Subscribe to this blog's feed« Rain tires ready for Busch race, just in case | Main | Busch wins Pocono »
August 04, 2007
Not a fan of road courses, but what a wild finish!
Things definitely got tense at the end of the Busch race, some came away happy and others came away fuming.
Robby Gordon seemed to have the lead, the caution came out and Marcos Ambrose plowed into the back of him spinning Gordon. After reviewing the tapes, NASCAR said that Ambrose had the lead when the yellow apparently came out, not only that but they wanted Gordon back in 12th. Gordon wasn't having any of that and he restarted right behind Ambrose and spun him on the restart and then kept going. If you ask Robby Gordon, he won the race and he will appeal. NASCAR apparently stopped scoring Gordon and he was listed in 18th in the finishing order, two laps down.
The "official" winner of the race, since Gordon wasn't being scored was Kevin Harvick, who started in the back of the field because of not being there to qualify.
I understand Gordon being mad, but I highly doubt he'll win his appeal (has anyone ever won one against NASCAR?) and who knows what else NASCAR might do to him.
Your thoughts?
August 4, 2007 in NASCAR Busch Series | Permalink
TrackBack
TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://www.typepad.com/services/trackback/6a00d83451bce769e200e39822b9348833
Listed below are links to weblogs that reference Not a fan of road courses, but what a wild finish!:
Comments
What a Joke. Robby was leading this race when he got spun out under caution and he reacted. Now all of the sudden he is a Villian ?? Has anyone else seen any BIG NAME Drivers do the same thing, these Drivers don't seem to get the same heat or suspended from races and why is that??
Let me think ... NASCAR is a good old boys club thats why. Oh, and by the way a few idiot's have mentioned Robby can't Drive or he is Psychotic? Does anyone realize Robby has been within a couple of Laps of winning the Indy 500?? I guess any Psychotic Person can be Competitive at Indy ...
Robby operates his own Team and runs in TONS of other Events. He chooses to do this and guess what? He is making races when Big Team owners like Michael Waltrip aren't qualifying!
Also, anyone heard of DAKAR? As far as I know there has never been an AMERICAN Team who has had the Success at DAKAR that Gordon had Last Year. We are talking about a 6000 Mile Race that is dominated by Big Corporations yet Robby was able to Finish 8th overall last last year ...
By the way, I "hated" Robby Gordon until a couple of years ago when my Dad turned me on to his background and I learned more about him. This Guy is the Real Deal!!
Go Robby
Tony Amundson
Posted by: Tony | Aug 7, 2007 4:06:29 AM
Robby was robbed! Nascar changes the rules to fit their needs. Yellow flag was out when he was spinned. Robby is the only driver that will stand up to the dictators.
Posted by: craig singleton | Aug 6, 2007 6:42:53 PM
Geez, what idiots. Robby was in front in the video that TV showed you of the yellow flag waving. That doesn't mean he was in front when it came out. Too complex a concept for you? He passed Ambrose after the yellow came out and then TV showed you the shot of Ambrose turning Robby. Try to act like you got some sense.
Posted by: Austin | Aug 6, 2007 3:41:50 PM
Now that was a race, two winners doing burnouts.
NASCAR should have known that Robby was going to spin out Ambrose, everyone else knew
Posted by: Donb | Aug 5, 2007 7:06:41 PM
From some of the comments I've read on here. It would be alright for, lets say, a major league baseball player to not like a called third strike to turn around and hit the umpire or catcher in the haed with his bat because "he didn't like the call". If the only way you can show "emotion" is to act like a AZZ like Robby did. Give me a bunch of robots.
