Controversy at Talladega: Gordon and Stewart, the Drivers Fans Love to Hate
The finish was one that every NASCAR fan hates. Finishing under caution. And if that wasn't enough one of NASCAR's most hated drivers ended up in victory lane. Jeff Gordon started in first and ended there as well. 43 drivers race around Talladega Super Speedway, the longest track on the NASCAR circuit, in hopes of winning the 9th race of the season. A fairly uneventful race that attempted to finish in "over drive", a green, white, checker finish, but was ended with a caution.
One of the few tracks that require restrictor plates, the immense size of Talladega allows car to touch just under 200 mph. A 2.66 mile tri-oval with widths enabling cars to go four wide make for great racing excitement and in following most great races at 'Dega the most excitement was in the last lap. The Home Depot Chevrolet's hopes for a first place finish were dashed when he hit the wall with a little help from David Gilliland and Jamie McMurray. Tony Stewart, who was fined and placed on probation just a few days ago, showed his true colors again today. When the 20 car came to a stop, after spinning and slamming an infield wall, he immerged from his car and walked up onto the track pointing his finger and expressing his disgust towards the drivers who helped take him out of the race.
Moments later Jeff Gordon took the checkered flag while under caution, passing Dale Earnhardt Sr in career wins. The fans were not pleased. Beer cans and debris flew onto the track as they expressed their animosity towards Jeff Gordon. Whether it was dislike for the driver, distress of him passing Earnhardt in career wins, or just agitation towards NASCAR because of the finish under caution, Gordon got the brunt of the outbursts. As warned before the races started beer throwing fans were arrested and escorted from the track.
One of the few tracks that require restrictor plates, the immense size of Talladega allows car to touch just under 200 mph. A 2.66 mile tri-oval with widths enabling cars to go four wide make for great racing excitement and in following most great races at 'Dega the most excitement was in the last lap. The Home Depot Chevrolet's hopes for a first place finish were dashed when he hit the wall with a little help from David Gilliland and Jamie McMurray. Tony Stewart, who was fined and placed on probation just a few days ago, showed his true colors again today. When the 20 car came to a stop, after spinning and slamming an infield wall, he immerged from his car and walked up onto the track pointing his finger and expressing his disgust towards the drivers who helped take him out of the race.
Moments later Jeff Gordon took the checkered flag while under caution, passing Dale Earnhardt Sr in career wins. The fans were not pleased. Beer cans and debris flew onto the track as they expressed their animosity towards Jeff Gordon. Whether it was dislike for the driver, distress of him passing Earnhardt in career wins, or just agitation towards NASCAR because of the finish under caution, Gordon got the brunt of the outbursts. As warned before the races started beer throwing fans were arrested and escorted from the track.
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