Jeff Gordon

EVER SAT down to watch a NASCAR event? Many people can’t bear the thought of watching cars going around and around in a circle, as the criticism goes, and often the weekly race is about as exciting as watching freeway traffic. But for those who enjoy the pit strategy—such as the nuances of how to garner the slightest increase in horsepower—and feed off the melodrama that ensues when drivers invariably aggravate their fellow competitors by cutting them off, it’s a nice way to burn four hours on a Sunday afternoon. Even if you don’t care to watch auto racing and scoff at the idea

BITS AND PIECES IN EASILY one of the more fun field trips this reporter has had the opportunity to take, our good friends at Eastman Kodak brought customers, journalists and analysts up to Rochester, NY, for a pre-Graph Expo roundup. As part of the weekend, Kodak treated its guests to a NASCAR Nextel Cup race at Watkins Glen, NY. During festivities in the rolling hills of the Finger Lakes region, Kodak provided a 15-minute flesh pressing with the driver of the No. 12 Kodak car, Ryan Newman. Unfortunately, early in the race, Newman lost control of his Penske Racing Dodge in full view of

By Erik Cagle Senior Editor What makes Jeff Gordon such a great driver on NASCAR's top stock car driving circuit? Sure, when he drives into Victory Lane, Gordon is deemed the race's fastest driver. But speed alone is hardly the reason Gordon gets to spray his pit crew with champagne. It is a confluence of variables that enable him to emerge victorious, namely the makeup of his car. Luck and patience play a role, as does tactical positioning on the track, but even the slightest flaw in the No. 24 car's mechanical composition can mean the difference between success and a short day at the track. Similarly,