Posted by: jeff | Aug 5, 2007 6:55:52 PM
RACSAN sure reversed the rules on this melloyellow situation. the head freds blew their own in stone, but always changeable under the right circumstances, rules on yellow positions for restarts. should gordon have abided with a bad ruling?? knowing the freds would spank him for blatantly ignoring them, and what would the results have been, ignorant, even if they reversed (LMAO) themselves after appeal. if gordon did have a better grasp of emotions, he should have parked the car in the middle of the track and left it under protest. even better would have been to park in the pits and quit racing under protest, but RACSAN would have then achieved what they wanted anyway. as another posted stated, it was entrapment, or damned if you did and damned if you didnt
Posted by: spknb4thkn | Aug 5, 2007 2:36:46 PM
BULL SHIT
Posted by: DAVE | Aug 5, 2007 1:41:49 PM
Jon,
I agree with you all the way. The way our society has turned men into a bunch of sissies, I'd like to turn back time and see if these same fans who bash Harvick, Stewart, and R. Gordon would be crying for the Allison brothers and Cale Y. to be suspended for the rest of the '79 season after their altercation in the Daytona 500.
God forbid that anyone actually show any emotion in today's society. If someone looks at these people cross-eyed, they're crying for that person to undergo anger management. Anger management is for pussies.
Posted by: Ironman | Aug 5, 2007 1:19:36 PM
The caution came out after Kevin Harvick caused the pile-up. Robby Gordon and Marcus Ambrose were battling for the lead in the heat of the moment.
Gordon passed Ambrose after the caution (again because he was going for the win and wasn't sure whether the caution was out or not). Ambrose got a heck of a run and spun Robby for the same reason that Robby took the lead under caution.
Here's where Nascar screwed not one, but two drivers capable of winning. Because the caution was out when Ambrose spun Gordon, Gordon should have been allowed to return to his second place position. Instead, Nascar said he should fall back to 12th, even further ticking him off. Gordon get's screwed.
Well, because Nascar stood by that decision, Gordon is no longer scored and Ambrose in effect is spun by a "ghost." Now Ambrose is screwed. How fair is that. Bonehead move Nascar.
Posted by: Chris | Aug 5, 2007 12:07:25 PM
Kurt2,
Face it, Robby Gordon, Kevin harvick and Tony Stewart are all the whipping boys for the majority of the fans that read Kathy's blog and that is all there is to it. These guys can do no right in their eye's.
Posted by: Jon | Aug 5, 2007 11:53:30 AM
fier,
Referring to the lap prior to JPM spinning Pruett.
Funny, JPM does it, KH does it. But Rg does it and its a sin..HUMMM
Posted by: kurt2 | Aug 5, 2007 11:42:35 AM
Did NASCAR hire WWE refs to officiate this race? Maybe they should return Tony's fine.
Posted by: Craig | Aug 5, 2007 11:30:43 AM
Kurt2 -- regarding Pruett, when did he spin out a teammate in Mexico? As I recall, his teammate Montoya wrecked him out to take the lead in the closing laps of Mexico this year. Is there another incident where he spun out his teammate? Pruett was the victim in Mexico this year, not the culprit.
Posted by: FierlanFire | Aug 5, 2007 11:15:17 AM
Stricklinfan,
I mostly enjoy our post, you are one of a very few whom state the facts and a voce of logic.
But I see it as Pruett got what he gave from Mexico. Just as if you see KH's comment on him and Tony this week.. The Indy thing will be repaid.
Sorry KH was racing and it happened, the best car did not win yesterday. While I stand behing RG 100%, the 59 was the best car out there.
Posted by: Kurt2 | Aug 5, 2007 11:07:34 AM
Lost in all the Robby Gordon controversy was the cheap move Harvick made on the next-to-last restart. He blatantly took out Scott Pruett, and in turn took out both of the cars he (well, actually Delena) owns (Fellows and Hornaday) and his RCR teammate Jeff Burton, who was in a great position to gain a lot of points on Carl Edwards in the owner's championship race. Obviously he's happy that he won but I'm sure he upset a lot of people at RCR and KHI. He might end up having to sleep on the couch if he spends any time at home this week, LOL.
Also, has anyone every seen a post-race celebration like we saw Saturday? I've never seen 3 drivers doing doughnuts after a race. Occasionally I've seen two, but never three, that's a new record for me. Maybe Carpentier was as confused as everyone else and thought he won the race too???
