The 2007 Subway Fresh Fit 500 may not be a classic quite yet, but it was a milestone event for one of NASCAR’s legends of modern day racing.
Dale Earnhardt won 76 races throughout his career, and when he tragically passed away, Jeff Gordon became the leading active driver in career wins. When Earnhardt passed in 2001, Gordon owned 52 career wins.It took him over six years, but he finally caught Earnhardt on the career win list.
His treasured win at Phoenix two years ago tied him with Earnhardt for six on the all-time win list.
While it was a popular win for Gordon, it annoyed some of the Earnhardt loyalists.Many were offended when Gordon paid homage to Earnhardt by holding a black flag with the signature number ‘3’ during his victory lap.However, Dale Earnhardt Jr was pleased with Gordon’s tribute to his late father.In fact, he gave Gordon a laudatory handshake in victory lane.
Throughout the early stages of his career until the tragic accident at Daytona, Gordon deeply respected Earnhardt, and learned a lot from him.Even when Gordon was posting double-digit wins every season while Earnhardt was visibly struggling on the track, he still turned to the esteemed veteran for advice.Some feel that Gordon is as good as he is today because of the fact that he had to compete against Earnhardt.
This was Gordon's first win at Phoenix.
Gordon passed Earnhardt on the win list at Talladega the very next week.
Here is a clip of the final ten laps of Gordon’s memorable win at Phoenix.
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Race of the week, 2007 Subway Fresh Fit 500 at Phoenix
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