Gordon Second in Shootout

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Feb. 8, 2003) – Four-time NASCAR Winston Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon finished second in Saturday night’s Budweiser Shootout at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway after leading for much of the 70-lap special event. "I couldn't be happier with the effort,” Gordon said. “All the laps we led coming from the back, a great pit stop, a fast race car -- so we're very excited about next week." Driving the No. 24 DuPont Chevrolet, Gordon sped to the front from the second-to-last starting spot, beginning the race one position ahead of eventual winner Dale Earnhardt Jr. Team Lowe’s Racing also spent time leading the pack as outside pole-sitter Jimmie Johnson looked strong early before getting shuffled back to a seventh-place finish. Two-time Winston Cup champion Terry Labonte also had a positive showing, moving into the top-10 from the 17th starting position before crossing the finish line in 14th overall.