Brad vs. The Kid

Every story has the alleged good guy, and the proclaimed villain. Like those stories, a NASCAR Sprint Cup season can never go without controversy – and with that comes a rivalry.

Putting aside the fact that Brad Keselowski wrote a complimentary blog entry about fellow competitor Jeff Gordon, the two of them are still fierce competitors. That fierceness would lead to those two putting on a fantastic and thrilling championship duel. Think of it: Gordon’s skill and experience vs Keselowski’s innovation and brashness. Put them at a track for the first time under the current rules package, and it’s a fair game.

These last few weeks have been tough for the 2012 Champion in terms of gaining respect.

The Villain

In this case, Keselowski would be the distinct villain. Hated from his 100% giving driving style, to as from the driver himself, his teeth. Said in 2009 during his scuffles with Cup star Denny Hamlin, Brad was nothing more than an “upstart punk”, and one who could be successful and win lots of races if he can better control himself. The race wins have definitely come since then, and so has the respect. But in this sport, respect is much easier to lose than it is to gain.

These last few weeks have been tough for the 2012 Champion in terms of gaining respect. Ever since starting off the Chase by winning two of the first six races, other drivers can’t stand it. Fans love it when their driver wins, and winning attracts new fans, but there is nothing that the competitors hate more than watching a driver win so much. Just like Dale Earnhardt’s streak, and Jeff Gordon’s, and Jimmie Johnson’s — nothing will earn hatred among mass amounts of fans than constant and consistent winning. That is exactly what Keselowski has done this year.

In addition to winning, Keselowski has also put himself under the unnecessary microscope. With a questionable move in the Spring Talladega race taking out several strong contenders (including Jeff Gordon), and two separate incidents with former champion Matt Kenseth in both Richmond and Charlotte, BK is in a less than desirable spot. The most recent flare-up with Gordon in Texas only goes further to prove how emotion driven this sport is, and that NASCAR has turned into a popularity contest – something that typically doesn’t work in the villain’s favor.

The Hero

On the opposite side of the spectrum, lies four time series champion Jeff Gordon. If popularity is any indication of a strong following, Gordon far surpasses Keselowski in the number of Twitter followers. With nearly an extra 100,000 followers, Gordon has a strong army behind him ready to defend his every move. Having a strong line of defense is always great, but that doesn’t define a hero.

Experience and success does, though. Four championships and 92 race wins later, Gordon has proven he has the finesse and expertise to get it done on the big scale level. In his early days, Gordon suffered the same fate as Keselowski: winning. Being victorious is always a great feeling, but too much of it can annoy fans. Between 1996-1998 Gordon claimed 33 race wins. That’s nearly a full season! Performing at a level like that can drive away fans left and right, but longevity and consistency can draw them right back.

Gordon’s image is also that much stronger than Keselowski’s. Jeff Gordon is a household name, and synonymous with going fast. While they both are founders of two important foundations, Gordon’s foundation for pediatric cancer research and the general well being of children globally tends to take a better place in the hearts of undecided race fans.

Comparisons

Off the track, both individuals are class acts and great people. As mentioned, both are charity founders, both are champions, both had fast risings to the spotlight. And how could I forget, both had their controversies. The perilous last few weeks BK has faced is nothing unfamiliar to Gordon.

Winning the Duel

My answer to the duel winner is simple. Who won more races this year?