Robbie at Daytona

[Jerry B]

2/11/06 Bud Pole Qualifing 12:10 PM (ET)
2/11/06Shootout 4:00 PM (ET)
2/16/06 Twin 150 2:00 PM (ET) TNN
2/19/06 500 1:30 PM (ET)
It is too bad he was not in the top 35 last year.
2/11/06 Results http://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com/news/news.jsp?news_id=1082
Gordon http://www.robbygordon.com
http://www.racingone.com/article.asp?artnum=26145

[JrSyko]

Not to high jack this thread, but I just heard from my sources that RG was able to patch up his Red Bull deal for the off-road program. While it's still shaky, don't be surprised if you see two RB trucks at the 1000, not one of which will be the Dakar truck.

[Bohr7]

Robby at Daytona

Excellent news! What's a race without some RB and RG?

and actually jrsyko, you incorporated the Red Bull drama with nascar into RG's off road...........why are they not sticking with what has been successful to them? May be a silly question but I'm just sayin'.............

and all events rained out yesterday so don't expect qualifying today until very late.

[JrSyko]

RB is teamed up with Toyota and RG is joined with GM so that's why that can't sponsor his Nascar effort.

[FlyHiFlyLo]

Yes, I can't wait till October when the "Master Plan" becomes clear.

I wonder how tight the Red Bull Volkswagon deal is today?

[bajafox]

Just finished watching qualifying at Daytona, just missed it so now has to race his way in...the wind seemed to be a huge factor in times, apparantly it was really blowing when RG made his qualifying run

[spalind]

Just finished watching qualifying at Daytona, just missed it so now has to race his way in...the wind seemed to be a huge factor in times, apparantly it was really blowing when RG made his qualifying run

Yeah, I watched it too...was only a couple hundreths of a second off from qualifying on time....his time was 23rd too...right in the middle of the pack...really a shame if he doesn't make it...but he did race his way in last year...anyone know what position or higher he needs to place at during Thursdays (?) Bud 125's in order to get in?

[spalind]

Oooo....was just announced that Jimmy Johnson and Terry Labonte's qualifying times have been thrown out due to them failing inspection after they finished up...Johnson finished ahead of Robby and Terry behind during qualifying...Anyone know if this would bump Robby in??

[kaw500]

Robbie did not race his way in last year he was passed on the last lap of the 150 and sat out the race. What happened today after qualifying does change what he needs to do and that is to finish 1st or 2nd against all other non-qualified cars in his 150 not against the entire field. Robby will start outside row 5 in the 2nd race on Thursday.

My wife bought us a weeks pass for this years Daytona as a wedding present (we got married in may) I've never been and am looking forward to it I've gone to Sonoma a dozen times for NASCAR. Thursday is the 150's, Friday the truck race, Saturday the Busch event and Sunday the big one. I should be pretty burned out on NASCAR by the time we rerun home.

[spalind]

that really sucks...as it stands right now he had the 22nd fastest time out of the 58 drivers who ran in qualifying yesterday---and he's still not in at this point...looks like he start in 10th position in the 2nd of the Gatorade races on Thursday...hope he does well...would really be a downer for him I would imagine if his Nascar program doesn't even get into the biggest race of the year....

[bajafox]

I just read the article on nascar.com on what they're doing with the 48, not quite sure but it seems Jimmie now has to race his way in also, not sure about Terry though. I don't think that automatically bumps Robby into the show

[Bohr7]

Robby still has to race his way in because it's on the qual time, not starting position of the twins. What is up in the air is how this will effect who starts where in the twins.........are they just going to remove JJ's starting position, causing everyone in the first twin to move up or has everyone from qualifying now got a NEW starting position which completely swtiches the starting fields? makes a difference who you get to run with and who will help you.

Well, scratch that........according to the 37 team, now that Terry AND Jimmie are out, all bets are the same.

