Robby Gordon has released an official statement on the Busch Series incident that got him parked for a Nextel Cup event: I want to start by expressing my regrets to the sponsors, fans, and all competitors for any part I played in the miscommunication, confusion and uncertainty surrounding the finish in this weekend's Busch race in Montreal. Immediately following the last caution when I was spun out by the 59 car, at first I was told that I was scored in first place and I should be in that position. Later, I was told that I was in second place and I assumed that position, which was fine. Moments before the green flag dropped, I was told that I was scored in 13th position.Heh. He intends to move forward under the rules. I'll bet he does. Either that or he'll be moving forward somewhere besides NASCAR.
Obviously I objected, and I stated that I would complete the race under protest. I believed that my protest would be a foregone conclusion if I moved to position 13. I was confident that most people who watched the race or see the replay would agree that I should have been scored in first or second. I also wanted to make sure that the race played out the way it should if the officials ultimately agreed with me after seeing the tape and granted my protest. Therefore, I decided to preserve the status quo by holding the second position and racing from that position to the end of the race. My belief was that it would be no harm no foul if my protest was denied because I would then be disqualified in the race regardless. On the other hand, if I moved to position 13 and my protest was granted, then the race results would be affected. In order to preserve the integrity of my protest, I decided to stay in second position.
It was not my purpose to disrespect the authority of NASCAR or the officials. I do respect their authority to run the race and make the calls, and I understand the significance of the black flag. I strongly disagree with the calls that affected me at the end of the race. Being spun under the yellow and not being allowed to resume my position prior to the spin put me in a position to react as I did. Nonetheless, I accept NASCAR's decision and I intend to move forward under the rules.
I understand he was frustrated. I really do. I'm sure it's difficult to determine where he was at the exact moment the caution was put out. But NASCAR reviewed it and made their decision. It's unfortunate for Gordon, but we just can't have rogue drivers taking it upon themselves to make sure the race plays out the way they think it should.
This "NASCAR made me do it" crap isn't gonna fly.
More opinion:
Bench Racing: Harvick-oui, Robby agi comme un idiot
Full Throttle: Robby Gordon turns Cunucklehead!
Previously on Fanhouse
NASCAR Reminds Gordon Who's Boss
Tuesday Could Come Early for Gordon, Penalty Could Set New Precedent
Robby Gordon Might Have Suspended Himself; Harvick Wins
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Reader Comments ( Page 1 of 2)
1. RG got screwed...again...he was in the lead and was spun during a yellow...he should have stayed at the front (and won...like he did!). Along with Smoke, RG is the most talented driver in NASCAR, capable of driving any type of vehicle...fast...shades of AJ and Mario. For the (new) good old boys who run the joint, he's alittle too unruly for those up in the sponsor suites! For my money, RG, as well as Smoke, make NASCAR a sport to watch, not those homogenized pretty boys that can't drve, don't swear/sweat, but sure as hell can smile pretty with a box of Weaties in their mitts. !!
Posted at 4:38PM on Aug 5th 2007 by chris whorf
2. I'm sorry folks, but I side with Gordon on ths one.He was in 1st at the caution, then whats-his-name intentionally took him out after Gordon made that risky, but clean pass for 1st. You can clearly see the yellow flag in the video shot, as Gordon is spun and passed. Robbie will win the Glen and show all you non-believers, who's a road racer and who's not !!
Posted at 5:00PM on Aug 5th 2007 by Bill
3. I think that Dale Jr. said it best a few years ago, " R. Gordon is a moron who can't drive, thats why it took him so long to get his license." He proves that every week all by himself.
Posted at 6:40PM on Aug 5th 2007 by Al Stone
4. NASCAR was quick to ban Robby from the Cup race at Pocono for his actions at Montreal. Fair enough. But NASCAR blew the caution call. Gordon's manner of protest was wrong and the Cup race ban punishes him for that. The officials should admit their error and not punish Robby further. Everybody says "my bad" and move on. Probably won't happen, but should.
Thanks for the link.
Posted at 6:56PM on Aug 5th 2007 by benchracing charlie
5. I agree with Gordon. NASCAR is inconsistent. They "supposedly" freeze the field at the last scoring loop before the caution. I saw this same thing play out earlier this year with Tony Stewart. Stewart was at or near the front of the pack when he was spun out. The caution came out immediately but Stewart was relegated to the back of the pack instead of up front, where he was at the last scoring loop. What's up NASCAR?
Posted at 9:19PM on Aug 5th 2007 by Johnny
6. Think a Hendrick, Childress, or Gibbs team car would have been treated the same way? (Recall the Jeff Gordon pit road ruling.)Clearly, NASCAR officials made the first mistake and Robbie made the second one. Gordon will pay a penalty, however,while NASCAR will find something in the rules to justify their initial position rather than laying any sort of blame with race officials. These guys are as protected as umpires anymore. What do you think A.J. Foyt, Cale Yarborough, or Earnhardt Sr. would have done?
Posted at 9:36PM on Aug 5th 2007 by Scrapper
7. Think a Hendrick, Childress, or Gibbs team car would have been treated the same way? (Recall the Jeff Gordon pit road ruling.)Clearly, NASCAR officials made the first mistake and Robbie made the second one. Gordon will pay a penalty, however,while NASCAR will find something in the rules to justify their initial position rather than laying any sort of blame with race officials. These guys are as protected as umpires anymore. What do you think A.J. Foyt, Cale Yarborough, or Earnhardt Sr. would have done?
