Despite coming short of winning the Auto Club 500, Jeff Gordon proved that he still has what it takes to get to Victory Lane.

In a great battle as the laps wound down, Gordon did everything he could to catch the No. 17 Ford. Smoking his right front tire until there was nothing remaining, Gordon was forced to collect the silver.

"It's bittersweet," Gordon stated. "But, have to come away with this with a lot of positive feelings, because we're a long ways ahead of where we were at this time last year I feel like. Man, I'm pumped. I'm really excited about this whole season."

Many Hardcore Race Fans would venture to say that Kenseth won Sunday's race because of an amazing effort by his pit crew, but although Gordon acknowledges the "Killer Bees" he feels that Kenseth's mistake free performance played a bigger role in the victory.

"I have so much respect for Matt," Gordon extended to the winner of the Auto Club 500. "We've had our differences over time, but I've always had a ton of respect for what kind of race car driver he is. I'll tell you, you know, you can say that the pit crew won him the race tonight, but Matt didn't make one mistake.

"I put a lot of heat on him. I drove as hard as I've driven in a long time," Gordon added. "He didn't make any mistakes. Maybe one little slip up, but just wasn't enough for me to do anything with him."

With his winless streak continuing, do not expect Gordon to settle for second too much longer.