Meaning this is his nineteenth full-time year in Cup.

Wait… wha?

I remember when he first started, in that memorable season-ending Atlanta race in 1992. I noticed him because of how different his car was painted than what was driven by everyone else, with the DuPont rainbow across the hood. After my once and always main man Alan Kulwicki died in April of 1993, my loyalties shifted to Gordon. I was there during his rise and reign when he and Ray Evernham were the Jimmie Johnson and Chad Knaus of their day. And through all the years after.

Times change, seasons pass. My fandom has been muted somewhat by both the passage of time and a growing role as a journalist, albeit more of the civilian type. There are no more grand explosions of unfettered joy when my driver wins, no snarling and gritting of teeth when misfortune befalls him. I do my best to view things calmly, semi-detached and in context of life’s big picture. It happens as you get older.

That all said, today there was definitely a feeling when Gordon took the checkered flag, then rolled into Victory Lane where his daughter Ella was none too enthused about being caught in the Gatorade shower from his crew.

It was the feeling one was watching a lion in the autumn of his years, a shade slower but still capable of inflicting damage.

Gordon is no longer the Gordon of the mid 1990s when he won three championships in four years and seemingly won at will, dominating from start to finish. Today he was more methodical, starting up front, never beating himself while those around him fell prey to various misfortunes, and then almost quietly assuming the lead, never looking back. It was a performance beautiful in its simplicity, one void of unnecessary exertion.

There was a quiet satisfaction in this win, a cause to smile and reflect. Gordon is now an elder statesman of NASCAR. He turns forty this year, and it’s doubtful he’ll drive more than a few more years before walking away. He won’t equal Richard Petty or Dale Earnhardt’s seven championships, and even the drive for five is questionable. That said, he will become NASCAR’s second most winning driver, most likely sometime this year. And today, the lion’s roar rang strong and proud.

And yes, I’m still a fan.

He has always said where he came from
Yesterday still matters though it’s gone
He left JRM
Now he’s won again
Pinned a loss
On former boss

Goodbye, Ruby Tuesday
Who could hang today with you?
Fuel mileage was perfect today
So we couldn’t miss you…

Don’t question why he played it out so well
He stood tall while others coughed and fell
He could not be tamed
Keselowski is his name
Today he won
‘Neath Kansas sun

Hello, deuce all in blue
Love the way you flew the flag
Classy Victory Lane interview
Nothing on which to rag…

Junior Nation sighs, says “not again”
Curse this ethanol! Oh when oh when
Will it be Dale’s time
He must win soon
Or we will lose our mind.
Ain’t life unkind?

Goodbye, Ruby Tuesday
Though we don’t really blame you
One more week of saying one day
Our driver will win too…

October 7

Going To California

October 8

Fontana Friday Morning

A Relaxed Danica Patrick? Believe It

A Softer Side Of Carl Edwards

October 9

Kyle Busch Wins Race, Danica Patrick Real Winner At Auto Club

October 10

Tony Stewart Wins Smokin’ Hot Pepsi MAX 400 At Auto Club Speedway

Anyway, quite the weekend to start off the season, what say? First there was the truck race… which became second due to the weather. Instead, first there was the Nationwide race, the only thing missing from which by ESPN’s perspective was Brett Farve as the grand marshal. All Danica, all the time.

It’s more than a little amusing to watch assorted members of the MSM pontificate about the overkill of Danica coverage even as they incessantly feed the machine. If said people were serious about such matters as promoting equal opportunity for female drivers, they’d be standing on street corners beating the drum 24/7 for Chrissy Wallace to get full-time sponsorship and a quality ride. Nothing against Rick Ware Racing; it’s terrific they’re giving Chrissy Wallace an opportunity. But we’re not talking championship caliber team come Nationwide time here.

Back to Chrissy, who last Saturday suffered a very premature exit from the race courtesy of John Menard Jr. over-indulging his son’s passion for auto racing by refusing to end his gifting of same to the child at the slot car level. It’s easy, all too easy, to hitch a ride on whichever bandwagon is currently barreling through pop culture town. Looking to be one of the Kool Kidz while doing so? Portray yourself as a vulture sneering at the soon to be carcass when its fifteen minute life span expires. In fact, you’re far more a leech than a vulture, clinging to every minute of the ride while it’s alive so as to gain maximum exposure basking in the glow of a short-lived candle belonging to someone else. Nevertheless, there is always a plethora of passengers on this carriage pulled by the dog and pony show. A far rarer animal is the one striving to shine the spotlight on those one believes truly deserve attention. Why? In the final breakdown, it’ll all about the ratings baby. Journalistic integrity? Meh. It’s implied by the byline, isn’t it? Uh… isn’t it?

That all said, Danica Patrick’s first turn at Nationwide warrants some mention from the racing aspect. She did all right before getting caught up in a wreck not of her own doing, driving cautiously and neither forcing the issue nor getting in anyone’s way. As to the race itself… what, Tony Stewart won the February Daytona Nationwide race? Wow. That never happens…

Back to Mrs. Hospenthal for a moment. A far more interesting test in her fledgling NASCAR career will be this coming weekend at Auto Club. How will she adapt to a flatter track where picking the correct line and getting the car right is of maximum importance? We’ll see come this Saturday. Regrettably, we won’t see Chrissy Wallace; she’s not scheduled for this race. Instead we’ll have the legendary Kenny Hendrick attempting to make the show. Thrillsville.

And for the record…

Chrissy Wallace is cute.

Next up was the truck race, which swiftly gave the impression most all participants had spent the twenty-four hour delay forgetting how to drive. Among those who had their evening plans unwillingly modified by others perfecting the art of brain fade was Jennifer Jo Cobb, who after a few years on the occasional guest appearance list is devoting 2010 to becoming a regular member of the NASCAR family. As a driver, not merely photo op.

Thankfully, Jennifer Jo Cobb can drive.

And then there was the Daytona 500.

To say the breaks in action courtesy of the track breaking were unfortunate is putting it as mildly as possible. Yes, drivers love worn-out racing surfaces. However, fans have the right to see a race in its entirety sans the broadcast crew interviewing everyone up to Digger in order to kill time. Certain delays are unavoidable, such as weather. That duly noted, this is the second straight year NASCAR has been unable to present its premiere and premier race either in its entirety or without interest and momentum-killing pauses. Not good.

Fortunately, the racing itself was sublime. No Big One, a slew of lead changes, and a last lap featuring Jamie McMurray hanging on to the lead for dear life as Dale Earnhardt Jr. finally showed the fire he’s been missing for the past year plus by blasting his way around and sometimes seemingly through fellow competitors en route to a second place finish he immediately labeled unsatisfactory as it wasn’t first. Good thing yesterday was a holiday for many, as the Junior Nation needed time to recuperate.

On to California.