Gordon a 'Victim of His Own Success'

While Jeff Gordon's win at Texas Motor Speedway was a big deal to most of us, it wasn't as significant as we've all made it out to be. Sure, he broke a 47-race winless streak and snagged a win on one of the two remaining tracks he hadn't conquered, but the whole incident was terribly overplayed and revealed just how much of a slave Gordon is to his own success.

While Gordon had never before visited Victory Lane at Texas, how quickly we forget the man led a bunch of laps and landed many top-five finishes at the 1.5-mile venue before.

Secondly, the media and fans have beat to death the fact he was winless last year but we have very short memories. In 2007, Gordon had one of the best seasons of his career, scoring six wins and nearly winning the championship. But this is a "what have you done for me lately?" sport.

Gordon put up some huge numbers in the late 1990s with crew chief Ray Evernham, winning 10 and 13 races a year. But nowadays, if the Hendrick Motorsports driver doesn't log multiple races or a championship, we unfairly judge him and his entire team on the basis of their past accomplishments. The four-time champion is a victim of his own success.

No, Gordon didn't win last year but his performance wasn't as inferior as it's been portrayed. The measuring stick should not be his former accolades because the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series cars are so close together now that even the slightest disturbance in a car will relegate it to mid-pack or worse. In general, an entire field is separated by less than a half-second, so it doesn't take much for someone like Kyle Busch, Carl Edwards or Jimmie Johnson to hit on the right setup, gain an advantage and knock off several wins.

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Gordon's team may have been missing a little something last year but it was more illusion than substance. It just wasn't one of the top three or four teams and given the closeness of the competition, that meager margin is difficult to overcome and it succumbed to it.

Gordon's crew chief, Steve Letarte, suffers criticism for his driver's problems much in the same way Tony Eury Jr. takes the heat when things don't go swimmingly for Dale Earnhardt Jr. But I think Gordon is comfortable with, and has full faith in, Letarte. The duo appears to be on the same wavelength and that will pay dividends in their future achievements.

Along with the finger pointing at Letarte, another aspect people faulted for Gordon's lack of success was his new role as a father and the perceived impact it has had on his aggressiveness and competitive spirit. That's ridiculous. While becoming a father might snuff out the competitive fire in some, it certainly didn't extinguish Gordon's drive.

I've covered him since he made his NASCAR Nationwide Series debut and he's just as polished and professional as they come and doesn't allow his personal life to bleed over into his driving style. Gordon's desire hasn't wavered and the mistaken assertion that it has is merely a byproduct of the unending criticism of his off-the-map success.

It's good that the No. 24 team got that first win out of the way this season, because he no longer has to answer the question of when he will win again. Gordon is not the kind of racer who lets distractions hinder his performance and mindset, but I do think winning this early in the year can only reinforce the team's morale and poise. A win provides a confidence boost, if nothing else, because we all need validation and reassurance we're on the right path, and the win column is the lone validation NASCAR teams have.

But then again, there's always the validation teams experience sitting at the head table at the season-ending Sprint Cup championship awards ceremony. And with Gordon perched atop the points right now, I'll also venture a prediction he also will be the points leader coming out of Homestead, the one enjoying that all-important validation in the form of a Sprint Cup trophy. Then maybe we can finally judge him on the merits of his current success and not his past.

Steve Byrnes is the host of Trackside Live, NASCAR Live and This Week in NASCAR on SPEED, in addition to his duties as a pit reporter for FOX Sports. A NASCAR broadcaster for nearly 25 years, Byrnes also hosts the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series practice and qualifying broadcasts, as well as the NASCAR Nationwide Series sessions. He broke into NASCAR broadcasting in 1985 as the host of Inside NASCAR on TNN and went on to host Darrell Waltrip's Racers on TNN, among numerous other programs. Byrnes also has served as a play-by-play announcer in the NFL. For more information about Byrnes or to access the NASCAR on SPEED weekend programming schedule, please visit www.speedtv.com.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

4-16-2009 @ 6:23PM

Don Emerson said...

