Sometimes things are just worth waiting for. It can be love, a dream job, a dream vehicle or just an opportunity that cannot be passed up.
NASCAR fans had to wait two days to finally see racing at the Atlanta Motor Speedway, and even then had to wait through a couple rain delays while also having a light mist fall over the track. Stands were visibly empty, as some fans couldn't stay the extra day and had to make the trip home to head back to their jobs or to classes.
But the ones that did decide to stay got to see what Atlanta is known for, which is a high speed, and always slick race track.
What they got in return was seeing a major milestone achieved. The dominant car won the race, and in doing so, it's driver stands alone in the career win column.
At the end of 325 laps, Jeff Gordon parked his car on the front straightaway, after burning down the rear Goodyear tires, and celebrated his 85th career victory and his third of 2011, the most wins he's had in a single season since 2007.
The jubilation could be seen as now with the victory, he finds himself in prime position to start the 2011 Chase for the Sprint Cup in second spot. That's not a bad job for a 40-year-old driver who was given the nickname "Wonder Boy" by Dale Earnhardt in 1995.
No writer chose the No. 24 Drive to End Hunger Chevrolet to win, but at the same time the standings have gotten very close. Here's how they stand following the Advocare 500:
Sal Sigala Jr. (861) Jimmie Johnson finished second (4)
Kelly Crandall (840) Matt Kenseth finished ninth (3)
Christopher Leone (826) Brad Keselowski finished sixth (3)
James Broomhead (825) Kurt Busch finished fourth (2)
Michael Hirshbein (825) Kyle Busch finished 23rd (5)
Billy Fellin (818) Kurt Busch finished fourth (2)
Ryan O'Hara (773) Carl Edwards finished fifth (2)
Kara Martin (771) Tony Stewart finished third (1)
Rob Tiongson (765) Brad Keselowski finished sixth (2)
Misan Ayuka (764) Tony Stewart finished third (3)
Dustin Parks (750) Brad Keselowski finished sixth (0)
Next Race: It's a short turnaround for every driver and team, let alone all the writers. But, it is the most important race of the season for a lot of drivers. Ones that are currently in the top-10 are looking to hold their spot, while others are trying to sneak into the top-10 and take one of those spots away.
Some have a single victory, and are trying to gain a wild card spot, while others want a win just to possibly steal the spotlight from those ready to battle for a championship.
It's the final race to make the 2011 Chase for the Sprint Cup, and the location is once again the Richmond International Raceway.
Writers, this is the last race before the rules change for the final 10 races. Have your picks submitted by 10 p.m. ET on Thursday, September 8, for the Wonderful Pistachios 400.
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