[kaw500]

JJ now starts 29th in the 1st 150 with TL starting 30th in the same race. JJ is in the Daytona 500 where he finishes in the 150 determines his stating spot. Robbie has a good starting postion in his race and with his DEI motor he has a good chance of being there Sunday but anything can and usally does happen.

[Bohr7]

amazing.........everything is different and yet nothing has changed. Validates my desire to finish my MBA and support Sal Fish.

This may be a dumb question but does this ever happen in Off-road? I don't remember any incidents involving it so if anyone can remember, is anything done differently?

Hall of Shame racing has a guaranteed spotting spot with that championship provisional regardless of having contributed nothing to this sport thus far and still finds it necessary to cheat..............with no penalties whatsoever. Renders one completely speechless.

[NIKAL]

Plain and simple, The new 35 in owners points rule really SUCKS! It makes qualifying especially at the restrictor plate races useless. At a restrictor plate race where you start really makes no differance. Its just getting into the race thats hard with only 7 spots left and then past Champions can take one just because they show up. I think the 43 fastest should get to race. Its stupid the Matt Kensith doesent qualify and he is still in the race. Teams cheat and they get put to the back of the feild and still get to race.

[Hemp]

what time is the first and second race on thursday....i couldnt find any info thanks

[spalind]

what time is the first and second race on thursday....i couldnt find any info thanks

Fairly early afternoon...like 1 or 2 pm eastern....think the first race is gonna be broadcast on TNT but not sure about the second race....

[Hemp]

ya i see 2 pm eastern on TNT for the first race....I assume the second race is pretty much right after?

[kaw500]

Plain and simple, The new 35 in owners points rule really SUCKS! It makes qualifying especially at the restrictor plate races useless. At a restrictor plate race where you start really makes no differance. Its just getting into the race thats hard with only 7 spots left and then past Champions can take one just because they show up. I think the 43 fastest should get to race. Its stupid the Matt Kensith doesent qualify and he is still in the race. Teams cheat and they get put to the back of the feild and still get to race.

You said it right! Lasts years Daytona 500 did not have the fastest 43 cars after qualifying and it will probably happen again this year.

[NIKAL]

Like I was stating before about cheating and still being able to race.
I found this on Jaski.com

Knaus Ejected from 2006 Daytona 500 Activities: NASCAR announced today that NASCAR Nextel Cup Series crew chief Chad Knaus has been ejected from any further participation in 2006 Daytona 500 activities as a result of a rules infraction discovered following pole qualifying runs Sunday. Knaus is the crew chief for the #48 Lowe's Chevy driven by Jimmie Johnson. NASCAR said the #48 car failed post-qualifying template inspection in the rear window area. The qualifying time posted by the #48 was disallowed and Johnson will have to start at the rear of the field in the first of two 150-mile qualifying races Thursday. The qualifying time of the #96 DLP Chevy driven by Terry Labonte was also disallowed. NASCAR officials said an unapproved carburetor was found on the 96 car. Labonte will also have to start from the rear of the field in Thursday’s qualifying races. Additional penalties for both cars will be determined following the Daytona 500.(NASCAR PR)(2-13-2006)

If they want to keep teams from blatant cheating, what they need to do is set that whole team out for that race. Now if it is a minor infraction then yes, dock points charge fines or whatever but intentional cheating like what Knaus has done (now and in the past) they need to sit out a race. There are to many teams just trying to get into the race and then there are the ones locked in and they are willing to take the chances that they are knowing that if they get caught they will pay fines and at worst some points. If you race and win you get 180 points. If you are caught cheating you might get 25 points taken away. Thats still 155 points you dont deserve. Then there's the team who followed the rules didnt make the show and got 0 points.

[kaw500]

There is doubt what Knaus did was intentionally done to try and win the pole. That kind of action by a crew chief probably deserves more than that team got. But even if they DQ'd JJ from the race Robbie would still need to race his way in as he was still 2 postions (37th) from being in each race this year. He was unable to make the field in 7 races last year and in a couple of those he had the speed over exempt teams to make the show. Oh well we all have to play by the same rules don't we?