Ya ya ya, Jeffey boy is back.....or so they say. I'll believe it when he wins a race outright, not when the cloud of a possible gift is hanging over it. I know...I know, jump on me again for suggesting that Jimmie let him win. But hear me out before you hang me. Put yourself in Johnson's place for a moment. You're running second, behind your mentor and friend who hasn't won in almost two years. You're young enough and good enough to know that letting him win this one won't have any dire effects on your career totals. Tell me, what would you have done in Jimmie's place. As we saw in the race, Jimmie came from far behind Jeff to catch him in the space of under two laps. Then all of a sudden, just as he reached Jeff's bumper.....the 'ol #48 just up and died on him and he dropped back a safe distance to protect second place. Gordon knows he owes Jimmie one, and will find a way to return the favor before the season is over. So win one the right way Jeffey, and I will salute your performance. works for me....

4-16-2009 @ 6:29PM

Sara said...

you know nothing don emerson. Jeff Gordon won that race fair and square. Jimmie admitted he couldn't catch Jeff so shut up

4-17-2009 @ 2:46AM

Sara, did you forget to take your medication again. Tsk...Tsk. Like Kim, you too must be a blonde to fall for Jimmie's claim that he couldn't catch Jeff. What did you expect him to say.....duh. Sometimes I wish Nascar had a minimum IQ requirement in order to become a fan. But then I stop and realize that no circus is complete without the clowns. Works for me...

4-17-2009 @ 9:14AM

illsell4u said...

I am actually surprised at the lack of articles over the last year on this issue. It was the number one subject for the first half of last year for a driver that had gone a while without any wins that has 1/5 the number of wins as Jeff.
Currently there is an article on Nascar.com speculating on whether Jeff will eclipse the mark set by Pearson of 105. No is the current sentiment among the writers quoted while at the same time they list that all the top 8 or 10 drivers had more than enough victories past their 37th birthday to push Jeff well past that 105 mark. He is expected to go from 6th on the list to number 3 on the list this year now that he and the team have learned how to drive the new car.
mbl

4-17-2009 @ 10:45AM

Jack said...

Don's right. No circus is complete without the clowns as Don has proven over and over on these blogs. I bet he looks dapper with his big red nose and oversized shoes.

4-17-2009 @ 6:59PM

DEEGE said...

Congrats Jeff! There will always be someone to rain on a winners parade. I was taught that if You didnt have something nice to say about someone then KEEP YOU MOUTH SHUT! Now, I am sure that some will post something negative about Me, but who cares, without those negative people, We would have nobody to call an Ass.

Keep Winning Jeff

4-17-2009 @ 9:05PM

Kim said...

Don,

Give me a break!!! Are you so freaking bored that you have to come on here and make fun of me again? I believe I have proven time and time again that I am not only an educated woman, but know plenty about the sport that is my passion. When I am wrong, I say so.

Why are you so obsessed with my haircolor? Do you lay awake at night Don wondering what I look like? I assure you.....I am WAY out of your league!!!! And as far as I.Q's go, I will match you any day on wit and intelligence and probably do you one better. I am currently pursuing my Masters degree. What are you doing, Don? Oh that's right....you're being sued for running a business where you took client's money for a service you never provided. Classy and oh so smart. I am so green with envy. I've longed to be known as a fraud and a criminal.

Get a clue, Don. Your NASCAR conspiracy crap has run its course with everyone. Jimmie didn't "let" anyone win and Jeff wouldn't have allowed anyone to do so either. Remind us again, Don....why do you continue to post on a blog about NASCAR when you never have anything nice to say or add about anything related to the sport? Dazzle me with your wisdom, Don.

Kim

Kim

4-17-2009 @ 9:07PM

4-18-2009 @ 3:30AM

Now, now Kim, don't get your tutu in a bind. I meant no insult to you or either of the drivers involved. We live in a shallow society where everything and everyone is taken at face value, with little desire for the truth that lies beneath the surface. I'm not the Don Emerson that dumbass Brad with his gay drinks and grass skirts provided some kind of link for. Braddypoo and his cronies googled the wrong D E. I post on these pages to try and enable fans to think for themselves and not just follow the herd. I try to help them look below the surface and behind the scenes to learn for themselves what really goes on in the sport that we all love. It may be hard to believe, but one can be an avid fan of racing and still think for themselves. My information and opinions come from my observations as well as sources within the sport itself. I'm not obsessed by you in any way, I just love to pull your chain and watch you foolishly respond in spite of your vast intelligence and over rated education. And now you know.....game over...you're dismissed. Works for me

4-18-2009 @ 8:59AM

Don,

I do think for myself and speak out quite often. I have very differing opinions from some of the "regulars" on here and am never afraid to give my opinion. I don't need your assistance helping me to think outside the box.

