Gordon predicts tough Atlanta race

A year ago many drivers were critical of Goodyear over the tyre specification it selected for the race weekend, as it didn't offer enough grip and the cars were difficult to drive. This year the tyre manufacturer brought a different specification, with different constructions, a softer compound on the left, and increased stagger.

The selection was made based on a test done in December, when temperatures were far lower than what teams have encountered on the track this weekend.

Gordon expects tyres to be an issue during Sunday's race as he was anticipating having more grip than what he actually found in practice.

"We're going to have issues [with tyres] but I don't know if they're issues with wear. It's called grip, just trying to get hold of the race track," said Gordon.

"You know they did this tyre test here in December and I heard the track temperature was like 50 degrees, it's over 90 today but there just really was not much grip out there at all. I was surprised because I kept hearing this tyre was supposed to have more grip in it."

Gordon said he does not intend to be critical of Goodyear as Atlanta is probably one of the toughest tracks to build a tyre for, especially with the new Cup car. However, he expects Sunday's race to be demanding for drivers, as the lack of grip will probably keep them on their toes for 500 miles.

"I don't want this to be taken the wrong way when I was making the comments on the tyres," Gordon added. "I believe that this track and this car, especially with the temperatures we had today, is possibly the most difficult track in the world to build a tyre for.

"So I certainly credit Goodyear for their efforts but it's almost beyond what they can do or any tyre manufacturer. I think this is such a tough place, especially with this car. We all knew going into this car it was going to be tough on tyres and we have our hands full.

"It is really going to be a white-knuckle, hold on tight survival type of race. I'm actually kind of excited about that. I think that is going to make things really interesting this weekend."

Gordon, whose four wins at Atlanta is the highest tally amongst active drivers, will start Sunday's Kobalt Tools 500 from 16th on the grid.