[NIKAL]

There is doubt what Knaus did was intentionally done to try and win the pole. That kind of action by a crew chief probably deserves more than that team got. But even if they DQ'd JJ from the race Robbie would still need to race his way in

I'm not saying that if JJ was not allowed to race that Robby would be in. I just think with the way NASCAR has let these teams push the limit and NASCAR has not really been that hard on most teams. I say most. They have suspended Kevin Harvick they talked about sitting Robby out with the rough driving/helmet toss. They have suspended some crew cheifs, handed down some big fines. But what I think they need to do is send the whole team home. Let the whole team and sponsor take the hit. The sponsors wont put up with the emberisment and the team owners now know how important owner points are that they will not let there teams do some of the things they are doing. Yes Knaus and Hendrick made some type of machanical adjustment to the back window after pre-tech. And they got caught. How many teams did something and did not get caught? I can say that when I talked to Robby about this sort of thing (acually we were talking about shocks) he said that they need to focus so much on making these races and finishing that they havent even tryed to push the limits. Last year they had a few template problems, not because they were trying to find that edge it was truelly small mistakes. From what he said the templates fit like a puzzle. If one is off by an 1/8 of an inch it will throw another template off by a 1/4 to 3/8 and so on and so on. Also you go threw the room of doom by points. So if your outside of the top 35 you go last. Last year do to some inspection issues Robby would miss a practice all together because they were one of the last teams to be inspected and they might have to adjust a side skirt or valance. Then go back threw the room again. Robby said they cannot afford to take the chances these other teams are. Not yet at least!
Remeber when Kevin Harvicks crew chief was suspended for 3 races for modifying the fuel cell and vent. Todd Bearier (crew chief) was quoted as saying he admited to cheating and he would do it all over again. Because he knows in the big picture the reward is worth the risk. And do you really think when the crew chiefs are fined 25 or 50 grand that they are really paying for it out of there pocket? Or is the team owner really paying the fine.

[Bohr7]

Nikal, kudos on your sentiment........it's so unfair to watch what teams do knowing that regardless of what they get caught doing, they will still be able to race. Throwing those 2 cars to the back of the field is actually a blessing in a Restrictor plate race. All of the ill-prepared cars that cause that first big one will be way in front of you. And throwing the CC out isn't really a penalty either..........I agree with you, the car should be dis-qualified from the race. Losing your CC is just a penalty on paper.

but what keeps getting lost in the JJ debacle is the Hall of Fame racing cheating that is much worse than what we expect from Hendrick organization, hell, Teflon Rick cheats more than he doesn't, we expect it. Here's a brand new team laughing in the face of the rules knowing that regardless of what they do, they're still guaranteed a spot. Troy Aikmen and Roger Staubach have contributed nothing to this sport as of yet. Teams like the 37, 4 and Robby, doing things by the book because they feel like they have to, just gets them screwed. We all laugh (as a community out here) at the farce of a sport Brian France Jr has made with these new rules, but I still don't think he anticipated the tryanny by the teams in matter of loopholes that we are seeing in response to it.

[spalind]

I think this quote from Robby's site explains it best...

"The top 35 cars in NASCAR owner’s points are also assured a starting spot in the field, although their starting positions will be determined by results from Thursday’s races. The remaining eight spots in the field of 43 cars will be made up of the top two finishers among the non top-35 cars in Thursday’s races (two from each race), the three fastest non top-35 cars from yesterday’s qualifying session and one past champion’s provisional if it is needed. Terry Labonte is the only still-unqualified driver that would need the past champion’s spot.

Therefore, regardless of how their races on Thursday go, Bill Elliott (eighth fastest), Travis Kvapil (18th) and Hermie Sadler (19th) are assured starting spots in the Daytona 500. If any of those drivers, including Labonte, transfer into the 500 by virtue of finishing among the top-two unqualified cars in their respective races, Gordon will start the Daytona 500. Additionally, Gordon can control his own destiny by himself finishing among the top-two unqualified cars in his race."

