Throughout the late 1990’s, Jeff Gordon and Jeff Burton engaged on several late-race duels.Gordon edged out Burton in the 1997 Southern 500 at Darlington, becoming the first driver since Bill Elliott in 1985, to win the Winston No Bull (Winston Million in 1985).A year later, Gordon edged out Burton in the same race.
A week later at Richmond, Burton and Gordon were at it again for the Exide Batteries 400 trophy.Jeff Burton dominated the race, leading 203 of the 400 laps.Gordon made a late rally, challenging Burton for the win.As they crossed the finish line, it was a photo finish between two of NASCAR’s top drivers.
Even though he had already won at Martinsville in 1997, the Virginia native hoped to win a race at his other home track.Gordon felt that the 0.75-mile facility owed him one after he was punted by Rusty Wallace while trying to take the lead in the previous race at Richmond.
A decade later, Burton and Gordon have stood the test of time, and are still two of the top tier drivers in NASCAR.While Gordon is still with Hendrick Motorsports, Burton left Roush Fenway Racing in 2004 to join Richard Childress Racing, where he has won four races, and qualified for the last three Chase for the Championships.Gordon is the most accomplished driver in the sport, while Burton may be the most respected.He often serves as the unofficial vocal leader in the garage, especially when it comes to issues dealing with safety.
The two Jeffs were the dominant drivers in the late 1990’s, along with Dale Jarrett.From 1997 to 1999, Burton and Gordon won a combined total of 41 races.Even to this day, Burton and Gordon have always raced each other clean.
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Race of the week- 1998 Exide Batteries 400 at Richmond
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