FORT WORTH, TEXAS (AP) - Jeff Burton got his first career victory in the first NASCAR Cup race at Texas in 1997.
He added another win there 10 years later.
Texas Motor Speedway hosted its 26th Sprint Cup race Sunday, and Burton is one of only four drivers who has started every one of them. The others are Jeff Gordon, Bobby Labonte and Mark Martin.
Burton is in his final season with Richard Childress Racing. The 46-year-old hasn’t revealed his plans for 2014.
“I have always had a lot of respect for him, other than that time he wrecked me here,” Gordon said, drawing laughter from those in the room.
During the fall race three years ago, an angry Gordon shoved Burton with a hard two-handed push after Burton sent Gordon’s No. 24 car crashing into the outside wall during a caution period. Gordon then took some swings before they were separated by NASCAR safety officials.
Burton took full responsibility for the accident and had no problem with what Gordon did.
“He’s a good guy. I think he is a smart race car driver,” Gordon said. “I value his opinions that he has when he is analyzing the sport and the cars just kind of looking at the broader picture. He has got a good perspective and very level head about it.”
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