So he would have to be UNBELIEVABLY unfortunate NOT to get into the 500....Not only would he have to not finish as one of the top 1 or 2 unqualified cars in his race but so would Elliot, Kvapil, Sadler, and Labonte...The chances that all 5 of these guys (including Gordon) finish outside the top 2 unqualified cars on Thursday is pretty miniscual...

[NIKAL]

but what keeps getting lost in the JJ debacle is the Hall of Fame racing cheating that is much worse than what we expect from Hendrick organization, hell, Teflon Rick cheats more than he doesn't, we expect it. Here's a brand new team laughing in the face of the rules knowing that regardless of what they do, they're still guaranteed a spot. Troy Aikmen and Roger Staubach have contributed nothing to this sport as of yet. Teams like the 37, 4 and Robby, doing things by the book because they feel like they have to, just gets them screwed.

One of the main reasons I did not mention much about the Terry Labontie carb issue is your right they have not said much about it. Hopefully they will say more today. The one thing with the carb issue it could not be blatant cheating. Kinda like Robbys intake manifold last year. From what I understand Nascar lets each engine manufacture have 3 or 4 differant configurations. The manifold that Robby had last year at Daytona was legal the year before but was then taken off the approve list for 2005. We dont know if the carb issue was not the same thing. It still might have been a Holly 750 but it might have been not an apporved model number. Because Yes you are right carb cheating is one of the big tabboo's in Nascar.
Another thing the I dont like is how a new team can bring in a Champion driver for a few races just to guarantee a starting position. Or the Michael Waltrip deal. Start a new team but buy the owners points from a team that was a differant number and orginazation. He is suppost to be with Bill Davis, but then at the last second he becomes his own team and then brings in a partner Jasper's owner who owns the 77 team which was with Penske last year.

[NIKAL]

Hot off the presses! Found this on Jaski.com

HOF: What Happened in Daytona Qualifying: Representatives of the new Hall of Fame Racing team owned by the famous quarterbacks got called to NASCAR's version of the woodshed Sunday after its first official laps at Daytona. A post-qualifying inspection revealed a carburetor that wasn't within regulations. NASCAR threw a yellow flag on the first play. Terry Labonte's qualifying run for the Daytona 500, a respectable 28th on speed in the #96 DLP Chevy, was disallowed. He will start at the back in his qualifying race Thursday, but he has a guaranteed spot in the 500 as a past Cup champion. No additional penalties are expected from NASCAR until after the race, but all indications are that the violation was minor. "This is the last thing in the world Roger, Troy or I would ever do," said Bill Saunders, the managing general partner of HOF. "Not in a million years would we want something like this our first time out of the box." Inspection violations are common in NASCAR. Unfortunately, the thought of cheating often comes with it. Regardless of how it looks, no one is suggesting Aikman or Staubach – neither of whom has arrived at Daytona – attempted to cheat.
"I think it was a mistake," NASCAR spokesman Jim Hunter said. "That doesn't make it right, but I don't think there was any intent to gain a performance advantage." The engine came from Joe Gibbs Racing, the team that leases equipment and shares info with HOF. "We don't touch our engines," Saunders said. "We don't put the carburetors on. We don't even have the tool to check it, because we don't take the carburetors off the engines." Saunders said J.D. Gibbs, Joe's son and president of JGR, apologized to the HOF crew. "J.D. is sick to his stomach over this," Saunders said. "In all their years in NASCAR, they've never had an engine infraction. We'll probably get a fine, but J.D. said he was paying it." J.D. Gibbs wanted to comment but Saunders asked him not to. The problem probably was a manufacturing defect. Saunders said the person he feels the worst for is HOF crew chief Philippe Lopez. "He got placed in a box he didn't deserve," Saunders said. "He had nothing to do with this." HOF got lumped together with the announcement Sunday that Jimmie Johnson's car also was disqualified from its Pole Day run. The #48 Lowe's Chevy had a device installed that raised the rear window after inspection, giving the car an aerodynamic advantage. It got crew chief Chad Knaus booted from the Daytona 500.(in part from the Dallas Morning News)(2-14-2006)

Now tell me JJ didnt know his window was rigged? He is as big of a cheater as Knaus is.

