Robby Gordon apologizes for behavior at Loudon

Robby Gordon, driver of the No. 31 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet apologized Monday after a small brouhaha with members of the NASCAR media core, and an on-track incident that took out championship contenders Tony Stewart and Jeremy Mayfield.

The race was just 17 laps in, when the No. 16 Ford of Greg Biffle made contact with Gordon, causing him to spin. Gordon came on the radio and told his team "that he was going to wreck him (Biffle)". About forty laps later, Gordon got his revenge; spinning Biffle unfortunately Stewart and Mayfield were swept up in the melee.

"First and foremost, I feel terrible for Jeremy Mayfield, Tony Stewart, their teams, sponsors and car owners Joe Gibbs and Ray Evernham,'' Gordon said. ``I allowed my frustration with (Biffle) to affect two other teams, both of which have great shots to win a championship, and for that I am sorry.'"

Post-race Gordon allegedly pushed through a group of reporters and made an obscene gesture. Gordon also apologized for his behavior towards the NASCAR media members present, and clarified that the gesture was towards one particular media person who supposedly shouted an obscene name at Gordon when he would not answer questions.

"That, too, was poor judgment and, in hindsight, I should have just walked away,'' said Gordon. `"So I also apologize to any media members and bystanders I offended. It was a bad day that just seemed to get worse and worse.'"

It is bad news for Gordon, who already seemed to be on shaky ground in the No. 31 ride. Gordon's contract expired earlier this season and has not yet been renewed by Childress. Speculation has swirled for weeks that Gordon would loose the 31 Cup ride for next season, Gordon has actively been shopping himself with other teams and referring to himself as a "free agent".

Despite reports indicating the firing of Gordon, representatives at Childress Racing refrained from confirmation.