LONG POND, Pa.— Jeff Gordon has ruled out surgery on his aching back and hopes the daily treatments he receives at the track will ease the pain he’s felt for more than a year.

Gordon says he may opt instead for a repeat of a procedure he had last month, which typically calls for an injection of lidocaine or anti-inflammatory medication. He says that may take place in four to six weeks.
Gordon got a break from the driver’s seat Friday after rain washed out qualifying for Sunday’s Pocono 500. Starting positions will be decided by driver points, meaning Gordon will start second at Pocono next to points leader Tony Stewart.