[Steve_Sourapas]

I may be coming in a little late on this issue in regards to Red Bull not helping Robby in Nascar. I know for a fact the people at Red Bull think very highly of Robby and his driving abilities. But as Red Bull did with their Formula 1 team they decided to buy a team and run it themselves rather than just being a sponsor. I believe we have the same situation in Nascar as Red Bull has started their own team which they will completely control and own.

[FlyHiFlyLo]

I may be coming in a little late on this issue in regards to Red Bull not helping Robby in Nascar. I know for a fact the people at Red Bull think very highly of Robby and his driving abilities. But as Red Bull did with their Formula 1 team they decided to buy a team and run it themselves rather than just being a sponsor. I believe we have the same situation in Nascar as Red Bull has started their own team which they will completely control and own.


Steve all your points are spot on, Dietrich Mateschitz knows how much of the sponsor $$$ goes to the administration of a team. Especially a Dakar team, F-1 team and a NASCAR team. Also, he is a big motorsport fan and he likes the idea of ownership and being a real hands-on part of the team other than just being a money man. Ownership also allows Red Bull to make marketing calls (good or bad) without getting a snow job from a middle man (owners). It also places a blanket over all marketing costs as one group. Dietrich's position with Toyota in F-1 also gives him an advantage with Toyota far above Bill Davis.

As far as the actual teams Red Bull fields in Cup for 07; I'm sure they will be buying one or two current Cup and Busch teams out-right at the end of the 06 season. I guarantee you they will not be playing this top 35 crap in 07 with at least one team. I could see two teams being bought (so long as they have top 35 points) PPI and RGM.

Also, I speculate the Red Bull Volkswagen deal or any other Red Bull, non-Toyota team isn't going to carry legs past 07 either. That includes IRL, WRC, SCORE and CORR.

[RG1Baja]

Robby does have ties to Toyota in the past. I think it would be a great fit. He has a facility, a staff, ties to Red Bull and Toyota. The Red Bull scheme fit's him well.

[kaw500]

I agree that an obvious attempt to skirt the rules (cheating) completly justifies that team being sent home from the event.

On anther note there is a chance of rain on Thursday. I'm optimistic and will be leaving my rain gear home expecting to see Robby make the show.

[bajafox]

Robby posted the 8th and 14th fastest in practice today, he might have a good chance at a top ten finish if he can make the show

[kaw500]

Well the wife and I made it here, staying at a motel right on the beach and looking forward to tomorrow. Not only did Robby have good lap times today but apparently he hooked up real well in the draft with some of the big dogs.

[Jerry B]

TNT 11:00 AM PT
Dual Line up 1st. race
http://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com/news/news.jsp?news_id=1086
Dual Line up 2nd. race
http://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com/news/news.jsp?news_id=1087
February 15th. Practice Speeds
http://www.racingone.com/article.asp?artnum=26473
You’re Either In or Out
http://www.racingone.com/article.asp?artnum=26570
Nerves on edge as few Duel for 500 starting spot
http://www.nascar.com/2006/news/headlines/cup/02/16/duels.preview/index.html

[Bohr7]

Kaw, you guys have a wonderful time and be safe! You know those east coasters! LOL :D

[spalind]

Kaw, you guys have a wonderful time and be safe! You know those east coasters! LOL :D

Hey!!! You should feel lucky that we even allow you westies out here!!:D

[movindirt]

Robby is in!!!!

[DavyD]

wow....

with a little less presure he might do good in the #2 150..

D

[RG1Baja]

Congrats to RG for making the field.

[spalind]

Sweet!!! That is so awesome...now I have a real reason to watch the race on Sunday....he is getting a ton of screen time in this second race too...Jim Beam must be psyched!!

