MARTINSVILLE, Va. -- In his last trip to Martinsville Speedway as a driver, Jeff Gordon became the proud owner of a grandfather clock -- his ninth to be exact.
On Sunday, he looks to keep his defending race winner title alive.
“It’s exciting to be back," Gordon said. "I love this track. Obviously, I have amazing memories from this race last year."
The memories created on Nov. 1, 2015 came on the heels of Gordon leading the final 22 laps en route to his 93rd career Cup victory. Not only did he earn his ninth win at the Virginia short track, but he secured a berth in the final round of the 2015 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
"I guess there was a part of me that wasn’t sure if I wanted to come back and take away from that," stated Gordon. "But at the same time, I’ve always said if there is one track that I feel like I could get back in the car and feel comfortable and competitive it’s this track. For that I’m happy that I’m here."
Gordon, who is filling in for Dale Earnhardt Jr. for the final time this season, noted that the No. 88 Nationwide Chevrolet SS had "pretty good speed" during Friday's lone practice session. He later went on to secure a 10th-place starting position for Sunday's 500-lap race.
"We will do everything we can to work with our other teammates to try to come out of here with really good finishes," Gordon said. "And then I’m super focused on myself on what I can do."
"Each time I’ve been in the car, I feel like I’ve gotten better and better at giving the feedback [the team] needs," he continued. "It was nice to get that top 10 at Dover. I’m hoping we get a little bit more here.”
With the past success he has seen at Martinsville Speedway, leading all active Cup drivers in wins, poles, top-five finishes and laps led, Gordon feels confident in the No. 88 team and the blue and silver Chevrolet they brought to the racetrack this weekend.
"I would love to get these guys a great finish."