Jeff Gordon A Legend At The Glen

NASCAR's Sprint Cup Series runs at only two road courses during the year and one of them is this weekend here in New York at Watkins Glen International. I often get asked who is NASCAR's best road racer? Well the answer sometimes surprises. It's Jeff Gordon.

Gordon has won more NASCAR road races than anybody (nine). This weekend with NASCAR racing at the historic Finger Lakes facility, The Glen announced that Jeff Gordon has been named the first member of the Class of 2011 for the Legends of The Glen. In front of local, regional, and international media, Gordon was presented with a hand-blown glass vase made by Vitrix Glass of Corning, New York during an induction ceremony. Mike Helton, president of NASCAR, was also in attendance to acknowledge Gordon’s contributions to the sport and join the celebration.

“When you talk about Watkins Glen International and NASCAR, one of the first people that have to be mentioned is Jeff Gordon and it is well deserved with the incredible success that he has achieved here,” said Michael Printup, president of Watkins Glen International. “He has represented The Glen as our champion four times and each time has done so with exceptional class and dignity. We are thrilled to welcome Jeff into this elite group of people that have had such a profound impact on our history.”

Gordon has been more than just good at during his career at The Glen, from 1995 through 2001 he was flat out dominant. Over the course of those seven races, he finished lower than fourth only once and reached Gatorade Victory Lane four times, including three consecutive visits in 1997, 1998 and 1999. The four-time Sprint Cup Series Champion also owns six top-fives and nine top-10's since making his first Sprint Cup Series start at The Glen in 1993.

“This is a place that’s very special to me and the performances that we’ve have had over the years have been some of my favorites in my career,” said Gordon. “To go down as a legend at Watkins Glen is something that I will always treasure and hopefully we can add to that list of win this weekend. Thank you Michael [Printup] very much for what you guys have done, this is a great facility, great track and we all enjoy racing here. It’s an honor for me to receive this award.”

Filed Under: jeff gordon, nascar, the glen, watkins glen international

Categories: Sports