FLASH GORDON

Jeff Gordon is showing that he knows how to go out in style.

The four-time Sprint Cup champion had long announced he would give up full-time racing on the NASCAR circuit after this season, but that doesn’t mean he won’t be doing everything he can to create more memories for the No. 24 car of Hendrick Motorsports that is so well known.

Gordon won the pole during qualifying for Sunday’s Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. He has won the 500 three times among six career victories at the track.

“I can’t think of anything cooler than to start this season, the Daytona 500, my final Daytona 500, final full season on the pole,” said the 42-year-old Gordon.

Gordon will still race in the years ahead. He said he still wants to run at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and a couple of other venues, but the year-long grind will no longer be part of his agenda. He has also asked that tracks not present him with a variety of going-away presents so that neither he nor other drivers are distracted by the ensuing hoopla.

Having talked enough about his pending exit, he’s now trying to keep his attention on the task at hand on Sunday.

“All I want to focus on is winning the Daytona 500,” he said. “I’m just enjoying the ride, enjoying the moment.”
 
 
Post By: Larry Weisman, a longtime sportswriter for USA TODAY, blogs for Twistity.com. Follow him on Twitter @MrLarryWeisman .