Texas

[RGFan]

Thought I would get this started a little early. Finally, a real race track!

[kaw500]

Hopefully the break for a week will help. After 6 races his spot in the standings is OK but the slide needs to stop at Texas and grab at least a top 15. While it is fun watching him slugging it out with the big teams the fact that he has run races this year without primary corporate sponsorship causes concern. While RG has said he has funds to make it thru the year, will it be enough for a top 20 in the standings at years end?

[dezertranger1600]

Back to the old car,lets hope RG has at least a top 15.

[FlyHiFlyLo]

Pre-Race Report

Jim Beam Racing/Robby Gordon Motorsports
No. 7 Jim Beam Ford Fusion




Samsung 500

Sunday, April 15, 2007

Race 7/36

Huntersville, NC (April 9, 2007) – After a much-welcomed weekend off the racetrack, Robby Gordon is ready to get his No. 7 Jim Beam Ford Fusion back to action in NASCAR’s top series. Coming off finishes of 33rd and 34th in the past two races, Gordon and the team look forward to leaving the short tracks behind and racing on the 1.5 mile tri-oval of Texas Motor Speedway.





Pit Stops…


Robby Gordon in solid points position



After the first six races of the season, Gordon and the No. 7 team currently sit 23rd in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series points standings. The team is just 92 points out of the 12th position, the cutoff for this year’s Chase for the NEXTEL Cup. More importantly at this early portion of the season, the No. 7 team is 142 points in front of 35th place, ensuring a qualifying spot in races as long as the car remains within the top 35.



Jim Beam, Official Spirit of Racing, Back with No. 7 Car in Texas



At Texas Motor Speedway, Gordon will again be behind the wheel of the No. 7 car with familiar Jim Beam logos. Jim Beam was the primary sponsor for the first two races of the season, at Daytona and California, and Gordon and the team hope to duplicate the success they had in the Beam paint scheme, as the No. 7 team left California in 14th place in the standings.



TV and Radio – This weekend’s race will be broadcast on FOX, beginning at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 9, 2007. Listeners can also find the race live on PRN radio.


Behind the wheel with Robby Gordon…
“The weekend off for Easter came at a good time for us,” says Gordon. “We’ve raced two straight weekends with the Car of Tomorrow, and now we’re back to a more familiar car, on a track where the speeds will be higher and the racing exciting.”



Race Notes, Samsung 500, Texas Motor Speedway



Robby Gordon will drive the No. 7 Jim Beam Ford Fusion in the Samsung 500.
The No. 7 Jim Beam Ford Fusion is guaranteed a spot in the starting grid based on its 23rd position in the owners’ points standings.
The Samsung 500 at Texas Motor Speedway is the third race of the season for Jim Beam as a primary sponsor of the No. 7 Ford. Jim Beam also sponsored the No. 7 at Daytona and California.
2007 Season Highlights



· Robby Gordon and the No. 7 Jim Beam racing team sit 23rd in the 2007 points standings.



· Gordon has one top-15, two top-20 and four top-30 finishes thus far in the season, with a best finish of 15th in the 2007 Daytona 500.



· Based on the latest NASCAR loop data statistics for 2007, Robby Gordon has, on average, improved from a starting position of 36.2 to a finishing position of 23.3 during the course of this season’s first six races.



· Gordon ranks 8th in NASCAR’s loop data statistic “closers;” this statistic shows the drivers making up the most ground in the last 10 percent of a race.

[Bricoop]

RG still in the PW at deuce deuce.

http://www.nascar.com/2007/news/features/power_rankings/07/texas/index.html

[Jack]

RG still in the PW at deuce deuce.

http://www.nascar.com/2007/news/features/power_rankings/07/texas/index.html


I had no idea what this ment untill I clicked the link.

Damb these kids and there code tlak.:D

[michael_loomis]

PW?? heh i still dont know what it means.. Power Wankings ??

:P

[Bricoop]

PW?? heh i still dont know what it means.. Power Wankings ??

:P

Exactly

[DanDan]

RG just lost a motor in practice. He'll be starting in the back. :(

[Scrapiron]

Do you think POS will miss the show again? He has to be a little sore from the crash. When I rolled my 16 car I know I was sore for a little while.