Posted by: stricklinfan82 | Aug 5, 2007 10:57:01 AM
NA$CAR sucks ...and it's Robby not Robbie , stupid people .
Posted by: Eric | Aug 5, 2007 10:40:05 AM
To the one whom posted on Pruett being spun by Harvick.. Last I checked Pruett took his own teammate out in Mexico.. But never had any issue doing it, now he is upset that it happened to him. Welcome to CUP..
Congrats to the KH team for yesterday..
Posted by: Kurt2 | Aug 5, 2007 10:23:30 AM
After reading most logical posts here, minus the Rg is a idiot and a ass etc..
95% of the Cup gargae watched it yesterday when it all went down, we saw roughly 20 some to go on. RG was in the lead when spun. Go figure NASCAR again..
Now they park him for the cup race today.. Humm, double dose of CUP for you.
Posted by: Kurt2 | Aug 5, 2007 9:56:51 AM
Got to like Robby Gordon - stand up for what you believe at all costs. Wish I could have seen the race.
Posted by: Mike | Aug 5, 2007 9:51:24 AM
I guess I missed the part that you are all referring to about Harvick. What exactly was it that you all think Harvick did to deserve your wrath?
Posted by: Jon | Aug 5, 2007 9:47:45 AM
Marc,
I agree, I can't see them being able to add scoring loops at Montreal. But if they said that Ambrose was in first at the time of the caution then it stands to reason that Gordon was in second and Ambrose caused Gordon to spin under the caution and Gordon should have been awarded the 2nd position. But instead NASCAR decided that they were going to put Gordon back in 12th or 13th where he shouldn't have been put. That is why Gordon ignored their command to go to a position he shouldn't have been put in the first place.
Posted by: Jon | Aug 5, 2007 9:42:33 AM
Here's my take on the end - after watching it several times.
Note that the 55 passed the 59 by short-cutting a turn across the grass - Robbie wasn't on the track when he went by Ambrose. The grass cost him some speed, and when he was back on the track in frnt of Ambrose, Ambrose immediately hit him (as the 55 wasn't up to speed).
I'm guessing that Nascar penalized the 55 for an illegal pass - the 13th spot may well have been the last spot on the lead lap.
But - whatever actually were the reasons - Robbie's behavior is inexcusable. He's an major hazard to anyone near him on the track. I'll be surprised if Nascar doesn't sit him down for the remainder of the season.
Posted by: johnpar | Aug 5, 2007 9:38:01 AM
Robby got cheated out of at least 2nd place, if not a win....2nd is the absolute furtherest he should have had to restart, if he wasn't leading when the caution flew, then he was certainly running 2nd. The caution flag was out, just watch the tape. We were cheering him on, frankly. Harvick should have been sent to the back for his wreckless driving, but as usual, NASCAR doesn't think 'fair' to the underdog is the way to 'play their game' they would rather fix the outcome, they wanted Ambrose to win, and in trying to fix the race, knowing Robby was not going to take Ambrose spinning him out, caused him to loose big time. He got what he had coming, but unfortunately Robby did not.
Posted by: 9fanatic | Aug 5, 2007 9:35:09 AM
Gee what a shock, NA$CAR possibly blowing another call that determines a race outcome. Can anyone say Daytona? I am a Nascar fan and have been one for quite a while but this late cautions and phantom debris on the track that hasn't been seen by anyone stuff that has happened over the past year or two is making the credibility of the sanctioning body a joke. OOPS, I shouldn't have said that + now I am in violation of Nascar rule 12-4a actions detrimental to stock car racing.
Posted by: Scott | Aug 5, 2007 8:14:49 AM
I'll agree with NASCAR that the 59 was leading when the caution came out. We have no evidence to dispute this call.
I think Robby should have been second on the restart. We do have evidence that he was spun out under caution.
Robby says that NASCAR initially told him he could go back up to 2nd and then changed their minds. You reckon that had anything to do with Robby's behavior once he got back up to 2nd?
