Jeff Gordon is atop the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series point standings but back spasms forced the four-time champion out of his No. 24 Chevrolet SS on Saturday.
Rather than run laps in final practice Gordon left Charlotte Motor Speedway to get treatment.
“I’ve had some spasms in the past, but this one, it was a little bit different,” said Gordon who has been battling back troubles for years. “And so I just want to really be cautious and take care of it. It doesn’t do me any good to be in the car right now.”
On Sunday evening Gordon and the rest of the Cup Series runs the longest race of the season – 600 miles at the 1.5-mile track.
“It’s unfortunate,” Gordon said. “I’ve had some spasms in the past, but this one is a little bit different. I just want to be cautious and take care of it. It doesn’t do me any good to be out there in the car right now, especially as good as it is.”
Gordon will start 27th in Sunday’s race. He ran just 11 laps in the opening practice session.
Regan Smith is listed as the backup driver for Gordon. Smith had been planning to attend the Indianapolis 500.
