NASCAR: Mixed first day back for Gordon

It was a mixed bag of results for Jeff Gordon in his impromptu return to the Sprint Cup Series on Friday during practice for the Brickyard 400.

The four-time champion was ninth in the opening round of practice and his speed of 179.376mph was actually set in his first lap back on the track since finishing the season finale at Homestead Miami Speedway in November.

"I'm trying to have fun," Gordon said. "But I take it too seriously to have fun right now... I've enjoyed what I've been doing, which has been a challenge of its own and one I've enjoyed. The first run out there, I realized why. The intensity level is high. My heart hasn't beat like that in a while. It's an awesome experience. I want to take it in to the fullest."

Gordon was a distant 25th in final practice aahead of Saturday's qualifying session (Kyle Busch set the pace at 184.619mph), but still believes he has a good car. He just needs consistency.

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The most apparent change the No. 88 team made actually had nothing to do with the car as they requested that Gordon's name be taken off the pit stall and replaced with "Earnhardt No. 88." It was a team decision, from owner Rick Hendrick, to crew chief Greg Ives to Gordon himself.

"I'm honored to be driving Dale's car," Gordon said. "I really am. ... We made a conscious decision this is Dale's car. I'm here until he gets back and I hope that's soon. We want everything to be respectful of him."

Gordon is driving the No. 88 for Earnhardt for at least the next two race weekends at Indy and Pocono while the primary driver recovers from concussion-related symptoms.