Darlington Raceway, site of this Saturday night's Dodge Challenger 500, was re-paved following last year's NASCAR Cup Series but, while the bumps may be gone and the speeds considerably faster, 2007 race winner Jeff Gordon says there is no need to worry.
The four-time Cup Series champion recently participated in a Goodyear tyre test at the 1.366-mile egg-shaped oval, and said he was impressed with the work done to the track.
“The Darlington we all love is still here,” he insisted, “The track is smooth and super fast, but it's the same Darlington. They did a fantastic job, and I'm really excited about the race this weekend.
“The track is unreal, and I had a blast during the test. The bumps aren't there and you're going much faster, but you run the same line you always have and the track has the same characteristics.”
Gordon ought to know the quick line around the South Carolina track, having had seven wins in 27 starts, including five Southern 500 victories.
“I've always enjoyed racing here and I've had some memorable moments,” he said, “Like winning my first Southern 500 or battling Jeff Burton on the last lap with a
million-dollar bonus on the line for our team. Last year was pretty memorable too.”
The 2007 race was postponed by rain and didn't run until Mother's Day. Fittingly, Gordon's mother and sister were in attendance, as well as his wife Ingrid.
“Ingrid was pregnant at the time, and that was her last race of travelling before giving birth to Ella,” Gordon recalled, “My mom and my sister were there, and my sister – in all these years – had never been to Victory Lane for one of my wins.
“With about 100 laps to go, the water temperature on the DuPont Chevrolet skyrocketed and I thought we were done, but my crew chief, Steve Letarte, made a great call to stay on the track while others pitted late in the race and that allowed me to run in clean air.
![Jeff Gordon, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet. [Pic Credit image.net]](http://pix.crash.net/thumbs/416206.jpg)
