I remember when he started 24th in the 2001 Brickyard 400, and to be covering him is a big honor for me. Mr. Hendrick should feel fortunate to have a guy who is durable and ready to answer the call at any time. This is a story that we haven’t seen the last of. Even though his teammate Jimmy Johnson had won five championships in a row, you still can’t count out number 24. The thing that makes Jeff Gordon so special to me is that he doesn’t let Jimmy Johnson get in the way. I will never forget when Jeff said, “I’m coming buddy” at New Hampshire. Gordon was asked on the morning drive by Mike Bagley, “what would be your favorite moment when it’s all said and done?” Gordon said winning the 1994 Brickyard, because I had always wanted to be in the Indy car, but to be able to win the first ever Brickyard was a special moment. It was special to me because I grew up in Indiana, and the reason why the 2001 Brickyard stands out to me was because I was there with my dad. I thought that when you start 24th you have to be careful, but Gordon had the power and the capability to win. That day he did a burnout in front of me. I think he will be capable of knocking Jimmy Johnson off of his throne tomorrow night. Gordon is a special person, because he has so much determination.
