AUTO RACING: Gordon relishing role as veteran voice in NASCAR

BLUFF CITY, Tenn. – Jeff Gordon spends his weekends wrestling a 3,400-pound stock car around fearsome speedways at speeds approaching 200 miles per hour.

Wednesday afternoon, Gordon followed a different route to suspense at the scenic River’s Way Outdoor Adventure Center.

With a sunbaked crew of anxious Bristol Motor Speedway officials and giddy campers monitoring his every move, Gordon gingerly climbed atop a 50-foot wooden tower before hurtling through the air on a zip line.

Gordon punched the air in celebration after completing his high-speed plunge.

"It was a little intimidating, that’s for sure," Gordon said. "Once I got to the top, it was awesome to take that leap. I didn’t realize how fast we were going until later."

The pace will only get faster for Gordon this weekend, as he returns to famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway to compete in Sunday’s Brickyard 400.

Gordon has already expressed an interest in meeting with NASCAR officials regarding the headline-grabbing feud between drivers Carl Edwards and Brad Keselowski. The two combustible drivers have been involved in a series of bumping incidents, including a showdown in Saturday’s Nationwide Series race at Gateway International Raceway which saw Edwards spin out his rival on the final lap.

It was announced Wednesday that Edwards has been penalized with the loss of 60 NASCAR Nationwide Series championship driver points, fined $25,000 and placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31. Meanwhile, Keselowski has been placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31.

"I think it’s fantastic that [NASCAR] has allowed us to go out there and be more physical on the track, but it’s important that we’re clear as drivers as to where that line is," Gordon said.

Gordon compared the current hands-off approach of NASCAR regulators to the lenient officiating style of National Basketball Association.

"It’s sort of like going into the NBA finals and letting the guys play the game instead of calling every little foul," Gordon said. "But when things get deliberate and a little bit over-the-top, then [NASCAR] has to step in. I’ve been anxious to see how they call this one."

Gordon has been involved in his share of bumping and verbal jousting this season. He drew the ire of several drivers for his bold driving maneuvers on the road course on Sonoma on June 20.

While he was criticized by drivers and the media after Sonoma, Gordon continues to grow into the role of elder statesmen in a sport increasingly dominated by youth and polish.

"I love the position that I’m in right now," Gordon said. "The sport has evolved, and I think the fans have grown to accept more of the corporate side. There’s a lot more guys like me in this sport now. And I feel like I’ve been here long enough to earn my stripes and earn the respect among drivers and fans."

Gordon’s resume features 82 Sprint Cup wins, including five victories at Bristol Motor Speedway. Entering Sunday’s race at Indy, Gordon ranks second in the Sprint Cup point standings with 10 top-five finishes through 19 races.

While Gordon has yet to post a victory this season, he has been pleased with the consistency of his Hendrick Motorsports team as the Chase to the Sprint Cup nears.

"We haven’t had that win, but what I’m more excited about is that we’ve been competitive all season, especially on the mile-and-half tracks," Gordon said. "We all know how important those type of tracks are to the Chase.

"The only thing that I feel like we’re missing are those bonus points that came from the wins and the confidence boost that comes with that."

Before making the circuitous trip to the sprawling River’s Way complex Wednesday morning, Gordon toured the renovated infield at Bristol Motor Speedway. He offered a favorable review.

"It’s a really nice upgrade," Gordon said. "By lowering the infield, it will gives fan a little extra view from side-to-side."

Though empty seats have become the norm in NASCAR this season, Gordon expressed confidence that fans will again make the pilgrimage to BMS for the IRWIN Tools Night Race on Aug. 21.

"Everybody talks about Bristol," Gordon said. "They’ve either been to Bristol 100 times, they’ve been to Bristol once or they are dying to go. It’s like the dream ticket, and tickets are there for those that are dreaming."

Judging by his grin and animated personality, Wednesday’s adventure was a welcome diversion from Gordon’s hectic schedule of meetings, interviews, sponsor appearances, test sessions and races.

"I think everybody knows how important it is for me to help kids, so getting an opportunity to interact with these kids is nice," said Gordon, who oversees his own charitable foundation.

According to his public relations handlers, Gordon has also gone scuba diving in Florida and flown a jet plane simulator in Nevada. He is scheduled to participate in a charity bowling tournament today in Indianapolis.

"There’s always unique ways to get together and talk about upcoming races," Gordon said. "Sometimes the ideas are funky and way out there, but this one has been fantastic."

River’s Way offers a variety of adventure-based programs for youth from disadvantaged backgrounds and youth with disabilities.

After unhooking the harness from this zip line, Gordon was surrounded by excited campers who shouted his name and reached for his hands.

"I didn’t know I was going to get to go down that zip line, so that was an added treat," Gordon said.