Race Reports
Jim Beam Darlington Post Race
By
May 12, 2008, 14:59

Gordon Sees Positives Despite 33^rd Place Finish

DARLINGTON, SC (May 12, 2008) – It was a rollercoaster weekend for Robby Gordon and the No. 7 Jim Beam “Vote for Robby” Dodge at Darlington Raceway. Running off the momentum of a successful two-day test session at Lowe’s Motor Speedway earlier in the week, the team looked forward to the track action at Darlington Raceway.

The newly repaved track – “too tough to tame” – posed some concerns for the competitors, which heightened the importance of the practice sessions. But, the No. 7 team rolled the primary off the hauler with enthusiasm Thursday, knowing that the first practice session of the weekend would give them a good feel for the track.

By the time the first practice session ended on Friday, Robby had grazed the top of the leader board, posting speeds quick enough for third place.

But like many of the other teams that day, the slick track took hold of the No. 7, spinning it into the wall causing damage to the rear and requiring the back-up car to be unloaded for qualifying. The “Lady in Black” did not befriend the No. 7 in qualifying either as Gordon wrecked the back-up completing his second lap.

The primary car was sent back to the shop in Charlotte for repairs Friday night. Dedicated team members of Robby Gordon Motorsports worked diligently throughout the night and returned the primary to the track ready to race Saturday evening.  

“I have to take my hat off to my guys. They put a body on the car, and I couldn’t have asked for a better car to start the race,” said Gordon.

Following the drop of the green flag, the Jim Beam Dodge was praised by announcers who awarded Gordon as the “biggest mover” of the race because of his successful passes and quick movement towards the front after a back-of-the-pack starting position. Within the first sixty laps of the race, Robby had moved up to 17^th position.

A long green flag run called for pit stops under green. Gordon, who felt that the car was “loose in and tight off,” came in to the pits for fuel and adjustments on lap 63.

The adjustments were very beneficial, but Robby came over the radio to voice his concern regarding a possible dead battery. His crew chief, Walter Giles, called for another green flag pit stop on lap 113 to check for loose wires and a make battery change.

Robby was down five laps after the necessary pit stop, and struggled to regain them due to the failure of an alternator wire.

Despite these setbacks, the No. 7 Jim Beam Dodge was fast. Crew chief Walter Giles communicated over the radio to Gordon, “You’ve been just as fast as anyone all night. You would be top-five for sure if you were on the lead lap.”

The No. 7 Jim Beam Dodge forged on making every attempt to gain more positions, but even the leaders noted the difficulty in passing under green.

Gordon crossed the finish line in the 33^rd position.

“We were a top-fifteen car,” Gordon stated. “We were very disappointed by the failure. This team deserves so much better. The good thing is that we outran a bunch of cars tonight. Eventually, we are going to start getting the finishes that we deserve.”

The Sprint Cup Series returns to action this weekend in Charlotte for the All-Star race. Remember that voting for the All-Star race doesn’t conclude until Saturday, so fans still have time to vote Gordon into the race! Visit robbygordon.com or jimbeam.com for more information.