Gordon's big year likely not big enough

0 Comments | USA TODAY, November, 2007 | by Gary Graves

Answers to pressing questions heading into

Sunday's Ford 400 Chase for the Nextel Cup finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway by USA TODAY's Gary Graves:

Can Jeff Gordon pull off NASCAR's ultimate "Hail Mary" and overtake Jimmie Johnson for his fifth championship?

With Gordon having an average finishing position of 7.4 overall and 5.2 during the Chase, six victories and 29 top-10s heading to South Florida, there's no doubt he is capable of erasing an 86-point deficit and pulling off the sport's most impossible comeback.

This season is arguably his best based solely on the numbers, which speak volumes about his consistency, determination and resilience. He has demonstrated all three traits over the last three races, turning temporary setbacks...