NASCAR: Jeff Gordon’s Five Most Significant Wins
By Mike Hutton
No. 3: 1997 Daytona 500
Significance: First Daytona 500 Win
Believe it or not, the first headline made in this race probably deserves to go to Dale Earnhardt, Sr. On lap 188, he was involved in a crash on the back straightaway with Ernie Irvan that sent Irvan’s hood airborne into the stands, injuring several spectators. After crawling from his wrecked car and watching it be put on a hook to be towed back to the garage, Dale noticed all four tires were still on the car and instructed workers to take it down. He then drove back to the garage, had repairs made, and rejoined the race five laps down in 31st place.
Gordon lead a Hendrick Motorsports 1-2-3 sweep that day with the win, followed by Terry Labonte and Ricky Craven. Gordon would follow-up the win the following week with a victory at Rockingham.
Next: Number 2