[randy s]

better now than sunday i guess. what a drag.

[Bricoop]

RG just lost a motor in practice. He'll be starting in the back. :(

even though it is before qualifying??? I though it was legal to swap out before???

[kaw500]

RG just lost a motor in practice. He'll be starting in the back. :(

Qualfying starts at 2:00 pm PST. I'm sure they will change the motor for the qualifying RG is listed as 42nd in line for his attempt. Did you hear something different?

[kaw500]

even though it is before qualifying??? I though it was legal to swap out before???

Always has been in the past I'm sure the RGM crew is hard at right now.

[DanDan]

even though it is before qualifying??? I though it was legal to swap out before???

I agree with you guys. I thought you could change a motor before qualifying with no penalty. I was repeating what the talking heads said. I hope they're wrong even though I don't think it would be a big deal for RG since there shouldn't be that many crashes.

It looks like qualifying might be rained out. Guess who goes home if that happens. :D

[kaw500]

I agree with you guys. I thought you could change a motor before qualifying with no penalty. I was repeating what the talking heads said. I hope they're wrong even though I don't think it would be a big deal for RG since there shouldn't be that many crashes.

It looks like qualifying might be rained out. Guess who goes home if that happens. :D

POS? AW too bad, hope he has a safe drive home.:D

[Bricoop]

POS? AW too bad, hope he has a safe drive home.:D

haha not likely.

Went out last night and picked up a 42" Plasma with the ambilight BS. Can't wait to watch the race on this bad boy.

[b-makk]

POS? AW too bad, hope he has a safe drive home.:D

LOL, Funny post! :D

[randomracer]

just saw they were finishing the motor swap for RGR and waiting for it to dry up some.

[REEVESRacing]

just saw they were finishing the motor swap for RGR and waiting for it to dry up some.

Yep...running practice now, LOTS of heavy weather in the area though.

Really stressing how impt. qualifying and being in the Show / Top 35 is.

[DanDan]

POS had a fire in the dash. Struggling to get in practice time. Currently 50th fastest.

[DanDan]

RG 50th in practice. You guys still at work have a shot at catching qualifying. It has been moved out to 1630 pdt. Weather looks real iffy though.

[Jack]

POS had a fire in the dash. Struggling to get in practice time. Currently 50th fastest.

Might still be pieces of the tree in there.:D

[OldStroppeTeam]

I bet its his lost shoes !!

[OldStroppeTeam]

Qualifing cancelled, Field set on points !!! Guess who is out, AGAIN ???

[dezertranger1600]

POS has brilliant luck eh?

[movindirt]

Anyone else catch the Mint 400 clip from 1973 on Back In The Day?

[DanDan]

Anyone else catch the Mint 400 clip from 1973 on Back In The Day?

Yeah. I saw that. Pretty cool but it didn't last long enough.

[Jack]

On Nascar.com, they show the starting line up by current points and then those that did not make the race, if POS has - points, why do they show three driver below him?

[Bricoop]

On Nascar.com, they show the starting line up by current points and then those that did not make the race, if POS has - points, why do they show three driver below him?

They use Owners standings, rather than driver standings. (Owners get points for attempting to qualify)

[Jack]

OK.
That makes cents. No dollars there.

[Scrapiron]

POS has brilliant luck eh?

Isn't that the truth. 7 races and still negative points.

[FlyHiFlyLo]

POS has more points on his driver's lic. than he does in CUP.

[Scrapiron]

4 Toyota's missed the show. ouch thats got to sting.

http://www.nascar.com/races/cup/2007/7/data/lineup.html

[randomracer]

ouch about DL points.... funny stuff

[movindirt]

"I think that's really going to show up in the race," said Carl Edwards, who won the fall 2005 Texas race. "I personally don't care if there's a 3-foot tall jump on the straightaway. It's the same racetrack for everybody."

I vote for the jump too.

[kaw500]

Sun is shinning let's go racing. RG just told the team "have a good day" RGM needs a top 15 here today.

