Gordon tops the charts during final Watkins Glen practice

Don't expect 15/1 odds on Jeff Gordon anymore after final practice speeds.

It's been since 2001 that Jeff Gordon last had a top-five finish on the road course at Watkins Glen International, but he showed during Friday's practice session that he's a threat not only to win Saturday's pole, but also Sunday's Cheez-It 355.

Gordon laid down his fast lap of 127.333 mph to top the charts on the first of his 18 laps run during the 75-minute session while in a mock-qualifying set-up. Gordon has won four times at Watkins Glen over his career, but the last one came in 2001.

It would be quite the story if Gordon were to win in what is expected to be his last race on the 11-turn 2.454-mile  road course. The win would also be his first of the season and ease his mind and status for his final Chase where there is still optimism of sending Gordon out as a champion.

The pole winner has won nine times in 32 races (34.3%) at Watkins Glen and 21 of the winners (65.6%) have started from a top-five position. Start position will be critical as always and Gordon certainly has a car that should find a great starting position during qualifying.

Kyle Larson was second fastest with a lap at 127.049 mph followed by Greg Biffle (126.987 mph), Kyle Busch (126.837) and Joey Logano (126.720). Larson finished fourth last season in his first Cup attempt at The Glen while Kyle Busch is looking to win for the third time and fifth overall this season. Busch also won the June race at Sonoma and did the road course sweep in 2008.

Rounding out the top-10 fastest drivers during the final session were Kurt Busch (126.677 mph), Martin Truex Jr. (126.650), Sam Hornish Jr. (126.644), 2006 Watkins Glen winner Kevin Harvick (126.348) and five-time winner Tony Stewart (126.263).

Qualifying is set for Saturday at 1:15 pm ET on NBCSN.

Practice 2 Results

Practice 1 Results

Jeff Gordon talks with media Friday about Watkins Glen