neither Stewart nor “little E” has shown himself to be the man to take over for the “intimador”. Someone has to become the BLACK evil one… why not Gordon!

ok yeah jeff gordon is about as intimidating as ricky bobby in his wonder bread car and for those of you who dont know what im talking about its the character will ferrell plays in talladega nites

So, Sunny. Are you trying to us that JG has no skill? I suppose having no skill won 75 races. LMAO! You people crack me up sometimes. Go back to sniffing Jr’s. butt.

That’s an interesting perspective that Gordon needs to be the BLACK evil one. I’m sure he’ll appreciate that one!

When I buy a ticket to see a nascar race, it’s certainly not to see any BLACK evil one. And oh, btw I don’t really need to buy a ticket to watch the race. I want to see some racing! I want to see some real racing and I’m not talking about Dale Sr. style racing either. To me that’s NOT racing. That’s all ego taking over to win at any cost! To me, it’s a waste of talent to win with a bump ‘n run. And actually it’s a waste of my paid ticket to see that kind of racing.

It certainly doesn’t take any skill to bump ‘n run. And like someone else said, with today’s technology anyone of the nascar drivers could take the 24 car that Gordon drove on Sunday and get a win! There’s a lot of the difference today vs. the Dale Sr. days of racing. Let Dale Sr. remain the BLACK evil one as you stated. We live in a different nascar world today. There’s more pressure than ever for drivers to race with skill. For those who think they need to stay in the nascar of yesterday—They’ll be left behind. I’m wondering why Gordon hasn’t figured that out yet. Hmmm…that’s right, he wasn’t in the chase last year and now he desparately wants to make it. I guess the only way he knows how is the the ole’ bump ‘n run tactics of the old nascar days. Things that make you go hmmmmmm.

Y’all make me laugh! Thanks! I needed that!

Hey Mike…YOU crack me up! Read my entire messages here. You’ll find out I’m not an Earnhardt Jr/Sr fan nor am I a Kennseth fan.

Actually, I think Gordon has talent. I just think that he chooses not to use his talents to win races. I also think it cheapens his career in racing. I think Gordon is caught up in his own ego to win at any cost. I’m thinking after seeing Gordon being booed by a lot of people at the races I’ve attended this year esp. the Pepsi 400, there may be a lot of pressure on Golden Boy Gordon to make the chase this year. I’m thinking Gordon is a desparate man and will do anything to win…at his own admission. I’m thinking Gordon hasn’t yet figured out that Nascar is a changing world and he’s still living in a past nascar world.

btw, Those 75 wins you so proudly recant on cue…how many were bump ‘n run desparation/ego wins? That’s what I’m talking about! See my last post to understand my views on the bump ‘n run of yesteryear!

Alot of you necks posting seem to think that Gordo is the only driver in NASCAR that whines after having an issue on the track!!

It seems to me that I remember more than a few times that Jeff had accepted responsbility for an incident or chalked it up to “A racing deal”

I think I remember both Kenseth and T-Stew having on the track incidents just this year and does any neck out there remember T-Stew spining I believe it was gordon out in Bristol a couple of years ago, on the cool down lap on pit row!!

Brillant move T-Stew and of course both stewart and kenseth always except resposiblity for their racing incidents never blaming the other driver!!

All you necks need to lay off the HILLBILLY HEROIN AND PABST BLUE RIBBON AND COME TO GRIPS THAT GORDO IS JUST LIKE ALL THE OTHER IMPERFECT DRIVERS IN NASCAR!!!

GORDO WILL MAKE THE CHASE NECKS QUITE GRIPPIN!!!

OUT!!!

All of you Earnfart fans make me laugh. Next time Jr. wins, the crowd should throw pepsi bottles at his car. That is just so retarded. I think that shows how drunk some of the Earnfart fans can get. Hey Bryan, just shut up. You’re just mad cause Gordon is better than Earnfart. You whine more than Matt Kenseth does. Just accept the fact that Gordon is 3 times better than Jr. Remember that 8×3=24!

