Jeff Gordon was the last NASCAR scheduled driver interview for the media on Friday and Jeff wasn't in a mood to answer any serious questions.
After answering questions about Junior not being able to keep number 8, a myriad of baby/diaper questions and being lauded for his work on Saturday Night Live, I asked him about Kyle (Rowdy) Busch's claims about being "a red-headed stepchild at Hendrick". Maybe Jeffy was up late changing diapers because I received a rather terse response. "Where have you been, that was like two months ago..." Actually I think that was a statement Rowdy made after the Pepsi 400 when his team mates, specifically Gordon and Jimmy Johnson chose lines other than with Busch at the close of the race; which was, in reality, 42 days prior.
I still believe it was a legitimate question, especially seeing as Rowdy officially announced his new team just this past week. Historically teams tend to withhold information from lame duck drivers after their intentions to leave are known. That was the question I was asking; whether information was being withheld from Kyle. Obviously Jeff was a little over sensitive to being accused of not helping his team mate at Daytona.
After his snotty beginning , he did continue to say that if he couldn't win the championship; then it would be okay for teammate Jimmy Johnson to do it. If Johnson couldn't pull of the feat, then it would be okay for Busch to win it for car owner Rick Hendrick; after all that would be in the best interest of Hendrick Motorsports.
Anyone who has ever heard ON PIT ROW or read this blog knows; I have never been a fan of Jeff, but always respected his talent and willingness to be straight with the media.
Friday I lost all respect for the latter. He is one hell of a driver. He proved that by taking the final qualifying lap of the day and turning it into a pole and he may win another championship in 2007. But in my mind he acted like a donkey's butt.
photo: ON PIT ROW-BethAnne Heisler
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