I do think that NASCAR let the race restart without Robby moving back because there were so many cars about to run out of fuel and they didn't want to extend the race. (I read that the 88 did run out)
BUT regardless of the above, Robby disobeyed a NASCAR directive and that's a real no-no. Also, even if he had been allowed to start 2nd on the last restart, he still would not have won the race. I would bet that NASCAR warned both drivers under caution to calm down and once Robby intentionally took out the 59-I don't think anyone can argue that he didn't- he would have been blackflagged for rough driving and his day would still have been over Before the checkered flag.
NASCAR may have screwed up, but so did Robby because he lacks anger management skills. Bad move Robby.
Posted by: 1RaceFan | Aug 5, 2007 7:01:50 AM
I'm no Robby fan but I can tell all you F1 and GP folks something...Us NASCAR Rednecks like this kind of stuff...Dirty drivin',spinnin' the leader out,complete disregard for rules and officials it all adds excitement for us!!Bottom line...if it ticks you off to see the people in charge make decisions that you disagree with...
DON'T WATCH.Find a Tennis match or somethin'.
Robby got spun in a "Thats Racin'" Incident
and should have taken his place in line like he was told.Robby spun Ambrose cause he was mad and NASCAR said Park It !!!
Thats all.
Posted by: John B. | Aug 5, 2007 6:37:31 AM
JWSmoke:
"What about the much-praised Timing Loops? I thought they set positions based on the LAST loop passed, which probably had Gordon in second."
Highly unlikely the timing loops are in place at Circuit Gilles Villenuve.
Posted by: marc | Aug 5, 2007 4:11:19 AM
What about the much-praised Timing Loops? I thought they set positions based on the LAST loop passed, which probably had Gordon in second.
But allowing the restart with Gordon where he was - bad, bad NA$CAR!!
Posted by: JWSmoke | Aug 5, 2007 12:51:56 AM
If Gordon was indeed leading when the caution came out then NASCAR royally effed up. But, if they are going to stick to their guns on this one, then in tomorrow's race, if some dude's in second and can't get by the leader, he just has to hope for the yellow to come out so he can spin the leader and send his monkey-a** back to, ohhhhhhhh I'd say about 12th or 13th place. Bite the big one "sanctioning body!"
Posted by: Choach | Aug 5, 2007 12:30:38 AM
Two very distinct questions:
1. Given NASCAR's ruling to go back to 12th and Gordon's refusal, what should be done to Gordon?
2. Was NASCAR's call right?
My thoughts:
1. Suspend for one race, probably a Cup race.
2. I have no clue.
Posted by: Doug in CA | Aug 5, 2007 12:26:33 AM
I read all of the comments but I can't
comment on this race, I missed it. I must
have missed the best Busch race of the
year so far. Guess we will have to wait
and see what NASCAR is going to do.
Posted by: Race Fan | Aug 5, 2007 12:00:46 AM
If you recorded the race... watch at the the time of the accident on the restart... do not watch the cars on the track... watch the green icon that means the race is under green...watch it turn to yellow... pause the tape.... take a deep breath... restart the tape and the footage goes to show that robby is just passing Ambrose and the yellow is already out. Pretty simple really..... Way to go Kevin.... and RCR.. have a good safe day...
Posted by: RCR29 | Aug 4, 2007 11:44:47 PM
The only problem with red-flagging the race was that several leading cars were running very close on fuel. Would it have been fair to stop the race and those cars end up not being able to refire because they ran out of gas, or run out a 1/5 of the way through the final lap?
Posted by: FierlanFire | Aug 4, 2007 11:32:14 PM
Robbie is an a$$! But, Nascar should have red flagged the race until Gordon was removed from the track. He may have screwed himself. Nascar is thinking about suspended him from Sunday's race at Pocono.
http://www.scenedaily.com/stories/2007/07/30/scene_daily195.html
Posted by: Donn | Aug 4, 2007 11:28:10 PM
I'm don't like or dislike Robby or Marcus, but I thought Marcus should have been first, and Robby second. I don't think Marcus should have spun out Robby, but Robby also shouldn't have charged through the field under yellow and bumped the back of Ambrose's car while still under yellow. Maybe they would have allowed him to be rescored as second if he hadn't done that, since Ambrose did spin him out, likely on purpose.
