The Kid Can Drive A Car
Let me start by saying I’m not a Jeff Gordon fan. But I will admit, the kid can drive a race car. Sure he’s always had good equipment during his career but a lot of drivers have had good equipment and not put up the numbers he has. His win Sunday was his 12th restrictor plate victory putting him at the top of list, and on top of the Cup standings.
Love him or hate him, the numbers don’t lie:
Starts 503
Poles 62
Wins 80
Top 5s 231
Top 10s 311
Average Start 9.7
Average Finish 12.3
Championships 4
Restrictor Plate Wins 12 (most by a driver)
Road Course Wins 9 (most by a driver)
Total Winnings (including bonuses) $88,304,894
With 80 wins, Jefff is #6 on the all time NASCAR wins list. If history is any indicator, by the end of next season he should be ranked third on the list. Those drivers ahead of him are:
5 Cale Yarborough 83
4 Darrell Waltrip 84
3 Bobby Allison 85
2 David Pearson 105
1 Richard Petty 200
Obviously The King’s number will never be surpassed but what about the 105 wins pulled off by the Silver Fox, David Pearson? Gordon has been driving in the Cup series for 16 years, although his first year consisted of only 1 race. The 1992 season finale at Atlanta, which is more well known for being Richard Petty’s final race. Even including that year though Jeff has averaged 5 wins a year. If Gordon can maintain that average, and race another 5 years, he will catch Pearson and become the 2nd winningest driver in history. Since he is only 35 years old, it’s quite likely that he’ll stick around for at least that long.
Like I said, love him or hate him, the kid can drive.
* Statistics from Racing-Reference.info
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