Jeff Gordon hoping some Indy luck will change the tide on his disappointing season

Jeff Gordon loves racing at Indy and for good reason.

For starters, it’s full of history that racing-buffs like Gordon can appreciate. He has won the Brickyard 400 four times (1994, 1998, 2001, 2004), including the inaugural race in 1994. And his fans, are some of the best.

This NASCAR season hasn’t been kind to Gordon, as he’s yet to win a race and is currently 17th in the Sprint Series points standings.

Another win in Indy could turn the tide for his No. 24-team and provide momentum for the final third of the season.

“I never dreamed of winning one, let alone four,” Gordon said Saturday. “So five would only just be unimaginable, really.”

His struggles this season have many fans worried but they are willing to do whatever they can to help their favorite driver.

“I’ve been getting plenty of good luck charms. And we’ve tried a few of them, I’ll admit. I’m not too ashamed to see it turn around (but) so far, my theory hold true that it’s not about luck. It’s about going out there and performing and doing what you have to do as a team.”

He has the most wins in Brickyard history, but he doesn’t believe it’s fair to compare his success to A.J. Foyt, Rick Mears and Al Unser.

“To me, there is just no comparing any other race here to the Indy 500. I’m still amazed at our accomplishment and the face that we’ve only been racing here since 1994 and we have four wins. It’s an incredible accomplishment and something I’m very proud of.”

“It’s no Indy 500, but it’s right up there with it in my book…I really just compare myself against the other NASCAR winners of this race.”

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is a tough track. Magical for some but terribly tricky and unfavorable to others.

“It’s a very challenging race track to compete on in our cars. I like that challenge. I think it suits my driving style as well and our team has given me great race cars over the years so I always come in here with confidence knowing we have a shot at winning.”

Gordon qualified ninth and regardless of where he finishes Sunday, he appreciates and soaks in every minute at the 2.5-mile oval.

“It’s still just such a special place to drive into to experience. Even just flying over when we come in and fly into Indianapolis, I’m always excited and eager to look out the window and find the track.”