Jeff Gordon knew going in, that having the final spot for qualifying last night at Charlotte Motor Speedway was yet another Chase gift.
A late run, when temperatures were low and track conditions were ideal, allowed the veteran driver to deliver what was expected of him. Anything short would have been un-championlike, indeed.
“The track is extremely fast and you’ve just got to be committed,” said Gordon after speeding to the 74th pole start of his Cup career.
As if Gordon needed to remind us of his commitment. It’s expected of a four-time champion.
The pole win was a much-needed emotional boost for a team that had already suffered more than its share of bad luck that began at Daytona. A series of missteps and coulda-woulda moments early in the season stymied the Hendrick squad even after things started coming together during the summer. Although the team rallied in the final regular season races, it wasn’t good enough and Gordon found himself just outside the Chase.
Then, following the foolishness at Richmond, Gordon’s team was handed their first Chase gift when they were given a spot as an unprecedented 13th member of The Chase.
Fortunately, the team has used this gift well, delivering three top-10 finishes in the four Chase races so far, keeping Gordon in contention for the title, a mere 32 points behind leader Matt Kenseth.
The question now is, can the Alan Gustafson squad kick it up a notch on Saturday night and end their winless streak — one that stretches back to Homestead last fall?
They too have proven they have the commitment to win. And there is no other driver in the field of 43 that has more to prove than Gordon. He wants that fifth title. He also knows that a driving career doesn’t last forever, especially with a crop of young drivers waiting in the wings, each one looking to compare his or her talents against the crafty veteran.
So boys, what will you do with this latest gift?
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