Pocono: Robby Gordon preview

Robby Gordon's Quotes on the Pocono 500

"Pocono is definitely a unique track," said Gordon. "It has three really distinct turns and its long straight-aways can be hard on an engine. We used to be able to shift, but with NASCAR limiting the gear ratio it has all but taken that away from us. Our goal is to get the car setup to where I can get comfortable in at least two of the three corners and be able to carry as much speed off the corners as possible, especially turn three."

MAPEI/Menards Fast Facts:

* Welcome Aboard -- This weekend's Pocono 500 will be the second consecutive race this season that MAPEI will co-sponsor the No. 7 Chevy along with Menards. MAPEI, a global corporation, has been supplying residential and major commercial projects with total installation solutions for tile and stone, floor covering and decorative concrete as well as concrete restoration for more than 65 years. Visit www.mapei.com for technical information or call 1-800-42-MAPEI (1-800-426-2734) for the nearest location.

* Chassis -- Chassis No. 103 will act as the primary this weekend. Chassis No. 103 was last on track during Gordon's top-20 run in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte. Chassis No. 109 will serve as the back up.

* Points Position -- Following a disappointing 36th-place finish in the Neighborhood Excellence 400, the driver of the No. 7 MAPEI/Menards Chevrolet remains in the 28th position in NASCAR Nextel Cup point standings, only 84 points out of 25th and 141 points out of 20th.

* The Pocono Triangle -- One of the most unique tracks that the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series travels to, with its long straight-aways and three distinct corners, Pocono Raceway is a puzzle for most teams and crew chiefs. With different banking in each corner (14,8,6) a crew chief is forced to decide which corner they want to excel in and factor that into their setups.

-rgm