Originally Posted on March 30, 2006 on Foxsports.com
At the final laps of the Bristol race last weekend, Matt Kenseth and Jeff Gordon had a dust up. At the end, Kenseth spun Gordon out of 3rd place. Gordon finished the race as the last car on the lead lap in 21st place.
After the cars were parked on pit road, Kenseth approached Gordon with up-turned palms - to apologize Kenseth said later. Gordon, still in his helmet, shoved Kenseth. Nascar fined him $10,000 for the shove. Kenseth also appologized to his team for losing another race. Kenseth has been leading in the closing laps of the race twice this year, but hasn't been able to close the deal.
The series heads to another short track this weekend - Martinsville. Gordon swept both races last year. The question is whether Gordon goes in with the most motivation or if Kenseth has the momentum to win.
Both drivers have, or will, claim to put Bristol behind them. But is that really human nature? And is it really wise to do so when it could motivate their teams? Why not use that angst over lower finishes than they could have had?
Kenseth was bumped out of the lead by Kurt Busch, the eventual winner, after he was held up by Dale Jarrett. Kenseth has led laps and has run well. He's run well enough to be in 1st in the drivers' standings.
Gordon was spun out of his spot by Kenseth. Gordon has been struggling with some of the tracks and his car, but appears to be on the verge of putting it all together - consistantly. He is in the top 10 in points.
But both could use something to truly elevate their game. Kenseth is running hot now, but was horribly inconsistant last year and had to dig his way out of a points hole before the chase. Gordon had major problems and turnover on his team last year, even though he won 4 races.
Maybe their Bristol Bash can be the spark that really starts their season on fire.
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