Atlanta Could Provide 'Spark' for Team DuPont

HAMPTON, Ga. (Oct. 28, 2005) - The fire and flames are there. Jeff Gordon is just looking for a spark. After posting his 73rd career victory last weekend at Martinsville, Va., the four-time champion is looking to build momentum for the 2006 season in the final four races of this year. While a win in his familiar “fire and flames” painted No. 24 DuPont Chevrolet is the ultimate objective, a top-five finish at Atlanta Motor Speedway in Sunday’s NEXTEL Cup race is the goal for Gordon. “Last Sunday’s win certainly boosted the morale of this DuPont team,” Gordon said. “Any win will do that. But we also know that last week’s win didn’t fix our problems on the mile-and-a-half and two-mile tracks. “We need to improve that area of our program, and we have three races left on those types of tracks -- Atlanta, Texas and Miami -- to build some momentum for next year. We need to lead laps and post some good, strong finishes. “We want to go into the offseason with some fire and some momentum to build on. And one thing that could provide that spark is a top-five finish here this weekend.” In 26 starts at the Georgia track, the four-time champion has four wins, one pole, 10 top-fives and 15 top-10s. He has led the most laps on four occasions for a total of 975, the most of any active driver. “We tested well here a few weeks ago and I felt we learned some things,” Gordon said. “Those things are what we need to work on to be in contention for a championship next year. “It doesn’t have to be a win, but we are definitely looking for improvement this weekend.” If Gordon did win this Sunday, it would mark the 21st time in his 13-year NASCAR Cup Series career -- a career that began in Atlanta in November 1992 -- that he has won consecutive races. It would also move him into a tie for most victories this season, and within two of Dale Earnhardt’s total of 76. It could also provide a much needed spark during the winter offseason.