EFF GORDON SWEEPS IROC IN WASHINGTON, D.C.
Jeff Gordon just reminded everyone why he’s a legend.
Four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon swept both 10-lap IROC races Saturday on the streets of Washington, D.C., beating a star-studded field of NASCAR and IndyCar legends with the U.S. Capitol providing the backdrop.
And he did it the hard way in Race 2.
Race 1: Gordon takes control
Bill Elliott led the opening laps before Helio Castroneves charged to the front on Lap 5. Gordon then went to work, battling Castroneves before taking over the lead.
Kurt Busch moved into second late and stayed within striking distance, but Gordon was simply too strong, taking the checkered flag ahead of Busch, Castroneves, Elliott, Rusty Wallace, Bobby Labonte, Tommy Kendall and Tony Kanaan.
Race 2: From the back to another win
Because the Race 1 finishing order was inverted, Gordon had to start from the back for the second 10-lapper.
That didn't slow him down.
Tony Kanaan led early, but Gordon sliced through the field and took the lead on Lap 5, making the decisive move around Castroneves and Kanaan.
Castroneves briefly moved into second before spinning, while Kurt Busch once again emerged as Gordon's biggest challenger. Busch settled for second, but Gordon had already built enough of an advantage to secure the sweep.
Race 2 results:
Jeff Gordon
Kurt Busch
Tony Kanaan
Bobby Labonte
Tommy Kendall
Bill Elliott
Rusty Wallace
Helio Castroneves
The weekend was about much more than winning, though.
IROC's return brought together some of the biggest names from NASCAR and IndyCar history, racing identical-style machinery on a temporary street course surrounding the National Mall as part of the Freedom 250 Grand Prix weekend.
For Gordon, it was also a particularly meaningful weekend. His car carried a tribute to Kyle Busch, and Gordon specifically acknowledged Kyle's family following the second victory. Racing against Kyle's brother Kurt made the moment even more significant.
Gordon also credited Ray Evernham, Rob Kauffman, HendrickCars.com and Rick Hendrick for helping make his IROC return possible.
And then there was the statistic that makes the sweep even more impressive:
Gordon entered Saturday having won just one IROC race in his original career — at Daytona in 1998. He leaves Washington, D.C., with three career IROC victories and a 2-for-2 record in the revived series.
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