Jeff Gordon feeling his age

Q. When you look at the allâ€'time numbers in the Cup Series, like you and a bunch of old guys are up at the top.

JEFF GORDON: Thank you. I appreciate that. I shaved this morning because I had a beard that I had grown for about three weeks, and I looked in the mirror, and I was like, wow, man, I am really gray. I felt pretty old this morning. I was actually feeling a lot younger after I shaved until now.

Q. That was kind of my question. When you start a new season, do you feel like a veteran, experienced driver, or do you feel like a young guy with still a lot to prove?

JEFF GORDON: Well, this time of year I always feel rejuvenated because I've had a break. I feel excited because I see the things my team is working on, all the hard work they've done. It's a fresh start to the season. I feel young at this moment.

But when I roll out of the bed in the morning, I realize that I'm 42 because I have aches and pains that I didn't have 20 years ago. I'm reminded of my age. But when I get to the track, I'm still as passionate and as excited, if not more so, than I've ever been.

Q. Jeff, you've got star power, shaven or unshaven.

JEFF GORDON: Thank you.