Jeff Gordon is frustrated and aggravated. And, it's not just because Brad Keselowski bumped him at Texas.
You know that Gordon is a four-time series champ. But that last title came in 2001. Gordon knows just how long that's been. In fact, he is quick to point out that he isn't a four-time Sprint Cup champ; he won Winston Cup championships.
Back in 2001, folks wondered just how long it would be before Gordon joined Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt in the seven title club. Now, the name that goes with that question is Gordon's teammate, Jimmie Johnson.
Gordon is currently having his best season in years. Take the Chase out of the picture and he may have already wrapped up title number 5.
He wants that fifth title; badly. This is the best shot he's had in a while. He's also 43 and now understands how hard it is to win those titles. He also knows he won't have many more chances.
But, he has to get into that final four at Homestead first. And, situations like the one at Texas can prevent that from happening. He's so close; and he doesn't want this one to slip away.