2007 Preseason No. 7: Jeff Gordon

No. 24 DuPont Chevy

2007 Spin
Jeff Gordon and the DuPont team returned in 2006 as a more confident bunch that was able to exorcise the demons that haunted it in ’05. Gordon’s suddenly stout intermediate program propelled him into the Chase last season, as the DuPont team was finally able to get a handle on the aero issues surrounding the program. Expect similar results this season on the downforce tracks, which should keep Gordon in title contention well into the Chase.

Also expect this team to adjust to the Car of Tomorrow more quickly than most. Gordon cut his teeth in the Cup ranks at a time when the driver had just as much control over a car’s setup and handling as the engineer. While the engineer’s input will remain of the utmost importance, the driver will initially give invaluable feedback via the seat of his pants. Gordon could do some damage before others catch up.

DNFs were an issue with this team last season. Mechanical failures and accidents in seven races burned the DuPont Chevy in both the regular season and the Chase. Keep that in mind when selecting your fantasy lineup.

As always, Gordon will be one of the boys to beat when the circuit visits the short tracks and the road courses. He is almost guaranteed a win at Martinsville and is the all-time Cup leader in road wins. While his plate performance last season wasn’t up to par with his two-win season of ’05, he can still get it done when he has a dancing partner in Jimmie Johnson. The question is whether Johnson will opt to work with best friend and new teammate Casey Mears.

Gordon’s points-racing expertise is also noteworthy. He knows when to push the button and when to lie back and take the sixth-place finish that will pay off in the long run. Because of this, Gordon should overcome any mechanical issues to register his third career Chase qualification.

Fantasy Stall
Looking at Checkers: Martinsville and the road courses.
Pretty Solid Pick: Most anywhere. When his team hits on the setup, Gordon is tough.
Good Sleeper Pick: Gordon? A Sleeper?!
Runs on Seven Cylinders: Had bad luck on the plate tracks last season, but don’t bet on it continuing.
Insider Tip: If he figures out the COT early — and he should — Gordon could have a big year.

2006 Performance Rankings
Flat Track Ranking: 7th — Best Finish: 3rd, New Hampshire, Pocono
Intermediate Track Ranking: 5th — Best Finish: 1st, Chicago
Plate Track Ranking: 28th — Best Finish: 15th, Talladega
Road Course Ranking: 2nd — Best Finish: 1st, Infineon
Short Track Ranking: 12th — Best Finish: 2nd, Martinsville

Read Jeff Gordon's entire preview in the 2007 Athlon Sports Racing Magazine