This is my first, and probably only time on here. I was surfing around and stumbled across this. Anyway, I know this is cliche, but the only 2 that know what happened are not here on-line. Now somebody may have already said this but I am not reading through all 70-plus arguements.
Gordon’s on probation. He knows everybody who matters is watching this battle up front. So do you think he is going to further jeopardize his chance of making the chase by taking a penalty? Especially after NASCAR goes out of their way before the race to discuss enforcements of penalties. I’m sure that Jeff knows that if he does anything close to a blatant retalliation, he is risking points, possibly even more. It is also to say that probation doesn’t mean anything or that he gets a break because of who he is. So be it, if he can get away with it, don’t you think he’d do it a little more frequently. Hell Stewart is a great driver, but he runs over people in the middle of the race, even when it’s not for position. Either way, Gordon was going to win that race, intentional or not. He was a mile and a half an hour faster than Kenseth when the wreck happened. He actually jeopardized his chances of winning by hitting Kenseth, or did you not see him standing on the brakes so that he would not plow into Kenseth’s driver side door. You know between getting caught up in the spin and possibly flat spotting his tires, that doesn’t make for a very drivable car.
So think what you want, but I don’t think that the pro-Gordon fans are going to change the anti-Gordon fans minds and vice-versa. But it really doesn’t matter now does it? Gordon won the race and none of you can take that from him.

Jeff Gordon is the best!!!!!!!

Ricky Ray Bob…Let’s stay on topic. The title of this blog is “Jeff Gordon…Intimidator?”

That’s probably the reason everyone else is talking about Jeff Gordon.

Gordon whines as much or more than the next guy when someone does a bump ‘n run on him. He’s the worst when it comes to not being able to take what he dishes out. The whole Kennseth/Gordon storyline reinforces my point that Gordon does not demonstrate maturity at his ripe ole age of 35.

It is all about the numbers, that’s why you Sr fans will never get over JG. You wanted Sr to win that 8th title,and JG kept that from happening the year JG won his first title. JG would already have his fifth title if it wasn’t for this chase format, check the points the first year the chase was used.No skill????, please, JG is a threat at every style of track not just one like jr at plate races, rusty at short tracks, etc. (comment edited)

You’re right there are two people who know exactly what happened Sunday. Both Kennseth and Gordon have made clear their views in the press.

Totally agree that this was Gordon’s race to win. So why did he act so rashly and punt Kennseth? Even Kennseth said he wasn’t going to win the race cause he was running out of gas. Gordon could have had the win without the punt on Kennseth.

The fact of the matter is that Gordon has a hugh ego. And yes, I do believe that his immature mind felt the need to dish out his payback to Kennseth.

Gordon can be a smart guy when he chooses. I’m sure that he’s smart enough not to say he purposely punted Kennseth. esp. because of his probation for the rest of the year.

I’m not trying to change anyone’s view…I just believe I have a view to share.

EXTRA EXTRA EXTRA!!!!!

Our good friend Sunny has been named to Drive the 24 at New Hampshire, most likely to another victory!!

Additionally, racing expert Sunny informs us that it dosent take any racing Skill to either bump another driver or get them aero loose!!

Of course Sunny is right I bet it could be done again with Sunny at the wheel without Sunny smashing into Kenseth or whoever is driving!!!

Sunny I guess it doesn’t take any talent to win four titles or seventy five races I bet that Curious George or Sunny could have drove the 24 to all those wins and titles!!

To stay on topic
Sunny I believe that Gordo should be proud of the title “Wonder Boy” as he not working alone brought NASCAR mainstream, and has helped the sport Grow, to it’s present status the fastest growing sport in America!! So no Gordon isnt the Intimidator or Dominator its “Wonder-Boy” one of the best ever!!!

Sunny put down the Red-man plug and quite smoking from the glass pipe!!

Gordo Rules!!

No skill????, please, JG is a threat at every style of track not just one like jr at plate races, rusty at short tracks, etc.

