Gordon was also honored after the race, being invited to share in a post-race farewell lap around the 2.5-mile track with Stewart as the two completed what will be — in all likelihood — their final Brickyard 400 competing against one another.
“Thank you to Tony Stewart, and what a class act he is. It meant a lot to me that he invited me to come and make that last lap (around IMS) with him.”
“Tony and I have gone through a lot over the years, but he and I have become really good friends. I was with him when he got hurt this year, and to see what he’s done and how tough he is as a competitor … I’ve always known what a great guy and a great race car driver he is, but now I know more about who Tony Stewart really is.”
“I’m just so proud to have been here and race with him in his final race, maybe — I don’t know; I thought last year was going to be my final race, so you never know with Tony — but today meant a lot to me, all the way around. To be able to stand up in the driver’s meeting, recognize him and then to do that pace lap at the end … it was a pleasure I’ll always remember.”
Gordon now looks ahead to his 799th Sprint Cup start next Sunday at Pocono Raceway, where he will fill in for Earnhardt for the second-consecutive week.
Will it be his final start at the Cup level?
“If it’s this hot, I hope so!” Gordon said with a laugh. “I can’t wait to talk to Dale, debrief him on how today went and see how he’s doing. I want him (back) in the car, as soon as possible. I’m too old to be doing this stuff.”
“To come here, do this race and finish 13th … it’s decent, but I think I can do better next week for the team. We’ll go on to Pocono and see where things go from there.”
About the Writer
Jacob Seelman is the Managing Editor of Race Chaser Online and creator of the Motorsports Madness radio show, airing at 7 p.m. Eastern every Monday on the Performance Motorsports Network.
Seelman grew up in the sport, watching his grandparents co-own the RaDiUs Motorsports NASCAR Cup Series team in the 1990s.
The 22-year-old is currently studying Broadcast Journalism at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, S.C., and is also serving as the full-time tour announcer for the Must See Racing Sprint Car Series.
Email Jacob at: speed77radio@gmail.com
Follow on Twitter: @Speed77Radio or @JacobSeelman77
Email Race Chaser Online: news@racechaseronline.com
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