We didn't get the storybook ending to the Daytona 500 that so many were hoping for; Jeff Gordon didn't win the Great American Race. Afterwards Gordon didn't really seem to be that upset at all as he laughed and joked with media.
He had every right to be angry after all he led a race high 87 laps and was in the hunt until near the end, when he got shuffled out of contention and then was collected in last lap crash. But there he was afterwards doing what he does best, being gracious and accommodating to the media as they ask the same questions repeatedly.
His fans were disappointed; even folks that weren't big Gordon fans were disappointed so why wasn't Jeff more visible upset. I'll tell you why because he already has 3 Harley J Earl trophies in his collection. Three times Gordon has claimed NASCAR's biggest race. He's been there, done that and surely has his name on the tee shirt.
Unlike Rusty Wallace and Mark Martin who retired without Daytona 500 wins, Jeff has three. Jeff Gordon has absolutely nothing to prove this year but he will. He will prove that he still competitive and can win races. I was privileged call his first win in 94 when he won the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte. I would like to say I knew then he was going to be one of the greatest, I didn't but he did.
Jeff didn't win Daytona and he's okay with that so I guess the rest of us should be also. I applaud his decision to step away while he still has his fastball and hasn't developed into a broken-down knuckleball pitcher. Good fortune this season Jeff as you add to your already gaudy resume.