PLEASE READ THE POSTS. I’m talking about not using his skills to win races. Gordon had a great race car. Gordon has the talent to race a clean race. I’m talking about the FACT, that he has made deliberate choices not use his skills. I stand by my statement that Gordon cheapens his record when he wins races the way he did at Chicagoland Speedway on Sunday. That type of racing does not demonstrate his skills. It demonstrates his immaturity and desparation.

Yes, Gordon can be a threat at any track. But remember this was his FIRST win at Chicagoland. Imo, it was a cheap shot win when it could have and should have been a win based on his skills. Gordon didn’t make the chase last year and he desparately wants to make the chase this year.

It’s ironic that Gordon’s ego is getting in the way of creating the legend he really wants to feed his ego. It’s a catch 22 scenario for Gordon.

I’m advocating that Gordon uses the skills he possesses vs. choosing to bump ‘n run his peers. It would gain more respect from me and I’m betting a lot of other people (based on the boos I hear at many race tracks).

Gordon is his own worst enemy at devaluing any respect for his driving skills. Mainly because of his ego, desparation to make the chase and immaturity.

I know many of you could care less about whether Gordon’s wins are cheap shots or not. But to me, I’d rather know that my driver won because he drove a smart race and won with clean skillful driving. The celebration in victory lane is then well-deserved and can be respected by everyone.

The cheap shots wins that Gordon is choosing is the reason people don’t respect him!

Wow, guys, we are about to run out of room here. The Frontstretch message board would be the PERFECT place to continue this conversation. Please do so here http://www.frontstretch.com/board/index.php?topic=187.0

Once again Ricky Ray Bob, you are not reading the post accurately. I wonder who’s really smoking from the glass pipe here.

PLEASE READ THE POSTS BEFORE YOU SPOUT OFF.

I didn’t say that I could race and win with the 24 car. I’m NOT a Nascar driver. I simply re-stated what someone else said, that any of the Nascar drivers could have won in the 24 car that Gordon drove on Sunday.

Please read to understand the points that are being made here. This is not an “I win you win” scenario. I have as much right to share my perspective as you do to share yours.

I just wish you would read a little better so we can discuss the points being made in an adult manner.

gordon hasnt had that good of a car on this kind of track in a long long time. he could get hot .when hes got a good car hes a factor

All of you JG fans can be real proud that your driver could care less if he injures or even kills another driver as long as he gets the win. That is something to be proud of! Why don’t we compare ALIVE drivers to ALIVE drivers. DE is gone and JG is not knocking on his 7th or 8th title just yet. Petty has the most wins as mentioned and JG has a long way to go to beat that record. JG would not have won the championship last year if it wasn’t for the points chase I believe it would have been JJ. JG was not even in the top 10. Like it or not (NOT)the points leader is JJ which means this year right now JJ is the best driver (and luckest) in Nascar.

I was at the race Sunday and I can tell you that it was not only 8 fans booing & giving JG the finger as he went around under the caution laps. I saw fans of 17,6,99,16,20,11,43,45,9 and even a 2 (KB) fans doing this. We left as the checkered flag was flying but my guess is that those same fans were the ones to throw bottles on the track. Face it only 24 fans need to bash the 8 fans any chance they can. Better driver or not he has the most fans in Nascar with no doubt.

Also the same JG fans thinks it okay to risk a drivers life and cheered when it happened. But to throw a bottle on a track – MY OH MY are they naughty. And also the drunkest person I saw was a JG fan who couldn’t find his mouth with his cigarette and ended up sticking it in his nose before he found his mouth. We laughed so hard we had tears. So don’t try to make 8 fans the only drunks – I saw many fans of many drivers drinking.

I have to admit this is aggrevating. So let me get this straight, its ok for Gordon to dump Kenseth at a high speed track and alot of people seem to think its ok, while on the other hand earlier in the year Kurt Bush did the bump and run on Kenseth, didnt even take him out and people were so much harder on Kurt even suggesting penalizing him or being less tolerant of the move and this is Bristol of all tracks.

Jeff is just being Jeff, I look forward to Matt returning the favor once again making the 24 miss the chase AGAIN!! Gordon is no Intimidator and never will be, hes a rainbow warrior, lol

One work Competitive

Another word Competition:

The words define sports in America.

