If there is one word to sum up Gordon’s problems, it is handling. The No. 24 team can bring a fast car to qualifying, yet they can make it drivable for the race.

The lack of handling was clear early on when Gordon dropped to eleventh by Lap 65. From then on, we would see the cycling of Gordon trying to hold track position then pitting for major adjustment, a routine which unfortunately has become the No. 24 team's style for the last part of this season.

Many people’s analysis of Gordon's falling in the standing has focused on him as a driver. Gordon's record is one of the best out there, thus the bar is set high for him. The theory that Gordon should be able to drive through it despite the car is flawed. Could the star quarterback make the winning pass with a deflated ball?

The astonishing thing about Gordon is that even with the “deflated ball” he gets out there goes side by side with Ragan in Lap 177 for 18th.Gordon races no matter what you give him.

Plus, whatever the frustrations the No. 24 team are having in the garage, you won’t hear Gordon set the problems at their feet publicly. For all his faults, Gordon has always been classy in that regard.

Will America's Premier short track shake things up? I, for one, am looking forward to Ragan or Kahne knocking Bowyer out of the Chase. Will we finally see the No. 24 team pull it together and Gordon come out with a win? I would like to say yes, but I would look more to Harvick pulling off a last minute win before Gordon. Richmond will be raw emotions and it should be exciting.

Until next time, happy cheering from the bottom of the bucket!

Sources: NASCAR.com, ESPN, ESPN.com, and autoracingblog.net.  

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