[REEVESRacing]

10-4!!!!

Watching 150 now...Nacsar website sucks...how did he actually qualify? time?? Thx!

[movindirt]

10-4!!!!

Watching 150 now...Nacsar website sucks...how did he actually qualify? time?? Thx!

He got in based on how Bill Elliot placed in the 1st 150. But it was also good to see Robby finish in the top 10 in the 2nd 150.

[movindirt]

They just listed the starting order for the 500 and Robby will be starting outside row 10. Good Luck on Sunday Robby!!!

[NicksTrix]

good deal he made it. that would have been a tough pill to swallow for them if he didn't. he ran a good race in the dual. best of luck to them on sunday..

[spalind]

Has to be a great boost to both Robby's program and his confidence...no engine blowups (fingers crossed), no unlucky crashes, and even if he was to finish last in the 500 it still means $250K in the bank!!

[y2kbaja]

Where did you find the starting order? I need to finish out our office pool before the weekend.

[y2kbaja]

Nevermind, found it on yahosports.

[kaw500]

Wow, what a place I’ve never been to a super speed way great seats up high past start/finish across from the exit of pit row. Rain delayed the start of race 1 and by the time race 2 started it was down right cold. We did not know Robby was in after race 1. I was aware of the scenario but could not calculate it in my head and then the announcer said Robby needs a good finish to get in, just as race 2 started. He had great first 20 laps fell back a little had a good pit stop and was running well when the yellow came out around lap 50 and I was surprised to see him pit (I’d make a lame crew chief) but 4 new tires and 10 laps latter he had moved up 7 spots and finish 1st of the non-qualified cars so we were real happy with the result.

Robby stated during post interview that he knew he was in the 500 before the start, that if that last yellow had not come out he would have finished higher and now his team will concentrate on winning the big one. Southern hospitality is here, everyone is friendly to the couple from NoCal we got a few odd glances rooting for the other Gordon but it’s been all good so far.

[RG1Baja]

Southern hospitality is here, everyone is friendly to the couple from NoCal we got a few odd glances rooting for the other Gordon but it’s been all good so far.

Screw them if they don't like Robby. We follow him because we know where he came from. Them toothless oakey's follow their driver because they like their paint schemes.

[RG1Baja]

Tell em Robby will kick Jeff's ***** anyday.

[REEVESRacing]

Wow, what a place I’ve never been to a super speed way great seats up high past start/finish across from the exit of pit row.

Cool feedback.....I was confused too after race one..then stoked to hear he was in during Q-2!

keep the posts coming!

[NicksTrix]

but jeff still kicks his *** in the bank deposit everyweek.

it's all good, let's just sit back, relax and watch some good racing these next few days.
root for who ever your favorite driver is and wish him the best on sunday.

[Hemp]

in the second 150 there was some much attention to Robby it was great....they talked to him before, then did an incar audio, and talked about him more than i have ever heard. Lets hope he does good, either way sponsors should be happy

[Bohr7]

Kaw, you're not supposed to say you're a Robby fan out here, it's "I'm a fan of the better Gordon"..........they understand completely. ;)

[spalind]

You wanna see how much Robby's making the 500 means to him and his sponsors?? Take a look at ESPN's front page...Yup...thats the #7 JB car that flashes up there when the ticker flips to its NASCAR headlines...Now how many MILLIONS of media impressions will that make in the course of a single day??

[Jerry B]

Starting Line up
http://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com/news/news.jsp?news_id=1095
OR
http://www.nascar.com/races/cup/2006/1/data/lineup.html

[REEVESRacing]

ESPN article on Daytona Qualifying / RG.

http://sports.espn.go.com/rpm/news/story?seriesId=2&id=2333409&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab2pos2

[NIKAL]

found this artical about Robby: http://www.journalnow.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=WSJ%2FMGArticle%2FWSJ_BasicArti cle&c=MGArticle&cid=1137834158541&path=%21sports&s=1037645509200


I like what Jr. said; "NASCAR's convoluted method of setting the Daytona 500 lineup irritates Dale Earnhardt Jr.: "I think they need to go back to the way they used to do it, with the first race determining the inside line for the 500 and the second race the outside line. Last year that was the most ridiculous thing I ever saw, when they sent Robby Gordon home after he finished seventh. We've got to eliminate stuff like that."

