Don’t call it a comeback.
One of NASCAR’s finest – Hall of Famer Jeff Gordon – returned to the track this Sunday to race at Talledega Superspeedway.
The race marked the virtual debut for Gordon, who raced on a rig he borrowed from Clint Bowyer’s son, Cash.
“I guess Jeff can use my rig this weekend,” said Cash. “But as soon as you get done, I want it back!”
Thanks, Cash! 🤣@ClintBowyer | @JeffGordonWeb pic.twitter.com/xwzJ9Q8gwX
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) April 26, 2020
Those two had way too much fun today, even with all their struggles, and yes, there were a lot of them.
Typically, you can expect a “big one” at Talladega because of the track’s design to group multiple cars into tight spaces, and that happened early in lap 11 when Cup Series driver Ty Dillon made contact with 2013 Sprint Cup Series Rookie of the Year Ricky Stenhouse Jr. to trigger a series of unfortunate events – and Gordon was right in the middle of it.
“Woah, Jeff Gordon up in the air flipping several times!”
THE BIG ONE! @JeffGordonWeb went for a WILD ride, boys.
(He’s got a reset) pic.twitter.com/K2TY4KZNf1
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) April 26, 2020
Bowyer – despite his seemingly endless struggles each week, usually involving Cup Series driver Bubba Wallace – somehow made it out of this wreck unscathed.
And his reaction from inside his rig during the first big one of the day was priceless.
Okay … listening to @ClintBowyer live as crashes happen is amazing.
“OHHHHHHHHHHH! WHOA!” 😂 #ProInvitationalSeries pic.twitter.com/seJV2DWXIB
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) April 26, 2020
Bowyer was doing so well, but unfortunately pit stopping isn’t optional on the virtual track, and Clint didn’t listen to his car.
He blew it – literally.
“Oh no, it’s blown up! Well, you didn’t pit when I told you to pit. What did your gauges show, Clint? Was that little red light blinking any indicator?”
“I’m sorry. I’m not laughing … I’m not laughing.”- @JeffGordonWeb (totally laughing)@ClintBowyer‘s engine just let go (again).#ProInvitationalSeries pic.twitter.com/zMtoYpXYVb
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) April 26, 2020
Gordon got a laugh out of that one, but he wasn’t chuckling for long. Jeff got clipped by 2016 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Rookie of the Year Chase Elliot and unfortunately, it meant the end of Gordon’s day.
If we were Elliot, we’d be a slightly terrified – it’s not everyday you wreck your boss and live to tell the tale.
“I’m in big trouble,” said Gordon. “I’ve got no resets … but we will see. I’ll get back to pit road and see what happens.”
Trouble for @chaseelliott and @JeffGordonWeb at Talladega.#ProInvitationalSeries pic.twitter.com/Oxu8mcG1kO
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) April 26, 2020
Our winner, Alex Bowman wasn’t involved, but that doesn’t mean he wasn’t having problems of his own.
Fuel levels were a concern, although he decided to roll the dice and forgo pit road – living dangerously. We like it.
The leader … https://t.co/WxduXXpZGp
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) April 26, 2020
The risk was worth the reward, and here’s to our 2020 virtual Talladega winner – and of course, his dog, Finn.
RETWEET TO CONGRATULATE @AlexBowman88 ON HIS #PROINVITATIONALSERIES WIN AT TALLADEGA!!! pic.twitter.com/Fw9IhuO2Gp
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) April 26, 2020
While Jeff Gordon didn’t make it to Victory Lane, he loved his first race out on the virtual track:
“Man, I am enjoying this race!” –@JeffGordonWeb as he waits for his repairs to finish down on pit road.
— Hendrick Motorsports (@TeamHendrick) April 26, 2020
But who are we kidding, we all did!
Dale Jr vs Jeff Gordon – who would have thought we would see that again on TV in cup cars! https://t.co/PhBKOkw0sC
— Steve Myers (@iRacingMyers) April 23, 2020
I think Jeff Gordon is having the time of his life
— Steve Luvender (@steveluvender) April 26, 2020
Jeff Gordon is delightful on this broadcast. His joy here is absolutely contagious.
— Matt Weaver (@MattWeaverAW) April 26, 2020
This marks the third week in a row that winners have come from Hendrick Motorsports – clearly, that team knows something we don’t.