Race of the week- 2006 USG Sheetrock 400 at Chicago

Some of the best rivalries in NASCAR history involve two elite driver butting heads. In 2006, Jeff Gordon and Matt Kenseth clashed on and off the racetrack.  The mini-rivalry began at Bristol in March when Kenseth spun Gordon on the final lap of the Food City 500 while battling for the third position.  Kenseth was frustrated after he was rooted out of the way by Kurt Busch for the lead just a few laps earlier.  However, he contends that spinning Gordon was an accident.

In fact, when Kenseth approached Gordon following the race, the four-time champion proceeded to shove him.  It caused quite a stir. 

Three months later, Gordon ironically turned Kenseth late in the race en route to his first win at the 1.5-mile facility located in Joliet, Illinois.  Kenseth and a host of fans agreed that Gordon’s bump, run, and win was calculated; however, Gordon denied any intent. 

Obviously, Gordon went on to win.  It put the exclamation point on one of the best rivalries for that season.  Since this incident, Kenseth and Gordon have not engaged in any more contentious duels.  The two champions are unarguably two of the best drivers of our generation, and this finish will be remembered for decades to come.

I could not find a clip for this race that I particularly favored, so I chose the best one available.  As a bonus clip, I included the shoving incident at Bristol.

Previously featured races:

• 1998 Daytona 500
• 1983 Carolina 500 at Rockingham
• 1986 Miller High Life 400 at Richmond
• 2001 Cracker Barrel 500 at Atlanta
• 1989 Holly Farms 400 at North Wilkesboro
• 1990 Valleydale Meats 500 at Bristol
• 1999 Goody's 500 at Martinsville
• 2004 Samsung Radio Shack 500 at Texas
• 1963 Motor Trend 500 at Riverside
• 2007 Subway Fresh Fit 500k at Phoenix
• 1977 Winston 500 at Talladega
• 1998 Exide Batteries 400 at Richmond
• 2003 Carolina Dodge Dealers 400 at Darlington
• 1987 The Winston at Charlotte
• 2005 Coca Cola 600 at Charlotte
• 1985 Delaware 500 at Dover
• 2000 Pocono 500 at Pocono
• 1982 Champion Spark Plug 400 at Michigan
• 1991 Banquet 300 at Sonoma
• 1994 Slick 50 300 at New Hampshire
• 1984 Firecracker 400 at Daytona