It was very foolish of him to flagrantly disobey Nascar's ruling, even if he strongly disagreed with it. And there's no doubt in my mind he intended to take Ambrose out one way or another, which is unfortunate, because they both could have had really good finishes.
I also don't like that Harvick punted Pruitt, which wrecked a bunch of cars, not just Pruitt's. Yes, it appeared Harvick was run off the track, but if you're going to wreck someone, try not to take innocents out in the process. I really don't like that type of driving.
Posted by: FierlanFire | Aug 4, 2007 11:24:53 PM
if ambrose was a dirty driver he would have shut the door on robby and stoped him passing or forced him onto the grass. Instead he held the line that he had been punted into by robby and when robby got in front he brake tested ambrose and got punted off. both took place under yellow by the sounds of it from the transponder data
Posted by: spike | Aug 4, 2007 11:19:28 PM
LOL, and I was just about to propose a 24h Busch race at the Nurburgring/Nordschleife. Now THAT would be interesting :P
Posted by: Agent | Aug 4, 2007 11:16:39 PM
I have a proposal to solve all of this, eh?
How about not racing in Canada in the first place???
No racing in Mexico, no racing in Canada, just racing right here in the good ol' UNITED STATES OF AMERICA! There are plenty of places in AMERICA to watch Busch(whacker) racing. Screw Mexico and Canada (eh).
Posted by: Ironman | Aug 4, 2007 11:14:05 PM
Robby was Robbed by NASCAR! When did both drivers see the yellow, we know, and so does NASCAR! Robby passed Ambrose clean and under green (regardless what NASCAR says, they know it was green no matter how they decide to manipulate the outcome). Ambrose portraits the nice guy, but he screwed up under yellow. If NASCAR allows Ambrose to spin Robby under yellow, then Ambrose is fair game.
NASCAR should have restarted Robby in front of Ambrose period. Yes Robby is one of NASCAR's bad boys and NASCAR needs more of them to continue the growth of the sport.
This good controversial, exciting, high action press is one of many ingredients that made NASCAR what is today. Cale Yarborough and Donnie Allison (along with Donnie's brother Bobby Allison) fist fight brought national publicity to NASCAR as a positive. In the 1987 season Earnhardt earned his nickname "The Intimidator" after spinning out Elliott in the final segment of The Winston.
If NASCAR has any integrity they will take it in the shorts, do whats right, and give Robby the win.
Posted by: Harry | Aug 4, 2007 11:13:40 PM
Thank you Ben, someone else seemed to review the timeline of events as well. The big loser here was Ambrose. Too bad since he's a great bloke in person.
What is really too bad is that Robby Gordon DID have a legitimate shot to win if he didn't let his emotions get in the way again.
Posted by: Agent | Aug 4, 2007 11:11:00 PM
I completely blame NASCAR for screwing this one up. They had no business what so ever letting Gordon restart in 2nd place. All they had to do was stop the pace car (to stop the field) and have an official stand in front of his car until his position went by. Or they could have just dragged him out of the car kicking and screaming right there. Ambrose had the car to beat, it was his race.
Everyone is saying that Gordon took the lead from Ambrose THEN Amrbose spun him....not true. Thanks to ESPN's horrible coverage, we dont know exactly when the caution was thrown, but most likely it was while ESPN had the cameras focused on the pileup for a good 15 or 20 seconds - plenty of time for NASCAR to throw the caution while we watched cars pile into each other. After the camera FINALLY went to the leaders, we saw Robby pass Marcos. ESPN made it look like the wreck and the pass happened at the same time, but they didn't. Marcos had the lead when the caution came out, which is why they gave it to him on the restart. Good for Marcos for spinning robby when he passed him - someone needs to put that whining punk in his place.
