Gordon has another solid run despite clutch issues

HAMPTON, Ga. -- Jeff Gordon didn't win Sunday's Kobalt Tools 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway, but he came up clutch when it counted most.

Struggling with a slipping clutch that made nearly every pit stop an adventure, Gordon thought he had a real chance to end a 44-race winless streak that dates to the fall race at Lowe's Motor Speedway in 2007. Instead, he had to settle for second behind Kurt Busch -- his third top-10 finish in the four races run so far this season.

Press Pass

Jeff Gordon comments on his second-place finish and more after the Kobalt Tools 500.

• Watch video

Gordon continues to pace the standings, leading Clint Bowyer by 43 points heading into the first off week of 2009.

"It's encouraging," Gordon said. "I'm a big believer in that you have to walk before you can run, and I think we've turned the corner. This team has really shown consistently in all four races this year that we're a team that can battle up front and for the win. And I believe if we keep doing that, we're going to win races. And we haven't really reached our full potential yet."

Starting 16th, Gordon made his way into the top 10 within the first 20 laps and cracked the top five by Lap 40. He was one of the few cars due to make a green-flag stop when a loose tire rolled out into the infield grass, unfortunately chased by a crew member, which brought out the caution on Lap 67.

But when Gordon pitted with the lead-lap cars on the following circuit, he got an unpleasant surprise. While the No. 24 Chevrolet was up on the jack, the transmission suddenly engaged and the car lurched forward, tearing up the side panel.

"It somehow was bleeding off or just had some air in it," Gordon said. "On the first pit stop, on four-tire stops, when you drop the right side, usually you push the clutch in and put it in first gear and get ready to leave. And halfway through changing the left side, the rear tires started turning and it climbed right off the jack. We were lucky that they finished the stop and we didn't really lose any spots, although there was a little bit of damage to the side." (Continued)