Not Everyone In Racing In Brain Dead
It’s good to see that not everyone in stock car racing is brain dead. Even though Robby Gordon is not one of my favorite drivers, it’s good to see something good finally happen to him.
The National Stock Car Racing Commission on Wednesday heard and considered the appeal of Robby Gordon Motorsports regarding the No. 7 car. The appeal concerned three penalties issued by NASCAR following opening day inspection on Feb. 8 for the Sprint Cup Series event at Daytona.
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The Appellants argued that the bumper cover was installed as delivered from the manufacturer, that it did not provide a competition advantage since it was discovered prior to being allowed on the racetrack, and that the bumper met the templates. The Appellants also argued against the severity of the penalties.
In deliberating, the Commission considered several factors. The bumper cover constituted an obvious rules infraction and the Appellants did not contest the legality of the part.
The Commission notes and reaffirms the following fundamental principal which is vital to maintaining the integrity of the sport: Regardless of the source of an unapproved part on a racecar, the race team that officially enters the car in a NASCAR race is ultimately accountable for that racecar’s conformance, or non-conformance, to the rules.
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However, the Commission believes that the facts presented during the hearing represented an extraordinary and unusual set of circumstances. While this does not excuse the infraction, the National Stock Car Racing Commission has decided to reinstate the car owner and driver championship points, lift the suspension, and increase the fine.
I think this was an outstanding decision. By restoring the car owner and driver points, they acknowledge that the whole front end issue was out of their control, but while increasing the fine for the crew chief they point out that he should be aware of everything that happens to that car. This was an excellent decision if you ask me.
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Robby Gordon Gives Marcos Ambrose A Ride
Robby Gordon made the offer, Marcos Ambrose took him up on the offer.
Marcos Ambrose has decided to accept Robby Gordon’s “peace offering.”
Robby Gordon Motorsports will field Ambrose in the Centurion Boats at The Glen at Watkins Glen this weekend for the Busch Series rookie’s NASCAR Nextel Cup Series debut.
After one of the most controversial incidents in NASCAR’s recent history last weekend, Ambrose has accepted Gordon’s offer to drive the No. 77 Camping World Ford Fusion, which will also carry some signage from Ambrose’s regular sponsor Kingsford Charcoal.
It was nice of Gordon to offer him a seat after his deal with the Wood Brothers was put on hold. It should make for an exciting race, that’s for sure.
Technorati Tags: Robby Gordon, Marcos Ambrose, Nextel Cup, Watkins Glen
Sphere: Related ContentNASCAR Fines Robby Gordon
I still think NASCAR screwed this one up. Of course that doesn’t excuse Robby Gordon’s actions, but if they aren’t going to be consistent, how do they expect the drivers to act?
Robby Gordon avoided a lengthy suspension Tuesday when NASCAR fined him $35,000 and placed him on probation through the end of the year for his misconduct during the Busch Series race in Montreal.
The penalties came with the stipulation that Gordon will be suspended indefinitely if he disrupts another event this season or NASCAR deems his actions inappropriate.
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The celebration, and his lack of contrition in a post-race meeting with NASCAR, got him suspended from Sunday’s Nextel Cup event at Pocono Raceway. Although Gordon believed he would be cleared to race this weekend on the road course at Watkins Glen, NASCAR officials said they still were reviewing his status.
Gordon is a strong contender to win both the Busch and Cup events at Watkins Glen.
If they truly want to “hit him where it hurts” they will tell him he can’t race this weekend. How much you want to bet they’ll find a reason not to clear him for the race?