[Blue Man]

I just turned on D500 practice and they stated RG has the loosest car out there and only RG could drive a car that way. Think that offroad racing contributes to this or what.

[Martin]

I just turned on D500 practice and they stated RG has the loosest car out there and only RG could drive a car that way. Think that offroad racing contributes to this or what.

2nd fasted in practice go Robby go

[kaw500]

Wife and I are heading out to the truck race, not quite the trucks I'm used to seeing at speed but what the heck. Since the atmosphere here in Daytona is kinda like Ensenada the week of the B1K a SCORE Baja 1000 shirt is in order.

[Jerry B]

Looks like Nascar.com is letting you try there TRACK PASS for 14 days for free. It is not as good as the Weather Man But you can get the in car radio. The Nascar site sucks to get info. Here is ther Track Pass site.
http://www.nascar.com/multimedia/

[kaw500]

Witnessed some great racing in the last 24 hours, IROC was much better than I expected. Kinser sliding on his roof was pretty wild. The truck race was fun (no dust) you could really tell the haves from the have nots if it had not been for Martin it would have been a Toyota sweep. The Busch race was intense the last 5 laps 3 abreast 3 rows deep was exciting to watch. 2 hours after the race they still had not posted official results due to the melee at the finish.

Tomorrow is the big one I’m a little burned out but we are here and would not miss it. The crowds are huge and fairly rowdy in and outside of the track these people take there stock car racing real serious.


GO ROBBY!

[REEVESRacing]

Thanks for the play by play...we were out at Plater City for the FUD race today, Looney was on fire in 1450, Frank's Well Drilling / True Line got a nice 3rd place finish in Chad Mcneils "Trophy Ranger"...rained a little...fun day (were were DNS - motor swap)...

give us the final update tomm, we'll be watching!

[mesquito_creek]

Robby runnning 10-17 through lap 100! .... nice showing so far RG!

[mesquito_creek]

but getting killed on the restarts!

[NIKAL]

Damb!!!
Right front flat! Robby scrapes the wall but doesnt look to bad.

[REEVESRacing]

5 to go...Robby's back from 28th to 12th, DAMB!

GO ROBBY!

[NIKAL]

Robby finishes in 12th place. Not bad considering he rubbed the wall and lost a tire earlier in the race. Lets hope this is the beggining of good things to come for RGM.

[Jerry B]

Unofficial Results Daytona
http://www.nascar.com/races/cup/2006/1/data/results_unofficial.html
Unoficial Standings 2006
http://www.nascar.com/races/cup/2006/data/standings_unofficial.html
He is in the top 35 in points now, Off to Fontana

[NicksTrix]

good run for RG, way to keep digging.

[kaw500]

Could you guys tell how cold it was on the TV? Great race, great people watching, great fist fight on the street, what a spectacle! The #7 fell back in the early going but after the 1st pit it seemed to be back on course. Robbie had moved to 7th around lap 115 and then on lap 123 I watched him go into turn 1 and thought “he sure is high” then he rubbed the wall and the field passed him by on the backstretch (did he cut a tire?) yellow came out, 3 trips to his pit and when the green dropped #7 was in 38th place. Moved up to low 30’s and ran around in a pack of 4 cars about a half lap down until the next yellow and then the #7 came to life, he ran down the lead pack and was in the thick of it when yellow came out around lap 177. Robby pitted, I thought what is he doing (once aging I would be a lame crew chief) the crew did 2 tires and out he came charging to 12th one more late yellow and on to the green, white, checkered finish. I think Robby crossed the finish line 10th but the last lap crash and yellow froze the field at least that’s the way I saw it. The tower results showed 12th but unofficial results on the website say 13th. Some of my facts might be a little off as I type this from memory.

