Gordon aims for cautious race

It is the final short track race of the season and with seven rounds remaining, Gordon has a 237-point lead over Ricky Rudd, but all of that can change on Sunday with short ovals renowned for producing races of attrition.

"I don't look at it as a place where you can lose a lot of points," said Gordon, who will start third in his Chevrolet. "This is the last short track race of the season and more is on the line at this point. Guys are battling for points and needing to win or wanting to win or whatever. But we'll just try to go out there and stay out of some of that trouble. It's rare that you ever come out Martinsville without some pretty big dents in the body of the car."

After winning three NASCAR Winston Cup championships in 1995, 1997 and 1998, Gordon was ready to lay his claim to the top spot in the Winston Cup record books, but since his mentor and crew chief Ray Evernham left in September 1999, Gordon has yet to win another title.

This year, the 30-year-old has won a series-high six times and has re-established himself a leading figure in Winston Cup racing. While the Hendricks Motorsport ace admits he is still a long way from taking a record-breaking eighth title, he looks set to take his fourth this year,

"Right now, the fourth championship is the most important one out there," Gordon said. "I've accomplished everything and more than I've ever dreamed of. Getting to four is the ultimate right now. Eight championships is beyond recognition."