Ambrose will drive Gordon’s car in first Cup start at Watkins Glen
Quote selected text Published August 8th, 2007 in NASCAR News
“I appreciate Robby coming to me with this gesture. It’s part apology and part compliment, as far as I’m concerned.” - Marcos Ambrose
Just for fun, Robby Gordon and Marcos Ambrose were supposed to hang out in the Charlotte area on Wednesday, maybe head out to Lake Norman for a good time. Ambrose, the likeable Busch Series rookie from Australia, had made an impression on Gordon, so the veteran driver offered to take the Charlotte newcomer out on the town.
But that was before Gordon wrecked Ambrose in Saturday’s Busch race in Montreal, spoiling the Aussie’s chances at a first victory.
So when Ambrose’s phone rang on Monday evening - Ambrose answered because he didn’t recognize the number - the voice on the other end said, “Does this mean we’re not getting together Wednesday?”
The two cleared the air, and three hours later, Gordon called again. He had just read an e-mail from a fan - one of 24,000 positive e-mails he said flooded the Robby Gordon Motorsports in-box - that suggested Gordon field a car for Ambrose this weekend at Watkins Glen as a gesture of goodwill.
After getting sponsor approval from Jim Beam and Camping World, Gordon literally put the wheels in motion. Ambrose agreed to accept Gordon’s olive branch offer to drive a second RGM Cup car and will attempt to make his Nextel Cup debut at the Glen.
“It’s a real thrill for me,” a grinning Ambrose said during Wednesday afternoon’s news conference at RGM. “I appreciate Robby coming to me with this gesture. It’s part apology and part compliment, as far as I’m concerned.”
More at Scene Daily
- Robby Gordon to run car for Ambrose at Dover
- Ambrose to delay his Nextel Cup debut at Sonoma
- Ambrose will not run Cup race at Watkins Glen
- Ron Fellows to Run Watkins Glen in Tide Car
- Regan Smith to drive #01 Army Chevy at Watkins Glen
That’s pretty classy. I just don’t believe that this is all Robbie’s idea or decision. Maybe I don’t give him enough credit, but I know I give him more than enough respect, which is miniscule to begin with.
I TOATALY AGREE WITH AXEL I THINK 4 THE FIRST TIME
It wasn’t Robbie’s. It was the fan’s idea. haha.
But hey, I think that’s pretty cool.
Good luck to Ambrose this weekend.
Just stay far back away from Junior on the track.
Wouldn’t mind you giving Kurt Busch a hello smack through the
“esses” though :]
Haha.
Take it for what is was, just good PR. This is the 1st positive move I have seen out of Robby in a long time. If it was his idea then I applaud him on the good sportsmanship he is showing if not his idea then I applaud his PR people.
Another driver to beat the Nascar regulars.
See This Shows That Nascar Was Overreacting To What Happen
ambrose will pwn the field..
Kudos to them both for making a bad situation a very good one. I think it is awsome.
Thats a Class Act …..I,once seen Gary Balough give his ride to Geoff Bodine after Gary took Geoff out of a Modified Feature race at New Smyrna….on the first lap …..It seems as though one always remembers a good deed like this….Geoff restarted in the rear and ran second in Garys Modified that night……..Way to go Robbie Gordon..
Robby has more class than most of you know. He is like Stewart when its racetime , win or crash and the 2nd seems to happen more often. But , I know he cares more about the fans than most drivers , he’s at his trailer hanging out when most of the other drivers are hid away from us commoners. And a few years back we went on the double duty tour Indy / Charlotte in the same day and it was unbelieveable how much trouble his people went to to make all the flights , tickets food and transportation all happen at the right time. We had a total acess to his shop and catered prime rib , etc. He might lose it now and again , but he’s the kind of driver a fan can actually meet and talk to , not a prima donna that does you a favor by looking your way for a picture.
Robby has come a long way. From the start when he drove for Sabatos i thought he was a spoiled punk. Ovr the years ..especially now he has gained my respect. I wish him well.. Not many guys can own ateam and actually compete with the big boys of NASCAR. I do beleive nascar has it in for Robby..I dont think they treated him faily at the canadian race…He most definately should have started 1st or second after being spun under caution…I wonder how any of the other big time drives would have reacted in the same situation..GO Robby your not all that bad…anymore..
George
Justin is right ive met robby more than once my aunt works for jim beam,ive met him there and at the track hes a cool guy to talk to is good with fans,yeah on the track hes done some bonehead things but what driver hasn’t and saturday I think nascar was wrong id have been mad too.
AWESOME ROBBIE JUST AWESOME!
Robby has driven for Junie, Big E, Yates, Sabco, RCR and another team or 2 besides his own. Robby realizes how fortunate he is and how competitive he is. He’s never been afraid to push the envelope. Now he can put another young, promising driver in a car. That’s a good move for many reasons. It shows signs of maturity, humility, compassion and business sense. Good move, Robby. Hope it works out.
Dont forget A.J. Foyt in indy…thats enough to make anyone a little crazy.