Full Throttle

It’s been a strange year for Jeff Gordon to say the least. He’s watched teammate Jimmie Johnson put on another Sprint Cup clinic and new arrival Dale Earnhardt Jr. take some of the media spotlight off the four-time Sprint Cup Champ.

If Gordon fails to win at Homestead this week he will break a streak of seasons with at least 1 win that stretches back to a 1993 the last time he was winless.

But fear not Jeffy fans, if the Ford 400 falls to someone other than Gordon he has at least one more shot at victory this year.

On November 30, Gordon is scheduled to race in the International Challenge Of Go-Kart Champs in Florianopolis, Brazil – a charity karting event organized by Formula 1 driver Felipe Massa. Seven-time Formula 1 champion, and defending champ of the event, Michael Schumacher and Indy Racing League driver Tony Kanaan are also scheduled to participate in the event.

“I really respect and admire Felipe as a race car driver, and this is such a great opportunity to race against some of the best drivers in the world while benefiting a worthwhile charity,” said Gordon. “I don’t drive karts that often – although we do have a Jeff Gordon Foundation go-kart event each year – and I think the last time I drove one competitively was when I was 11 or 12 years old. “I don’t know what to expect, but I’m sure it will be a fun experience.”

“It is a great pleasure to host Jeff in Brazil,” said Massa. “I rate him as the best American driver. We met at the Race of Champions in Paris some years ago and since then I’ve been trying to convince him to join the party.

“Like Michael Schumacher, I bet he will love the race, the city, the friendly atmosphere and will come back in the next years.”

Let me offer a bit of advice for Jeffy. First the obvious - don’t drink the water. (I only half jest - ed)

As already noted Schumi is the defending champ and Massa, well… he’s the 2006 champion. So if you think you can make a “run for the border” and not feel like you have for the last 35 Cup events you’re in for a rude awakening.

Secondly, and finally, give current F1 champion Lewis Hamilton a ring and ask his thoughts on charity Karting events. He was quoted after a 2007 event as saying: “Oops, that was close,” Hamilton said after hitting the barriers. “It’s a bit bent on the back here.”