Posted at 9:41PM on Aug 5th 2007 by Scrapper
8. I don't understand why robbie wasn't penalized immediately. edwards was penalized today when his team broke a rule, and had to make a pass-through. robbie repeatedly and flagrantly violated a number of rules (racing under yellow, hitting ambrose at least twice under yellow, not lining up where told to) and yet nascar didn't park his butt in his pit. they sure had enough time and laps under yellow to do so..... as a result he was allowed to punt ambrose (who didn't see that coming?) and continue his antics all the way to the checkers and beyond. WTF, nascar? ambrose sure handled himself with dignity and grace, though. count me a new ambrose fan!
Posted at 10:17PM on Aug 5th 2007 by smoke RULES!
9. What Robby did was wrong but you got to look at the circumstances. NASSCARS way of running things are at the worst since everyone thought it was a dictatorship. Look at the Daytona 500. Until NASSCAR admits that one of their calls was a bad one I will save a lot of money by not having to buy tickets, food, souviners, long lines to get out of the tracks. Add it up 2 tics. to Las Vegas, 2 tics. to Californa, 2 tics. to Michigan, 2 tic. 2 times for Phoenix. NASSCAR add it up 10,000 people decide to react the same way I dont need a calculator to add it up. If a lot more join in the stands will look like Indy races.
Posted at 10:30PM on Aug 5th 2007 by Rod
10. Robbie Gordan causes more crashes than anyone!Why wouldn't he be in this as well!!!!!!!!! Marvin TX.RACER
Posted at 11:40PM on Aug 5th 2007 by MARVIN THOMAS
11. Wake up and smell the roses...when have you ever known NASSYCAR to admit to a mistake. With their attitude, I'm shocked that they haven't started their own religeon. Ans buttermilk...you seem to have swallowed their line, float hook and sinker. Robby celebrating after the race was wrong, but racing on with the thought of protesting the ruling was the logical thing to do. Surely, even you can understand that.
Posted at 11:58PM on Aug 5th 2007 by Don Emerson
12. I DONT THINK HIS CAR SHOULD HAVE EVEN BEEN ALOUD TO RACE TODAY IF YOU ASK ME...................BUT WHO AM I....NASSY CAR IS A GOOD WORD FOR THEM I AGREE WITH DON EMERSON FOR ONCE..........OMG DID I JUST SAY THAT........
Posted at 1:05AM on Aug 6th 2007 by Peaches
13. Nascar is a joke...need I say more?....
Posted at 4:11AM on Aug 6th 2007 by mercman
14. NASCAR clearly made the first mistake and they should own up to it. Their inconsistent interpretation and enforcement of their own rules diminishes their credibility with the fan base and the teams. As previously suggested, had this happened to one of the Big 3 race teams or one of the pampered star drivers, NASCAR would’ve been able to craft an explanation as to why the lead car should remain as the lead car when the caution flag was thrown. NASCAR needs to hold themselves as accountable as they hold the teams and drivers.
Posted at 7:28AM on Aug 6th 2007 by Ralph D. van Loton
15. I think it's NASCAR's bad call that pissed off Robby..He clearly should have been 1st or 2nd..His actions after that,well questionable but who can blame him?? I can see why he was also pissed as Harvick caused a giant wreck and was rewarded with the win!
Posted at 8:43AM on Aug 6th 2007 by Chrissie
16. Nascar quote leaders are a joke making rules as they go it looks like the Race should have been red flagged until the mess Nascar made was settled and Robby probaly wouldn't have lost his cool, parked or any of this mess, but they didn't apoligize for there mistake to Tony so guess what they want accept responsibity for there mistake in Montreal. Boycott buying tickets and watching there mess on TV will open there EYES, even yesterday NO BRAIN HELTON admitted TV watchers percentage is 26% off so stop watching or buying tickets and they may catch on that we the people can control there destiny.
Posted at 8:57AM on Aug 6th 2007 by charlie
17. Nascar rules are not being followed or used properly The race should have been RED flagged and get the situation corrected and then resume the race if it had been GIBBS, HENDRIX RCR , or DEI, Roush it would have been done Differently. Boycott TV and purchasing TICKETS this will open there eyes Fat Head HELTON admitted on TV yesterday that TV viewers was down 26%. Thats how they get there BIG SALARIES
Posted at 9:22AM on Aug 6th 2007 by cmackoms9
18. NASCAR screws up another one. Gordon was right, right, right!
Posted at 10:25AM on Aug 6th 2007 by PMBtheDad
19. being first or second is irrealavant,,, even tough the caution"flag" was out, as we all saw.. thats not the "scoring loop," which is official, the 2nd grade tantram with a 4000 pound car at over 100 m.p.h. is the issue, robby should be banned from nascar permantely, and left to baja or " boohoo" in the desert...
Posted at 10:27AM on Aug 6th 2007 by d
20. Let the guys race. And for the love of Pete, let's get FOX back. ESPN is the worse. I was so dissappointed in the coverage yesterday I took a nap. And I am a big time race fan. What's up! Let's give ESPN the boot, a big fine for boring the heck out of us, and let them lose a bunch of points. They are already losing lots of fans.
Posted at 11:41AM on Aug 6th 2007 by Betty