Vallejo-native Jeff Gordon used some nifty driving during Saturday night's Coke Zero 400 to prevent a crash that would have ruined his chances at Daytona International Speedway. Instead of crashing out on Lap 158 of 160, Gordon spun back in place without losing too much ground. A yellow caution flag came out following the near crash and set up a green-white-checkered finish. David Ragan pulled out the victory but Gordon's save will keep him in position to qualify for the Chase For The Sprint Cup.
The Bay Area saw solid performances at Daytona on Saturday. Jeff Gordon claimed sixth place and Los Gatos-native A.J. Allmendinger finished tenth. Gordon's victory moved him up a spot from ninth to eighth and he now sits 67 points back of first place Kevin Harvick. More importantly, he is 46 points and five spots ahead of Greg Biffle, who is currently at the top of the group on the outside looking in for the Chase. Allmendinger's tenth place finish leaves him in 15th place overall. He is 27 points back of Tony Stewart who holds the 12th and final position in the Chase For The Sprint Cup.
Gordon, Allmendinger and the rest of NASCAR heads to Kentucky Speedway on July 9 for the Quaker State 400.