Jeff Gordon has applied to life much of what he’s learned in racing — and believes the elements required for success in both are not that different.

In the final minutes of last year’s Subway Fresh Fit 600 in Phoenix, Jeff Gordon was in the lead and poised to win the race with three laps to go. As he pulled into the pit for his final stop, his crew bounded over the wall, replacing all four tires and refueling the No. 24 car in less than 13 seconds.

Mike Krzyzewski’s principles for building a world-class team may not surprise you. Even so, how is Coach K able to do it year after year, team after team?

Most coaches would consider leading a team to an Olympic gold medal a capper for a pretty good year. The same goes for winning an NCAA national championship. Or a FIBA world championship. Mike Krzyzewski, head coach of the Duke Blue Devils and Team USA, led teams to each of these honors… within about 24 months.