CONCORD, N.C. – The second road course of the season, Watkins Glen International, is the next stop for the Hendrick Motorsports teams.
And the event is one of only five races left until the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup begins.
Between the left and right turns and the backward pit stops, Sunday’s race is sure to be an exciting event.
But before the cars are unloaded and the 90 lap, 220-mile race begins, let’s take a look back at three very memorable Hendrick Motorsports moments from Watkins Glen.
Aug. 9, 1998 – Jeff Gordon had won his first race at Watkins Glen International the year before and he was back to make it two in a row. He started the weekend off on the right path by winning the pole award. After leading the field to the green, Gordon led 55 laps of the 90-lap race. He had a battle near the end to regain the lead with only four laps to go, and he ultimately took the checkered flag to claim his second win at the road course. The 1998 season proved to be a good one for Gordon as he went on to win 13 races and his third championship.
Aug. 12, 2001 - After qualifying 13th, Gordon knew he had some work to do if he wanted to win the race at Watkins Glen. But turning left and right proved to not be a problem for the already three-time track winner. Gordon raced his way to the front of the pack to lead 14 laps and eventually drove his No. 24 Chevrolet into Victory Lane. That was one of six races he won in 2001 en route to his fourth championship.
Aug. 10, 2009 – Jimmie Johnson was making his eighth start at the 2.45-mile road course of Watkins Glen, where he had yet to win a pole. But after posting a lap of over 123 mph, he did just that. With another pole award added to his collection, Johnson led the field when the green flag dropped. He led four laps of the race and when the checkered flag waved he crossed the finish line 12th. Johnson finished the 2009 season with seven wins, four pole awards and his fourth of six championships.
