Rally for Robby

By Arianne Hegeman
March 5, 2008

As the NASCAR “jury” deliberates behind closed doors, the future of Robby Gordon’s Jim Beam race team is in limbo. The multi-talented racer expressed concern that if his penalties are not rescinded, the team may not survive the remainder of the 2008 season. He currently sits outside of the critical top 35, making qualifying more important than the actual racing. Since appeals are rarely rescinded in NASCAR, Gordon would be better off playing the lottery to solve the team’s financial issues. But should the appeal be overturned, Gordon would sit comfortably within the top 25 in points, securing stability for his sponsors and employees.

Robby Gordon began the season with a top ten finish at Daytona. His performance was nothing short of a miracle considering he switched manufacturers from Ford to Dodge, just days before the beginning of speedweeks. The stellar effort was negated after NASCAR discovered that an unapproved nose was used during the event. Robby Gordon Motorsports claims that they received the nose from Dodge after aligning with Gillette-Evernham in early February. Gordon stands by his team; adamantly insisting that the infraction was not intentional since Dodge made the mistake of giving the nose to his team without malicious intent.

Robby Gordon Motorsports had less than 72 hours to enjoy their success at Daytona. NASCAR issued a crippling 100 point penalty, $100,000 fine and crew chief suspension to the #7 raceteam.

His 42^nd place finish at Las Vegas last week did not help in his plight for survival. The poor finish was the last thing the team needed. Single car race teams are gasping for air in the nation’s #1 spectator sport. Unfortunately, the series has become a hotbed for multi-car team owners while the little guys are slowly being pushed out of the circuit that was built by weekend warriors from all walks of life. NASCAR seems to give grey area leverage to some teams while others are held to black and white judgments. But nothing about Robby Gordon’s infraction is black and white. The unapproved bumper went unnoticed by Gordon’s crew, due to the team’s unfamiliarity with the new manufacturer. There is nothing that points to blatant tampering as the penalties would infer.

By this time tomorrow, Robby Gordon will be sitting at a crossroad. If NASCAR stands by their decision, one path may lead to open wheel racing, where he has already had significant success. If he wins his appeal and continues to compete in NASCAR, his road will be undoubtedly be paved with future obstacles. Either way, Gordon is hardly the kind of guy to back down from a challenge. Whether it’s the IRL, the DAKAR or NASCAR, I enjoy watching Gordon race and will always root for anyone with his kind of talent.

Email Arianne with your thoughts!

Responses:

I loved your article. It was full of facts, thought, and insight. Plus, I plain agreed with you. Always helps.
My best regard,
Steve W.

As a ardent supporter of Robby, (I used to race, & always had to do it with short money, so I greatly admire others doing it that way) I was really pleased with your story. Some writers, (Pete Pistone, comes to mind.) Never miss a chance to bash Robby, & and have jumped in with both feet over this deal. I expect fans to be totally biased, by the same token, I expect writers to be fair & even handed. Your article was not of the cheerleader variety, but presented the facts, clearly, & concisely.

Thank you for a very well written article.

John aka dawg

Thank you for the great article. By now you know Robby won his appeal, but like you said he will still have future obstacles this year. I really hope NASCAR and there officials don't look harder at his cars during inspection then some of the others, just so they can find something else to fine him over.

Todd