FT. WORTH, Texas - Jeff Gordon's National Guard GED Plus car crossed the finish line first April 5 here at the Texas Motor Speedway, a track that has challenged him in the past.
The win with the GED Plus logo was appropriate, because this program gives teenagers a second chance to finish their GED even when that has proven to be too difficult in the past.
"(It) is not my best track, which makes today's victory that much more special," Gordon said after the race.
Before the race, Gordon and Dale Earnhardt Jr., stopped by the National Guard exhibit to speak with Texas National Guard members.
"I am proud to carry the GED Plus logo on the car, because it gives some kids who have already dropped out, a second chance," he said. "Sometimes we make a decision and later on we think, 'I wished I would not have done that.' The GED Plus program provides that second chance."
Gordon also spoke about sweeping turns and cross or tail winds and the effect of those conditions on the vehicle.
He explained that whether a car, boat or aircraft, the wind would have a significant impact on the race, even more so since he would be driving 190 miles an hour or more.
"We will battle that today. We are ready," he said. "We have never won here in Texas, but we are going to try and change that statistic today."
When he was asked why he had chosen the National Guard as a sponsor when he could pick from so many well-known brand names, Gordon replied: "We are very proud to have the National Guard GED Plus on board today. Dale was involved with the 88 car and the National Guard, and it certainly did not take long for me to get involved.
"The things that the National Guard is doing out there to help so many people and helping kids to get their GED are tremendous especially in today's tough economy."
Gordon was also asked for his advice to kids, who are thinking of dropping out of high school.
"It is very important to finish high school," he said. "My parents pushed me and instilled in me the importance of education, because of course as a kid all I ever wanted to do was race, race, race. My parents made me keep up my grades, and I am so glad that they did. I believe it would have been a huge mistake not to finish high school."
Gordon said that even though racing has paid off, he believes he could have done more with a college degree. "So, maybe I'll finish that after I finish racing."
Before the race, National Guard members were also able to tour the garages and take a look at the number 24 and 88 cars up close.
After the race, they were even more excited than Jeff Gordon, who did exactly what he had promised one Soldier he would do: "Win this one."