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Gordon the Rain King in PA

Risky call pays off for Gordon, who wins in rain-shortened Pocono 500

By Jesse Andrews,  Newser User

Posted Jun 11, 2007 4:13 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Nascar's Pocono 500 was called after 106 laps for rain with Jeff Gordon in the lead after a gutsy off-timed pitting on the 65th lap. The move gave him a jump in the short-term, but had there been no shortening of the race, it likely would have meant a loss for the hard-charging Gordon.

Ryan Newman came in second by about four feet, and Gordon's tires, brakes, and fuel were all in perilous condition. However, the rain clouds inspired crew chief Steve Letarte to make the call.  "I can't believe we just won this race," gushed No. 24.

NASCAR driver Jeff Gordon (24) passes Ryan Newman (12) during the NASCAR Pocono 500 at the Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, Pa., Sunday, June 10, 2007. Gordon went on to win the rain-delayed, rain-shortened race with Newman coming in second. (AP Photo/Tom Kelly)
NASCAR driver Jeff Gordon (24) passes Ryan Newman (12) during the NASCAR Pocono 500 at the Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, Pa., Sunday, June 10, 2007. Gordon went on to win the rain-delayed, rain-shortened...   (Associated Press)
NASCAR driver Jeff Gordon (24) is led into pit row as rain begins to fall during the NASCAR Pocono 500 at the Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, Pa., Sunday, June 10, 2007. Gordon went on to win the rain-delayed, rain-shortened race. (AP Photo/Jim Cole)
NASCAR driver Jeff Gordon (24) is led into pit row as rain begins to fall during the NASCAR Pocono 500 at the Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, Pa., Sunday, June 10, 2007. Gordon went on to win the rain-delayed,...   (Associated Press)
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NASCAR • Jeff Gordon • Pocono 500 • auto racing • Ryan Newman

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