Crash lap 1 and from the back RG feeds thru nice.

Green lap 5 RG up 16 spots now 27th. Nice way to begin.

[kaw500]

The needed yellow lap 44 RG was just about to go a lap down. They are going to try and stay out for 5 bonus points and then losen the car up ALOT!

Lead the lap got the 5 pts now pitting

[RGFan]

Not looking like last year, but it is still early in the race

[kaw500]

Not looking like last year, but it is still early in the race


Yeah, just went a lap down they are struggling to get a handle.

I would not mind if FOX did that "crank it up" segment more often, sure the sound is great but the race angles are way cool.

[RGFan]

1 lap down

[RGFan]

Jesus.......167 mph, the leaders are running 171...2 laps down, somebody cause a caution please.

[JRod]

31.53- Hopefully the car tightens up for him through this run and he can get a good run going. And attrition- lots of laps left and RG has less time on this motor than everyone else due to blowing the first in practice...

[JRod]

some camera time for the Beam Machine and RG...good shot of RG passing the 17...

[JRod]

Gordon just snuck through that "gaggle"- Good think Sorensen or Biffle didn't wreck him...

[kaw500]

tight loose, tight loose, tight loose you can really hear the frustration in RG's voice. Greg is trying everything. Just can not get thru the corners. Can't belive I'm hoping for a top 30 finish.

[kaw500]

31.53- Hopefully the car tightens up for him through this run and he can get a good run going. And attrition- lots of laps left and RG has less time on this motor than everyone else due to blowing the first in practice...

You may be right engines may become an issue the 16 is losing his now.

[JRod]

I am still hoping for a Top 20- Sorensen just went to the garage, so RG is in 28th now... Good strong late run would be nice. Not as nice as hopes were to start the day though.

[JRod]

Free Caution for a flat for Gilliland...

[JRod]

Caution being out- Will be interesting to see what GE does. A good measure of whether he knows what he is doing or not- The car has shown improvement. Was it a fluke or will it continue to improve?

[Bricoop]

RG says they need to go test at kentucky soon.

[JRod]

GE is really talking about freeing the car up more? Last I heard, RG was complaining about loose? What gives?

[JRod]

RG says they need to go test at kentucky soon.

Random caution lap thoughts or was there some context to that comment?...

[RGFan]

Greg Irwin is for real. It was no accident how strong that Team G was at the Californias, Atlanta's , The Texas's and Michigan's last year, they were fast, especially the first half of the year.

[Bricoop]

Random caution lap thoughts or was there some context to that comment?...

He sounded serious. Said they need to go back to work on their 1.5 mile program. "We need to get out to Kentucky soon."

[kaw500]

going to green lap 214 RG now 26th top 25 might move him up a spot in the points

[RGFan]

GE is really talking about freeing the car up more? Last I heard, RG was complaining about loose? What gives?

loose is fast:D RG can do nothing with a tight car, but with a loose car, there is no one better

[RGFan]

RG just 3 wide

[JRod]

I believe it- I just wonder if forcing a single car team to have divided attention this year isn't the problem maybe?...

[RGFan]

IMO it is absolutely a problem. With unplanned sponsor problems, that hurts as well. RG does best when under the gun so to speak. BUt even with all of this, they are still better than POS

[kaw500]

Lap 225 RG just reported car is tight again DAMM

[RGFan]

2 new cars, lacking sponsorship, not a good start of 2007 for RG

[kaw500]

JPM is not making a lot friends, road courses are going to fun this year with him around

[RGFan]

oh no!!!! Be prepared for a sound bite from Tony Stewart. Where was DW??? No slamming Juan Montoya????? Oh I forgot, Juan can do no wrong. If that was Robby.........That's Ok, Robby is still doing better than POS

[RGFan]

Oh man, TOny is HOT!!!!!!!

[RGFan]

MUCHO DRAMA to follow the race!!!

[RGFan]

LMAO!!!!!!!!! Did you guys see that......Holy Crap!!!! DO you think they will park Tony for a few laps to cool down?

