Robby Gordon hopes to expand, perhaps with Ford

By Art Weinstein
Saturday, September 16, 2006
$util.encode.html($content.photo.alt)

BAMBI MATTILA/NASCAR SCENE

LOUDON, N.H. - Robby Gordon, who had been trying to arrange a merger with Robert Yates Racing in recent weeks, has changed his strategy for 2007.

He's now working to build his own multicar team. And that team could be using Fords, not his current make, Chevrolet.

"I'm done talking to other teams. [They] just don't have an interest, to be honest with you," Gordon said Friday. "We're going to keep our own little program, and we're going to build it."

Gordon says talking about the merger detracted from his team's efforts.

"We talked a lot with Yates, obviously, and once that didn't happen, I'm going to say it put us behind, by spending our time and effort to do that," Gordon said. "We should have put our time and effort into our own stuff."

Gordon says he's had serious discussions about adding a second team. He's confident he'll land a deal to run a limited schedule.

"We're working hard on [a] possible second team for next year. I'd say we'll pull some sort of limited Cup program for sure," he said.

Who that driver might be is up to the sponsor, Gordon said.

"To get a second sponsor or a second driver, you have to have a sponsor or a driver and they kind of come hand-in-hand," he said.

Gordon mentioned while in negotiations with Yates that a merger would give him a chance to be part of the second-best Ford team (behind Roush Racing), as opposed to a midpack Chevrolet team.

When asked specifically about which way he was leaning in terms of a manufacturer for next year, Gordon declined comment.

"I can't tell you that," he said.

Gordon said recently a merger with Yates had been close to fruition when he suddenly got a call that the deal was off. Doug Yates, co-owner of Robert Yates Racing, was unavailable for comment, but Gordon said he thought the proposed deal would have helped both operations.

"Obviously I'm a little disappointed, I think it would have been good for me as a driver and us as a team," he said.

Mentioned Drivers: Robby Gordon

Post a Comment

Disclaimer: All comments are subject to filtering for language, and libelous content. Comments are intended to encourage spirited debate and discussion about the subject matter contained within the articles and ARE NOT intended for personal or demeaning attacks directed at other users. We reserve the right to remove any comments deemed inappropriate. Users who violate this policy may be banned from posting comments on the site.

Comment Preview

Nov 8, 2009 at 4:57 PM
You said:

You must login before you can post comments or rate content.

If you don't have an account you can create a free one here.

2009 Sprint Cup Race for the Chase Standings

Driver Standings after the AMP Energy 500

1 Jimmie Johnson 6248
2 Mark Martin -184
3 Jeff Gordon -192
4 Juan Pablo Montoya -239
5 Tony Stewart -279
6 Kurt Busch -312
7 Greg Biffle -340
8 Ryan Newman -402
9 Kasey Kahne -414
10 Carl Edwards -437
11 Denny Hamlin -448
12 Brian Vickers -556

More by this Author

NASCAR Schedules

abc

Checker O'Reilly Auto Parts 500

Phoenix International Raceway
03:30 PM, 11/15/2009

Poll PositionView All

Which NASCAR Sprint Cup race winner from the past two seasons is most likely to earn his first victory of 2009 in the next three races?

Promotions

  • Play "WIX Filters' Pick 3" stock car fantasy and win prizes. Season 2 is now in session!

  • Tweet your thoughts about each race and join the conversation with other fans.

  • Drive an authentic NASCAR Sprint Cup car at the NASCAR Racing Experience.

  • Cast your vote for the NASCAR Illustrated 2009 Person of the Year, presented by Old Spice.

  • Make weekly pics for the Chase and be entered to win weekly SPEED Merchandise.

NASCAR Community Join the Community

In the Forums View All

Presented by

Don't have an account yet?

Insiders Guide to NASCAR

Register with SceneDaily.com and get access to the following features:

  • FREE Insider’s Guide to NASCAR (available as a PDF download)
  • Daily NASCAR news updates delivered directly to your e-mail
  • Pre-race and Post-race emails delivered each race week
  • Ability to comment on blog and news articles
  • Information on new website features and upcoming contests
Create my Account

Login

Forgot Password?
Login or Create an Account