Jeff Gordon

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

You can shoot for this statement, but I was never, ever, a #3 fan. IMHO, he was one of the dirtiest racers on the track. It was very sad that he died, but I would not want my son to think of him as a role model - Texas Terry is/was the face of Nascar in the 90's.

[Xplantdad]

He wasn't called the intimidator for nothing...

[rubbinisracing]

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IMHO, he was one of the dirtiest racers on the track.

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Agressive is not dirty! It was his style and when it happened to him he didn't complain (ala Pococno and his run in with Mayfield) If I was a team owner and my driver didn't want to win bad enough to get you loose and ease you up the track when he's being blocked then I'd get another driver. While I like Mark Martin his style of driving (lets all play nice) doesn't win championships as evidenced by his record.

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Texas Terry is/was the face of Nascar in the 90's.

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Tap the brakes before you loose control and run off in the ditch! I live in Texas, and he or his brother weren't the most popular driver(s) here, except maybe in Corpus Christi. The 24 and 3 were the most visible and high profile teams during the 90's.

[x Baldwin Motion]

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X Baldwin-Motion...Why do you hate Gordon, Cause he wins so much??

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First, it's not hate. I just like to root for anyone who is beating him (yes the frequent winners usually get booed the most, ask any of the old Waltrip or Earnhardt fans).
Over the years I've noticed that most people like myself,tend to cheer on drivers that were on top as they became interested in the sport. When I went to Daytona in 1988 I didn't know any drivers and since I was with a bunch of Ford owners who were Bill Elliot fans I chose the most obvious Chevrolet, the black Goodwrench number 3 to cheer for. The rest is history.
When Gordon made his debut at Atlanta in 92 I thought nothing of it. In 93 when he ran for rookie honors up against Bobby Labonte, I went with Bobby because I liked his brother Terry and he was the underdog. When Jeff got his first win in the 600 in 94 he cried so bad they needed the jet dryers in victory lane. His fate was sealed in my book.
I do not deny he is very talented and it dosen't hurt to have the much needed endless supply of money to help him win.

This year I am hoping Bowyer has a miracle because he is the underdog and the darkhorse.

Definetly no "hate" bones in my body.

[427TJ]

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If Stewart drove as well as he whined he'd be a 7 time Champion.

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Exactly! My son (7) loves Tony Stewart so I hold my tongue when Stewart's leading a race. At the entry to our local Home Depot there's a Coke machine with a life-size Tony Stewart on the front (as if he actually drank "red" sugar-filled Coke). People keep blackening Tony's middle teeth with Sharpies and the vendor finally stopped trying to clean it off.

I like Jeff Gordon because so many people hate him. Hell of a good driver too.

[Kim_Howie]

I quit watching when they started racing JAP CRAP. Sorry homey don't go that way.

[x Baldwin Motion]

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....I like Jeff Gordon because so many people hate him.....

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I believe that is how many favorite drivers are chosen!!

[NCGuy68]

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I'm a life-long Earnhardt fan. I rarely want Gordon to win (only if he's beating other guys I dislike more), but I do have respect for him.

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Although it has never made the news headlines, both Gordon and Dale Sr. had great respect for each other. Early on, Gordon said that Dale taught him alot about Cup racing on and off the track. Earnhardt encouraged Gordon to license and control his image for marketing (Dale was the first Cup driver to do it.) They actually entered into several business partnerships before Dale passed away.

I'am thinking Gordon learned well from the #3.

[rubbinisracing]

If I could have any driver for a full season to drive , deal with sponsers and present a positive image it would be Jeff Gordon.
If I had my choice of any driver to run just 10 races in sprints, nascar,iroc type, indy/champ car or imca I would choose Tony Stewart. He can drive and win in anything. But if he doesn't slim down he's not going to fit in a car, even the COT.