| CAR FACTS |
 |
No. 24 DuPont Chevrolet
Owner: Rick Hendrick
Team: Hendrick Motorsports
Crew Chief: Robbie Loomis
|
| CAREER STATS |
| Starts |
365 |
| Wins |
64 |
| Top 5 |
175 |
| 6-10 |
55 |
| Poles |
46 |
| Races Led |
237 |
| Laps Led |
15,606 |
| Races Since Last Win |
3 |
| Best Points Finish |
1st (’95, ’97, ’98, ’01) |
| Earnings |
$52,286,249 |
| 2003 WRAP-UP |
| Points |
4,785 |
| Final Points Standing |
4th |
| Earnings |
$6,662,002 |
| Starts |
36 |
| Poles |
4 |
| Wins |
3 |
| Top 5 |
15 |
| 6-10 |
5 |
| Laps Led |
1639 |
| Lead Lap Finishes |
25 |
| Bonus Points |
140 |
| Races Led |
22 |
|
Only the DuPont team could have called 2003 a down year. Three wins and a fourth-place finish in the point standings would be considered phenomenal at any other shop.
Still, although Jeff Gordon and Robbie Loomis started to jell in the second half of the season, a few problems were noticeable. The DuPont team has trouble running in the pack at downforce tracks. They tend to run well when out front, but if track position puts them back in the pack, they tend to struggle. The aero package they run is not favorable to running in traffic, a problem that must be overcome. The good news is that softer tires and new spoiler rules should help in '04.
Another positive is the overall performance of all four Hendrick Motorsports teams. The amazing accomplishments of the Lowe's team with Jimmie Johnson helped both teams, and the impressive comeback of Terry Labonte and the Kellogg's team points to more communication between all crews.
The larger question facing the performance of the driver surrounds off-track issues. Is the single and happy Jeff Gordon a better driver than the married, in-turmoil driver? During the married years, Gordon was more structured while not in the car. Now that the negative effects of the divorce are over, Gordon has a less structured personal life. Only time will tell which Gordon is the better driver.
The DuPont team will win its share of poles and races in '04. Expect Gordon to lead more laps than anyone and be in the hunt all year for that fifth title.
 | To purchase the 2004 Racing Preview from Athlon Sports, click here |
