Almost like a scientist tries to forecast an earthquake or a volcano, the alert level keeps rising when it comes to the discussion of Sprint Cup driver Jeff Gordon and his back.Friday afternoon at Richmond International Raceway prior to Saturday night's 400-lap race, Gordon revealed that he went in for an MRI over the week and found out some more information to more accurately diagnose his back problems.
And while Gordon's ailment hasn't reached a tipping point, he's not divulging what information he learned this week quite yet.
"I had another MRI, one that was more detailed this week and I've got some information that I'm just not ready to release yet or admit to," said Gordon. "We found some things and have a better diagnosis of it."
Gordon says that he's got a better diagnosis on it because this is a problem that's been rearing a painful head for several weeks this season, and for many of the 2008 season. In fact, just two weeks ago after a dismal performance at Phoenix International Raceway, Gordon mentioned the back pain directly in a post-race interview, something he hadn't previously referred to as a present problem.
From the looks of it after pouring over the transcripts of Friday's press conferences, the back question was posed during Gordon's normal Friday media visit at the end of the session, and the press didn't have a chance for follow-ups. As a result, we aren't real sure what prompted Gordon to head to the doctor this week for a check-up.
Last week, Gordon was the first car involved in the lap 7 multi-car accident at Talladega Superspeedway and didn't appear to take any extraordinary impacts. But then again, the looks of a wreck on TV don't ever matchup with the crunching sheet metal that happens when cars come to a stop in an uncontrolled manner from 190mph.
"There's a little bit of arthritis which is not totally unnatural but there's also some other things that come from what they can understand from trauma or a crash or maybe just years of beating it up," said Gordon. "Heck, I don't know I might have picked up my luggage or something and then tore something up in there."
The four-time champ did, however, promise to keep the press updated on any treatments or further diagnosis he gets.
"When I know how I'm going to treat it I'll let you guys know," said Gordon. "I don't believe it's anything serious."
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
5-02-2009 @ 8:28AM
LIZ said...
Not a fan of Jeff, but I hope he gets it taken care of. Earnhardt had back problems toward the end of his career, and they sure seemed to affect his performance...once he got them taken care of, he seemed to run better. Who knows, he might have even won that eighth championship...Just a note, although I was an Earnhardt fan, I do think that Gordon has been robbed of two championships. He should be shooting for number seven this season. Kudos to dumbf**k France for screwing that big story, too.
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5-03-2009 @ 12:54AM
DA24JG said...
....'VERY WELL SAID LIZ!'
5-03-2009 @ 11:05AM
Kim said...
As a Jeff Gordon fan, this has me very concerned. At the beginning of the season, he told the press and everyone that things were better, the problem with his back was discovered, and he was working with a trainer to get better. Now we hear the problem is worsening. This is not good news. I would hate to see Jeff have to retire early due to a back probem before at least being able to win that fifth championship, especially since he is on a role this year (and BTW, couldn't agree more that he has been robbed of at least one other cup trophy).
Hopefully his momentum and positive attitude will keep him going this year on his way to championship number 5. Good luck, Jeff. Your fans are thinking of you & wishing you well!
Kim
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5-03-2009 @ 3:16PM
nascarkid54toth said...
I`m not a real big fan of Jeff Gorden either, but I know first hand about back problems. I hope he gets it taken care of so he can still compete. I have been a part of racing my whole life and I know first hand how painful it can be. I had mine taken care of and I now live with a lot less pain. I hope you do the same!!!!!
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5-17-2009 @ 5:11AM
Kevin said...
It's time for Nascar to form a Union so Nascar cannot violate their personal private rights. If you are oredered by a doctor to take a medication during your off days of racing, it's none of Mike Helton or Nascar's business what you do. A driver can go drink as many beers and wake up the next day to qualify or race, that's more dangerous to everyone than a pain medication to help them with. I have two buldging disc and a fracture in my spine, it will be a cold day in hell when a Corporation will tell me what I can or cannot do to help fight the pain, if I want that kind of control over me, I'd move to Communsit China. Jermey Mayfield has every right to take action and sue and set examples to Corporate people that they need to stay out of people's personal life that works for a employer.
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