[kaw500]

WTF is TS doing man he in on everything today. Shame for JR thought this might be his day

[kaw500]

LMAO!!!!!!!!! Did you guys see that......Holy Crap!!!! DO you think they will park Tony for a few laps to cool down?

I think NASCAR needs to step in

[kaw500]

MUCHO DRAMA to follow the race!!!

As the the CUP turns, should be some interesting interviews.

[kaw500]

RG 24th when it goes green less than 80 laps to go. Can you belive this?

Who is the the spotter for RG? He's pretty quick.

[RGFan]

If he gets a top 20 thru attrition I will die

[kaw500]

If he gets a top 20 thru attrition I will die

37 to go 23rd for rg I'm impressed with this effort. Never say Die!

[RGFan]

RG in 21st!!!!

[RGFan]

SPoke to soon, down to 26th

[kaw500]

RG in 21st!!!!

Fell back to 26th (said he got a little sideways) made up two already running 24th and zeroing in on the Mears.

[RGFan]

I have to give in and get track pass. I just hate giving Nascar the money. If

[RGFan]

Homo just got into the wall, Go Matt Kenseth! Man it hurts seeing the 31 run so well......What could have been

[kaw500]

I have to give in and get track pass. I just hate giving Nascar the money. If

I know how you feel but being able to track every lap and hear the incar between RG & GI keeps it interesting. With 10 to go 24th is a safe bet and up a couple of spots in the points

[kaw500]

Why would JR get in the #5 so late in the race, who gets the points?

[kaw500]

Not bad, finished 24th and up 2 spots in the points to 21st only 1 point out of 20th spot.

[RGFan]

I thought it was vise-versa, everyone checking up because of Tony....All of Jr's damage was at the rear....The 5's was on the nose

[kaw500]

I thought it was vise-versa, everyone checking up because of Tony....All of Jr's damage was at the rear....The 5's was on the nose

JR,s motor gave up said he might have spun it backwords.

RG leading a lap made all the difference in 22nd & 21st.

[kaw500]

Heck of a finish, good for JB and how about MM 3rd.

[dezertranger1600]

glad to see JB get the win...he deserves after all the clean driving he's done this year.

[FlyHiFlyLo]

Good result.

[dezertranger1600]

what happend with smoke & JPM?I knew JPM spun him,but what was the aftermath?haha

[kaw500]

what happend with smoke & JPM?I knew JPM spun him,but what was the aftermath?haha

TS said JPM should run in the back until he's ready to run up front with the big boys.

[dezertranger1600]

ouch...

[AZBadseed]

...and smoke never turned anyone around early in his stock car career...#20 finished where today?...right behind RG:eek: and he was invloved in 2 wrecks today:rolleyes:

[RGFan]

Turn people around early in his career???????Hell, he still turns people around now in his career

[kaw500]

One last thought, after seeing a few replays of the #5 going into the #8 after the #20 had spun. What was Kyle Busch thinking? JR had lifted when TS had spun and Kyle just kept it pinned and right into the back of JR. JR had held his line while lifting, Kyle was following and it was like he never saw the smoke or JR slowing and just plowed right into the BUD car. As far as JR climbing into the #5 for the last laps HUH??
Kyle had left?? Wonder what Rick Hendrick thought of all that.

[b-makk]

According to KB, Jr's brake lights didn't come on.

[woundedyak]

lol. I bet KB gets a butt chewing after Hendrick gets done hearing Gordon and Johnson whinning about the race. Jeff Gordon had that race locked up twice.But of course the car/track change.(Pffffff the nerve.) It was good to see Vickers have a good run. It was also good to JPM take no crap from Stewart. I bet that JPM wins a cup race or two this season.

[movindirt]

Yeah on Wind Tunnel they said it was not all Kyle's fault. He has a spotter and a crew chief that are there to tell him what is around the corner. I mean lets get real people they are going almost 200mph, and you expect them to look more then 20 feet in front? Don't you know anything, LOL... Kyle Busch YOU SUCK! Maybe the reason you (KB) didn't see any brake lights on when he slowed because all he did was lift..

What about JJ's spotter talking him right into the side of Stewart when JPM spun him?

