NASCAR NATIONWIDE > News > Race Reports Verizon Wireless No. 55 Watkins Glen Post Race

Robby Gordon

No. 55 Verizon Wireless Ford Fusion

Race Report

Charlotte, NC (August 13, 2007) – Robby Gordon and his No. 55 Verizon Wireless Busch series team were confident going into Watkins Glen on Saturday. Gordon had posted back to back second place finishes at the Glen in the Busch series and hoped to bring home a victory. 

Gordon took the green flag from the fourth starting spot and instantly told the crew that he “blew it on the start” and wasn’t able to find second gear. An early caution came out and the team talked through their pit strategy. When the green flag waved again, Gordon passed two cars instantly and was cruising in the fourth position.

On lap 9, Gordon again keyed the radio reporting problems with the shifter. The team made their scheduled green flag pit stop on lap 11, no adjustments just four tires and fuel.

For the next 20 laps, Gordon charged back through the field and told the team he thought his car was very fast. The caution flag waved again on lap 39, and the team pitted for the second time on lap 40. On the restart, Gordon let the team know that he had broken second gear. Still determined Gordon powered on making the most of what he had, but another caution on lap 50 came out and on the next restart Gordon was left with just 4^th gear.

The team spotter told the teams restarting behind the No. 55 that Gordon was having transmission problems, but on the restart Gordon lost the entire transmission and ended up having a shorter day than planned.

The team finished a disappointing 36^th due to transmission failure. The No. 55 Verizon Wireless Ford Fusion will again see on track action at Lowe’s Motor Speedway on October 12.