Gordon is like the Yankees in baseball or the Cowboys in Football!!

Either you love the 24 and his team or you hate the team very few people don’t have a feeling on the 24 and his team!!

I guess the 24 should have allowed the 17 to hold the point even if he was slower and hoped that Kenseth just gave the position away or ran out of Gas!! or had a tire go down!! That way Gordon would have won!!

Drivers in Nascar didn’t get in the seat of their rides finishing second or being the first LOSER!

Racing is about winning and not finishing second!!

Gordon isn’t being immature he is just competing!! That is what makes NASCAR great!!

I guess if Gordon is immature so is Stewart,Kenseth,Harvick,Bifle and SR….

NASCAR is about being IMMATURE and not competing!!

NASCAR HOW BAD IS YOUR IMMATURITY!!

That would make a great new marketing slogan for NASCAR!!

Thanks to Sunny everyone that competes is in fact Immature!!

Lets just quite with the double standard!!

And please Sunny put down the Old Grandad!!!

If Kenseth, Earnhardt, Burton, or Stewart wrecked Jeff Gordon, it would have been the best race ever. All you whiners can just be quiet. I can’t wait to see Jeff Gordon pass Earnhardt’s winning record.

It is a shame that Dale Sr had to die for Jeff to catch up and surpass him in wins. I’m not a Dale Sr fan or a Jeff Gordon fan, but it seems one should not be bragging like it is a huge feat to surpass some one’s win record who was killed five and a half years ago. Yes, it is a milestone and an honor to have accomplished as many wins as Dale Sr, but I do not feel that is the TONE behind the emails I’ve read. It sounds like an “in your face” comment. If he had retired and Jeff was catching and surpassing him, I feel it would be more of an accomplishment. Maybe you can brag when he breaks the King’s record of 200 races and it won’t sound so pitiful. Just my two cents.

I just love controversy!!!!!

What does it matter? Matt would have run out of gas anyways. Also Jeff’s car was so much faster than Matt’s car.

Robby-Just tonight the program Wind tunnel showed that he did indeed run into him. Jeff even admitted to that fact also. Open your eyes and your ears. Did you also miss JG saying that he is hungry to get into the chase? That is basicly saying he is desperate from his own mouth. Get your ears checked and your sight and face it that this year (and last year) that JG’s minni me JJ is better than him and most likely to win the championship. I’ve admitted it you should too.

Sunny,
Wind tunnel showed JG get him aero loose. Gordon admitted to being HUNGRY, not desperate…open YOUR ears and eyes. What a joke!

When nascar showed the replays, you could clearly see no damage before contact between gordon and kenseth. Soon as they slowed it down and showed 17 starting spinning there was damage on the left rear bumper, courtesy of Gordon. Personally I dont like either but appreciate good hard racing, why dont all you people just quit (comment edited) before they change the rules and dont allow contact.

Jeff Gordon did get into Matt. Matt just slowed in front of him. Jeff still would have beat him CRS.

Robby – First and foremost I am always the DD as I really don’t enjoy drinking that much and before you say I am on drugs I don’t do that either. Secondly I was at the race as the track is only 2 hours away from us and we saw what we saw. I should have taken pictures for you of the fans that dislike JG.

You must be so wasted you don’t even remember who you are answering to. It is CRS not Sunny. See I knew your eyes aren’t open.

Jeff had a much faster car than Matt’s. Open up your eyes CRS.

John – I agree that JG would have most likely won but he himself said the things he did and Matt did say he thought he did it on purpose. Matt has not been known to be a cry baby so I believe he feels he did not slow up. I think JG had a run on him which made it look like Matt slowed up. The 42 was on the outside and JG didn’t make the choice to slow up to avoid Matt.

Jeff Burton was also fast as well as Kevin Havick but who ever had the lead had the clean air advantage.

Well how come Gordon was able to catch up running behind Kenseth? How come Burton and Harvick never caught up to Jeff when he was in the clean air? Why should Jeff have slowed up if he had such a good run? This shows Jeff Gordon had the best car at Chicagoland.

