Why Can't Jeff Gordon Win Anymore?

Jeff Gordon is arguably one of the greatest drivers in NASCAR history. With 4 championships, 82 wins, 260 top 5's, and an astonising 356 top 10's his numbers speak for themselves. Jeff has won multiple championships with multiple crew chiefs throughout the years. What is even more astonishing is that most of those career statistics took place before the 2007 racing season. Since the end of the 2007 season Jeff has but one win. He is currently mired in the longest drought of his racing career.

So what has happened to Jeff Gordon. Their are multiple theories that have been thrown around. Some argue that Jeff hasn't been the same since the birth of his little girl. Other's argue that Jeff has gotten old. Some believe that he has lost his ability to drive. What is amazing is how little finger pointing is put in the face of his crew chief Steve Letarte. Since becoming Jeff Gordon's crew chief at the beginning of the 2007 season Letarte and Gordon have combined for a mere 7 wins and zero championships.

As we examine the other theories it should become clear that Jeff is in need of a different Crew Chief.

For starters lets begin with Jeff the family man. Many have argued that since the death of Jeff's friend and rival Dale Earnhardt that Jeff has gotten scared. They argue that Jeff is not willing to fight other drivers for a win (see Martinsville 2007). Rightly so, a NASCAR driver cannot be scared. But Jeff Gordon has never been a Dale Earnhardt type driver. Jeff has always been able to finesse a car around the track. Jeff rarely is seen as a driver winning a race with his bumper. While we may never know what is going on in the head of Jeff, there is one thing for certain and that is that driver's don't lose their desire to win. Jeff is rich enough that if he were truly scared to be driving he would simply walk away and spend all of that valuable time with his daughter and wife. For this reason I am convinced that Jeff Gordon still has a fire to win.

Some have argued that Jeff has gotten old and can no longer drive at the level he once drove at. To begin with, Jeff is one of the top 5 greatest drivers ever. He is better than Mark Martin ever thought about being. As his team mate this year Mark has experienced a resurgence. He is leading the Hendrick stable in wins, and is a serious contender for the points championship. Enough said. If Jeff Gordon is to old to win consistently, then why is Mark Martin doing it with the same equipment?

I truly believe that it is time for Hendrick and Jeff to look at the team as a whole. Jeff was recently quoted after the Chase race in Kansas that he was "disappointed witht he car early in the race", but was "proud of Steve and the crew for not giving up", and bringing the car home to a 2nd place finish. Are you serious...Jeff is proud that Steve and the crew didn't give up? Jeff, you just told us how little faith you have in Letarte and the rest of your crew being able to give you a winning car. After all, you are just proud they didn't give up. Jeff, it is time for you to be proud that they figured out how to give you a piece that is capable of winning races. Look around Hendrick motorsports and see what Mark Martin is doing with Alan Gustaffson, look over your shoulder and see that your protege Jimmie Johnson is quickly catching you in career championships and wins.

I truly hope that Jeff Gordon and the rest of Hendrick motorsports wake up and see that Jeff is in the twilight of his career. He only has a few years left, and does not need to be saddled with mediocre crew chiefs, mediocre equipment, and the mediocre finishes. It is time for one of the greatest drivers in NASCAR history to end his career the way Montana, Jordan, and other great athletes have...on top. Please listen to your faithful fans Jeff...we want to see you win more. We want another championship. Let me begin the chant, and may it be heard throughout the halls of Hendrick....get Ray Evernham off of TV, and put his but back on top of the pit box.