Gordon began the 2007 Cup season by winning his fourth Gatorade Duel qualifying race. Due to a rear shock bolt breaking during the race on his car, he failed the post-race inspection which found that the rear of his car was too low and, as a result, had to start 42nd in the Daytona 500. He went on to finish 10th in the race despite being involved in a crash during a spectacular last-lap finish.