Robby – How has Jeff secured himself as the best? He has not surpassed The King Richard in any way shape or form. And your right my driver is not as good as JG has been in the past BUT he is ahead of JG in points.

John – I agreed that JG most likely would have won the race he was faster than Matt or he would have never caught him as you said. I just stated that those other cars were also fast cars. On all the restarts who ever had the lead jumped way out ahead fast.

I’ve been a fan of jeff for a long time no i dont think he is in the same leuage as the late dale sr. but he will win whatever it takes just like the racers of the past i.e. cale y. allisons.or earnhrdts. it dont matter it was a great race from start to finish. no matter who won or how they won. Like stewart said before matts an idiot.

If you would like to debate the issue in this article, then I invite you to our message board where we have set up a place for this topic. http://www.frontstretch.com/board/index.php?topic=187.0

Please know that personal attacks on other readers/commentors to this article will no longer be tolerated and your posts will be removed if we deem them inappropriate. The Frontstretch is a place for NASCAR fans of all ages, and inappropriate behavior will not be allowed.

Obviously this topic has hit a hot button for some, but it can be debated without getting out of control.

We appreciate your cooperation, and thank you for visiting The Frontstretch!

Gordon won in the NASCAR tradition of whatever it takes. That is what made NASCAR the sport it is today. If a driver is not willing to trade paint or move another car then in my opinion he isnt much of a driver, basically becoming Mark Martin. A guy who can drive for sure, but never did what it takes to win the big one. I have never understood this intense hate for Gordon. He races hard like the drivers of the past. If by luck his last name started with an ‘E’ he would be granted sainthood by now.I gues its just small minds and jealousy that brings about the behavior that was shown on Sunday.

CRS,
“king” richard raced in a time when, maybe 5 cars could win each week, and took 7 titles before the likes of earnhardt came and did it too, in a much shorter period of time. Then there is Gordon, who, by all accounts, if they didn’t change to the chase format, would already have 5 titles and he isn’t even 35 yet. Already surpassing earnhardt for wins, and would probably have passed him or at least tied him for titles, had it not been for the chase format. However to answer your question, I guess if you gave gordon over 1,000 starts with only 4 other real competitors on the track like petty had, I think he would have ammased more than 200 victories and 7 titles.

Sunny, Sunny, Sunny, and all of those who seem to be so short sighted when the facts are clear. Robby has some very good points and if you talk to NASCAR they don’t go back past 1975 when looking at the modern era and for good reasons as Robby pointed out. If you look at the numbers after 1975, the King had 36 wins in 530 starts. Sr. had 76 wins in 676 starts. Drum roll please…Gordon has 75 wins in 455 starts. Wow!!, if it is not clear from the numbers I don’t know what is. If you want to analyze it a little more you will see that the King averaged winning every 12th race, Dale Sr won every 8th race, and Gordon won every 6th race. If you look at just the win percentage and nothing else you will see Gordon is clearly on top. Oh, Don, I am sorry to tell you that David Pearson had only 21 wins in 152 starts which equates to 1 win every 7 races or so. I want to get it straight, I think the King was great, I didn’t like Earnhardt Sr. even though I liked to watch him race. I especially liked the 50 times Gordon beat him while Sr only won 23 races in that timeframe. I think Dale Jr. is a good driver and will come into his own as he matures and gets his cars working better. I like the Tony Stewart of today better than the bully of a couple years ago. I have always followed Gordon because he is one of the cleanest drivers on the track. I am sure that he had no intention of spinning Kenseth, but I also think he was ok with the outcome seeing as how Kenseth did it to him at bristol. That race was one of the reasons that Jeff finds himself on the bubble in the run for the chase. Jeff is mainly on the bubble because of reasons outside his control. Chicagoland was within his control and he won the race. Kenseth would have been better off giving him the room to get around instead of blocking. Sooooo, SUNNY, you can comment, but we can just consider the source and the fact that you have nothing backing you up. If Kenseth is smart he will mark things as even and not mess with the “Dominator”