NASCAR Cup
Richmond: Robby Gordon race report
Gordon Disappointed with 39th-place Finish Following Competitive Showing at Richmond 400 RICHMOND, Va., May 8, 2006 -- Thanks to a fast race car and proper adjustments by his team, Robby Gordon was able to quickly make his way through the field ...
Published: May 9, 2006, 7:23 AM
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Gordon Disappointed with 39th-place Finish Following Competitive Showing at Richmond 400
RICHMOND, Va., May 8, 2006 -- Thanks to a fast race car and proper adjustments by his team, Robby Gordon was able to quickly make his way through the field from a 39th starting position to run inside the top-15 a little over half-way at the Richmond 400 Saturday. But disaster struck on lap 346 when Gordon tangled with the marbles and hit the wall in turn one taking him out of contention to win his second race at Richmond International Raceway.
Despite attempts to repair the damage and return the No. 7 Menards/Energizer Chevrolet to the track, the crew was forced to retire.
"We were definitely in the game tonight and had put ourselves in a position to win the race," Gordon said. "Although the car was extremely loose after each restart, I would just lay back until the car would come to me after about 20 laps into each run. Greg [Erwin] and the crew gave me great adjustments with each stop, and the car just continued to get faster and faster throughout the night. By mid-race, I had the fastest car on the track and was running down the leaders. It's really a shame, because we definitely had one of the cars to beat."
Although several cautions slowed the field within the first 66 circuits, Gordon had successfully sped past 12 competitors in 41 laps when he radioed to his crew on lap 74 with a potential flat tire. Heading to the attention of his crew after a much needed caution, Gordon returned to the track with four fresh tires and a splash of fuel setting his sights on gaining more ground.
By lap 168, Gordon had grabbed 12 more spots moving inside the top-20 and passed five additional competitors after a mere 14 laps at the short track. Pinned in by the No. 99 in his stall during the sixth yellow, Gordon lost several positions on pit road but quickly worked his way back inside the top-15.
With a final stop for four tires and fuel to go the distance on lap 288, Gordon and team were betting on strategy and expecting to go to the front given the fact that the No. 7 Menards/Energizer Chevrolet was as fast on old tires as new.
"Obviously I'm not happy with the finish, but we had another solid run tonight and continue to show everyone that this team can run with the top cars in the Nextel Cup Series week in and week out," Gordon said. "We're still locked in the top-35 heading in to Darlington, and hopefully, we'll put on another good show this weekend."
Robby Gordon and the No. 7 Menards/Moen Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS team will travel to Darlington, S.C. and attempt to tame the "Lady in Black" on May 13 at Darlington Raceway. Dodge Charger 500 racing from the famed 1.366-mile egg-shaped oval will be broadcast on FOX television at 6:30 p.m. EDT and MRN radio affiliates nationwide beginning at 6:15 p.m. EDT.
-rgm-
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