Race Reports
Verizon Wireless Charlotte Race Report
By
May 30, 2007, 10:27

Charlotte, NC (May 29, 2007) – Robby Gordon was the 44^th driver to qualify for Saturday’s Carquest Auto Parts 300.  With a limited 2007 NASCAR Busch Series schedule underway for Gordon and his team, it was a go or go home qualifying attempt for the No. 55 Verizon Wireless Ford Fusion. His first lap of 30.609-seconds (176.419 mph) was good enough for an 18^th place start in Saturday night’s race.

Soon after the green flag for the 200-lap race waved at 8:20 p.m. on Saturday, Gordon told crew chief, Greg Erwin that his Verizon Wireless Ford Fusion was too tight. Erwin and the team took advantage of an early caution and called Gordon to pit road for four fresh Goodyear tires. Erwin also called for the rear tire changer to pull rubbers from the left rear in hopes of loosening the race car. Gordon was 32^nd when racing resumed three laps later.

Another caution flag came at Lap 28, which brought Gordon to the pits again. However, the team picked up several positions by only making a wedge adjustment and exiting the pits in 12^th position. Then, a long green-flag run ensued during which Gordon continued to fight the tight-handling condition. On a green-flag stop on lap 97, the team continued to make changes to the tweak the race car.

During the third caution of the night, Gordon’s car had now become too loose in the corners. The Verizon Wireless Ford Fusion was treated on pit road again and restarted 34^th. Unfortunately, the modification wasn’t enough.

Despite the car’s handling, Gordon continued to be patient with the track, his car, and his team. At the end of the night, Gordon crossed the finish line in 32^nd place. Gordon and the No. 55 Verizon Wireless team will next see Busch series action in July at Chicagoland Speedway.