Posted by: Steve | Aug 4, 2007 11:08:25 PM
First of all....Charles...if your 10 yr old son reads like you spell....he wont know its "bad words". Second..was that not the best race, road course or not, of the season??? Talk all you want about Gordon, bad driving, being agressive, etc....but thats the first busch race I have ever been sitting on the edge for.....besides, if it wasnt for Robby, we would all be reading about how nascar should take road courses off the schedule.....I was glad Harvick won...but I am wearing my JIM BEAM RACING hat now!!!!
Now lets talk about Nascar being consistent on calls.....cant wait to hear how Poole thinks about this...he will probably want R.Gordon quartered and his body parts scattered along pit road.
Posted by: billy | Aug 4, 2007 11:07:48 PM
Agent,
You make us all so proud.
Posted by: Charles | Aug 4, 2007 11:06:49 PM
I think that I have an explanation for Robby Gordon's temper.
Steroids.
Posted by: Ironman | Aug 4, 2007 11:06:17 PM
Somebody at Nascar really doesn't like Robbie Gordon. I sure don't think he should have been put back to twelfth or whatever but if he insisted on any position after that yellow it should have been in first. I think Robbie went to second for the sole purpose of spinning Ambrose out. I'm a Robbie Gordon fan but this made me feel like a Tony Stewart guy because now I have to try to explain stupid behavior.
Posted by: ron | Aug 4, 2007 11:00:49 PM
Well done Robbie you managed to piss off a whole country. Robbie tagged Marcos on turn 2. The flag came out with Marcos in the lead. After the yellow was out Gordon Cut turn 3 to past Marcos. Marcos after being tagged in turn 2 tagged Gordon back. I don't believe Marcos or Robbie saw the yellow.
The rule is if you fail to maintain position under yellow you loose positions. Robbie got past while he was side ways on the track.
I can't believe they green flagged the race with Robbie still refusing to move back.
Nascar should have red flagged the race and moved him.
Nascar F'ed up. But Robbie F'ed up worse
I like Gordon’s ability and think he adds character to the sport but he should be banned from Nascar car for 1 year.
Posted by: Ben | Aug 4, 2007 10:57:55 PM
Well done Robbie you managed to piss off a whole country. Robbie tagged Marcos on turn 2. The flag came out with Marcos in the lead. After the yellow was out Gordon Cut turn 3 to past Marcos. Marcos after being tagged in turn 2 tagged Gordon back. I don't believe Marcos or Robbie saw the yellow.
The rule is if you fail to maintain position under yellow you loose positions. Robbie got past while he was side ways on the track.
I can't believe they green flagged the race with Robbie still refusing to move back.
Nascar should have red flagged the race and moved him.
Nascar F'ed up. But Robbie F'ed up worse
I like Gordon’s ability and think he adds character to the sport but he should be banned from Nascar car for 1 year.
Posted by: Ben | Aug 4, 2007 10:57:33 PM
the word is "swear" If dad can't spell it I'm sure your kid can't read it.
Posted by: Agent | Aug 4, 2007 10:57:06 PM
Jon,
The guy has a history of hostility. With that said, I think we can all agree that he's a great driver. However his demeanor makes Smoke look like a saint. This is a big part of why Robby had to put together his own Nextel team. No one wants him. He's not media friendly, he doesn't race well with others and has a history of psychotic behavior. The guy has never finished up front without some wacky story about his aggressiveness following close behind. I could go into a diatribe of how I think Nascar officials suck monkey ass and if it were Carl Edwards instead of Robby Gordon, this would never have happened...but it did. Gordon has a stupidly hot head. For Christ's sake....he took it as far as thinking he won the race and made a mockery of himself. To do something stupid in the heat of battle is one thing...but he actually had to be restrained from entering Victory Lane. Egats man...I'm sorry, that guy needs some counseling.
Posted by: Agent | Aug 4, 2007 10:55:30 PM
Agent,
Did I miss you swearing in any of your comments?
Posted by: Jon | Aug 4, 2007 10:55:24 PM
The comments to this entry are closed.
Advertisements