As for education, it's never over rated. I am a firm believer that education opens many doors as well as opportunities one wouldn't have had without achieving higher education.

Your "dismissiveness" of me or any other woman on here is quite disconcerning. You sound like a very controlling man, one that if he had a woman would be abusive to her. I for one do not appreciate being spoken down to by you or any man and from this point forward, will simply ignore you. Now that, "works for me!"

Kim

4-18-2009 @ 10:41AM

Ron said...

Yeah, Don has "sources within the sport" LOL God thats funny. Read the last four lines of post #9. That in a nutshell is the extent of his contributions to these blogs. I have noticed recently that he gets little response from his usual display of moronic bullshit. Better late than never.

4-18-2009 @ 12:26PM

bobharlibob said...

It is hard to get a win now for any of the drivers. I am and always will be a Jeff Gordon fan. I am thinking that Jeff might retire soon and I have picked Kyle Busch to be my next favorite driver.

4-18-2009 @ 6:51PM

Brad said...

Well well well, look who's chain got yanked on now. LMAO Not only are the shoes getting tighter he has a chauvinistic attitude towards women, a problem being a homophobe, now it seems he has run off and joined the circus,,,,,and speaking of following the herd guess what O-B-Don-Nobody,,,,,the view never changes when your not the lead elephant! ! ! LMAOROF

Alohahaha, Brad

P.S. What's up Ron,,,,,,I didn't know a crystal ball was considered a 'SOURCE'. LOL

4-19-2009 @ 4:59AM

Ahhh....it's spring, and romance is in the air as shown by the return of Brad and his sweetheart Ron. They met when they entered a Boy George look-alike contest. Neither of them won, but they've been together ever since. We should feel honored when they take time out from their lifelong honeymoon to fill these pages with their wit and wisdom. Of course being the flamming queens that they are, they can't attend many races but never miss one on TV. Their fondish wish is that someone one day, will come up with a blow up Jr doll to go with the one they have of his dad. Keep up the good work guys and try to post as often as you make love. Works for me.....

4-19-2009 @ 9:22AM

Notice how Don responded when I baited him. "I just love to pull your chain and watch you foolishly respond." A victim of his own game. That was easy as I knew it would be. LOL

4-19-2009 @ 1:46PM

Hi Ron!

I did notice how he was easily "baited" and lashed out. I was laughing my butt off since that's the very thing he excused this uneducated highly over-rated poster about. Thanks for proving that once an a&*hole, always an a&*hole.

Love ya,

Kim

4-19-2009 @ 11:04PM

nzcr14 said...

WANT SOME LAUGHING MOMENTS? ... ALWAYS CHECK OUT DEJ OR JG FILES.This pages must be the AOL VERSION of FOX JACK BAUER AND 24 WEEKLY SHOW where the ACTION and the DANGER NEVER ENDS.YEAP every EPISODE brings a new battle to the audience and so does these files.lol. works for me, expecially after 3 of my driver have been to victory lane already this year.Soon will be nzcr driver 14 in the glory lanes and than junior i hope.

4-21-2009 @ 2:23PM

Where have you been Anna,

I think your right, a win for Tony is gonna come, soon I hope.

Hey Ron and Kim, I don't know what's up with you know who but man he will never get out of the hole he's in now if he don't put down the shovel. It's obvious poor 'BROKEBACK-DON' has some serious issues with gay people and a rather ugly relationship with rubber dolls now.

Aloha, Brad

4-21-2009 @ 3:35PM

Hey Brad!!

I couldn't agree more. I am really beginning to think that Don is a closeted homosexual! He seems completely infatuated with you, Ron, Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson (look at his newest comment under the new Jeff Gordon file). And then there is the fact that he absolutely hates women and thinks we have nothing to offer. Can anyone say....rejection? I am betting Don's hatred towards women comes from years of rejection hence the reason he keeps hitting on you and Ron. LMAOROF! :-)

Kim

4-21-2009 @ 9:30PM

Susan said...

Brad, I think your right. Don is completely obsessed with gay people. Maybe he should quit thinking about the guys here and post an ad on Craig's list. Who knows? He may get lucky and find someone with very bad vision. Works for me! lol

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