Jeff Gordon Wins At Michigan For The First Time In 13 Years, Retakes Cup Lead

Jeff Gordon finally did it again. After grabbing the pole on Friday with a record-breaking run, Gordon and the no. 24 Chevrolet completed the weekend sweep with a huge win at the Pure Michigan 400 at the Michigan International Speedway. The win propels the 43-year old driver back into first place in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Chase over Hendrick Motorsports teammate, and fan favorite Dale Earnhardt, Jr. It is only Gordon’s third win this season, and it could not have come at a better time.

Gordon had to come off a late restart with only 17 laps remaining and pass Joey Logano, who qualified second on Friday, and then the no. 24 car held off Kevin Harvick to secure the win. The two drivers were separated by only 1.4 seconds. According to a report on Yahoo! Sports, Logano led 86 laps and Gordon only led 68, but, as always, it’s who is leading in the end, and today that was Gordon. The win gives Hendrick Motorsports the track sweep after Jimmie Johnson won the June race at Michigan International Speedway earlier this season.

The Pure Michigan 400 was marred with eight yellows during the race, including an early caution after Danica Patrick found trouble and spun out affecting nine other cars. ESPN reports that Brad Keselowski hit the wall with 32 laps remaining and finished eighth. The Michigan native has never won in what is considered his home track.

Tony Stewart’s no. 14 car was driven by Jeff Burton, who finished in 38th. Stewart is still in self-imposed exile, as reported on The Inquisitr, after the tragic death of 20-year old Kevin Ward, Jr., last weekend during a spring car race in New York.

This is Jeff Gordon’s 91st career win, and first three win season since 2011. Taking the checkered flag today put him back in the Sprint Cup Chase by three points over Earnhardt, Jr., who finished fifth today. The two men will be fighting neck and neck for the reminder of the season for that coveted first position.

NASCAR’s Chase for the Sprint Cup returns next Saturday night at Bristol Motor Speedway for the Irwin Tools Night Race. The Battle for Sprint Cup is poised for a crazy finish, and as always, you can never count out Jimmie Johnson, who has won the championship six-times, always seemingly coming from no where to do it. But then again, Jeff Gordon known that as they are longtime teammates.

[Image courtesy of Bob Brodbeck/AP]