It was fun to watch but the weather took some of the fun out of it yesterday it was in the 80’s and today was just flat out cold and windy.

Not too bad for a day for a couple of SoCal desert racers. Not a very popular victory for the masses but what the heck for me and the wife it was great finale to an awesome week in Daytona. JJ and Robby ran clean races I’m sure Robby is not satisfied but it was a gusty performance by him and his crew and I really enjoyed watching his comeback.

Rumor has it Knaus was somewhere there, plugged into JJ’s crew and NASCAR was going over his car with a fine tooth comb.

This was fun but I get to start physical therapy in March and cannot wait to get back to racing in the desert this summer.

[Offspring]

Thanks for the report and good luck with the PT....

[RRose]

hey... what the heck happened to one of RG's tires... looks like it threw the tread but kept pressure.... I saw it happen to another car too..... they showed the tread running off the track?

[dezerts10]

they run an inner liner on the big tracks ryan. there for the tread was lost but he still had the inner liner thats is kinda a second tire for saftey reasons onthe fast tracks. i couldnt tell ya why the tire de treaded though
Gregg

[spalind]

ESPN shows $269,558 in the bank for that position...should keep the tires rolling for a little while!!

[JGunn]

hey... what the heck happened to one of RG's tires... looks like it threw the tread but kept pressure.... I saw it happen to another car too..... they showed the tread running off the track?


I think that happens when they get cut down by the sheet metal on another car...and as stated, the inner-linner of the tire is still there

[REEVESRacing]

The #7 fell back in the early going but after the 1st pit it seemed to be back on course. Robbie had moved to 7th around lap 115 and then on lap 123 I watched him go into turn 1 and thought “he sure is high” then he rubbed the wall and the field passed him by on the backstretch (did he cut a tire?) yellow came out, 3 trips to his pit and when the green dropped #7 was in 38th place. Moved up to low 30’s and ran around in a pack of 4 cars about a half lap down until the next yellow and then the #7 came to life, he ran down the lead pack and was in the thick of it when yellow came out around lap 177. Robby pitted, I thought what is he doing (once aging I would be a lame crew chief) the crew did 2 tires and out he came charging to 12th one more late yellow and on to the green, white, checkered finish. I think Robby crossed the finish line 10th but the last lap crash and yellow froze the field at least that’s the way I saw it. The tower results showed 12th but unofficial results on the website say 13th.

Power Rankings: Fontana
http://i.cnn.net/nascar/images/utility/pixel.gifBy Ryan Smithson, NASCAR.COMhttp://i.cnn.net/nascar/images/utility/pixel.gifEmail (ryan.smithson@turner.com) | Archive (http://www.nascar.com/2006/news/features/power_rankings/02/21/fontana/index.html#archives)http://i.cnn.net/nascar/images/utility/pixel.gifFebruary 23, 2006

Rank
20 NR http://i.cnn.net/nascar/.element/1.0/img/sect/news/features/power_rankings/badges/7.gif (http://www.nascar.com/drivers/dps/rgordon00/cup/) Robby Gordon (http://www.nascar.com/drivers/dps/rgordon00/cup/) I honestly think he will shock people this year. It is not a stretch to say that making the Daytona 500 saved his race team.

This is gonna be good! GO ROBBY!

[REEVESRacing]

T Stewart wants to MOVE past last week? What are the politics that he didnt get penalized more for aggressive driving...Bull$h!T!

http://www.nascar.com/2006/news/headlines/cup/02/25/tstewart_hh/index.html

[Bricoop]

I think that happens when they get cut down by the sheet metal on another car...and as stated, the inner-linner of the tire is still there

Correct, Robby hit some Debris which caused the tire to get cut down. Robby even called it before he got to the turn. He did a good job though of easing it into the wall, instead of trying to fight it. Good thing for the inner liner though, w/out that it likely would have been an extremely hard hit and would have taken him out of the race.