[FlyHiFlyLo]

As long as RG wasn't involved...

It was all their fault!

[Bricoop]

Why did Dale Jr. get in the #5 car after he was out of the race?

For much of the day, it looked like the first two-time Texas titlist would be Dale Earnhardt Jr. and the #8 Budweiser team, as they led 96 laps, and repeatedly opened leads of three seconds or more before a strange incident ended any chance of victory. On lap 252, while running second, Dale Jr. was behind the lapped car of Tony Stewart rounding turn four when the aptly-nicknamed "Smoke" spun out, creating a giant wall of thick tire smoke. As Dale Jr. slowed down in the midst of the murky mess, #5-Kyle Busch, who was running third, slammed hard into the Bud car from behind. Despite the damage, the Bud crew went to work on the red #8 machine, making repairs and keeping Dale Jr. on the lead lap despite multiple pit stops under the caution flag. The race ended for the Bud car on lap 288 when the engine imploded, resulting in a 36th-place finish.
However, Dale Jr's day was not done, as a crewmember from Kyle Busch's crew interrupted Dale Jr's media session to ask if Driver #8 would step into the #5 car (the car that had smashed into his ownonly 30 minutes before) to finish the race after Busch had left the premises. Soon, Dale Jr. was being strapped into the Hendrick Motorsports car, and he completed the final 10 laps of the race, improving Busch's finishing position one spot ahead of Hendrick teammate #48-Jimmie Johnson. At the conclusion of the afternoon, Dale Jr. found his own car in 36th, and - for the first time ever - had driven a car other than the #8 Budweiser machine in a Nextel Cup event. Dale Jr. dropped to 18th place in the Nextel Cup standings, but is only 43 points out of the top-12.
Dale Jr. was soon pulled from the media swarm to climb into the #5 car. After the race, the media throng again clamored for comments. What did the car drive like?: "Like it was wrecked." Why would you get in another car? "Because they asked me. I have some friends on that team - and I'll always jump at a chance to climb into someone else's car to see what it's like. They used to do that all the time back in the day. You'd have relief drivers getting into someone's car almost every week, so it was kinda like a step back into NASCAR history or something. Old school! It was cool."(fingerprintinc/Budweiser PR)(4-16-2007)

[erikh]

I haven't heard or read why KB left the track. Did I miss it somewhere? Why'd he take off?

erik

[Dezert Edge Racing]

there was a "miscommunication" that from Gustufson



NICK

[DailyPedal]

On the GPS graphic, it showed JR slowing to 100mph and Bush obviously saw or was warned because he slowed to under 140mph but I think he saw a "Days of Thunder" moment to pass JR and didn't stand on the brakes like JR did and hit him.
In another story, supposedly, Bush's back was bothering him so he was in his RV, iced down and out of his driving suit and that is why he didn't get back into the car-take too long to get suited back up so they put JR in. Funny he didn't look too injured when he hopped out of the car in the pit area and stormed off.

[movindirt]

Why does the fact POS won this race or that race keep coming up. When was the last time that fool even finished in the top 20?? Heck I won a 50 free in junior high, do I get to go to the olympics? GMAFB!

[DEZERTSUB]

hey I didn't get to see the race...what happened to the #48 car??? I thought I heard someone say that JPM took him out...don't know if there's any truth to that however.

[bajafox]

hey I didn't get to see the race...what happened to the #48 car??? I thought I heard someone say that JPM took him out...don't know if there's any truth to that however.

JPM and Tony made contact, Tony spun into Jr (I believe) and the 48 got collected

[DEZERTSUB]

Damn...do you know where #48 fell in the points standings after that? I assume #24 is still in the lead...

[bajafox]

Not far enough if you ask me! :D (not a 48 fan...)

http://www.nascar.com/races/cup/2007/data/standings_official.html

[DEZERTSUB]

Ah no worries, we can't all be perfect;-)
Thanks for that.

[Offspring]

JPM and Tony made contact, Tony spun into Jr (I believe) and the 48 got collected

At the time of the wreck though he was down a cylinder and was fallling off badly, wouldn't have made it to the end most likely.