Robby's Gone (Kind of)

[texastrophies]

It's official: Robby won't return to RCR
October 26, 2004
01:32 PM EDT (17:32 GMT)




Richard Childress Racing and Robby Gordon will part ways at the conclusion of the 2004 season, with Gordon stepping up to the ranks of NASCAR Cup Series ownership in 2005.

"Several months ago Robby told me that his goals included running his own NASCAR Cup Series team," said Richard Childress, president and CEO of Richard Childress Racing.

"He has won three points races, a qualifying race at Daytona and has had a lot of good runs for RCR since 2001, but sometimes change is good.

"Robby is a true racer and I will always be grateful to him for what we've been able to accomplish together and for the positive things he brought to our organization.


"I've always said that Robby is one of the most talented drivers out there and he has always gone above and beyond for our sponsors.

"I'm sure Robby will do just fine on his own. His Busch cars run good every week and I'm sure he can translate some of that success to the Cup Series. I wish him only the best."

Gordon has earned three victories, eight top-five and 23 top-10 finishes in 114 races with RCR. He also won one of the Gatorade 125 qualifying races at Daytona International Speedway in 2003. He's currently 23rd in the NASCAR Cup Series point standings.

"Driving for RCR has been an incredible honor and is an opportunity most drivers could only wish for," Gordon said. "I've learned as much outside the car as I have in it with RCR, and Richard has taught me a great deal about the business of NASCAR.

"He's a man of his word and someone I will always respect immensely. But I think everyone knows what my long-term goals are, both as a driver and a car owner, and now is the time for me to start my future as an owner at NASCAR's highest level.

"If I can be half as successful as Richard has been, I'll be very happy. We have been putting the pieces in place for our own team for most of the past year, and although we don't have anything to announce yet for next season, we hope to make some announcements soon."

The Southern California native has been with RCR since July 2001 when he was named interim driver for the No. 31 Chevrolet while Mike Skinner, the team's regular driver, recovered from injuries sustained in a crash at Chicagoland Speedway.

He was named the team's fulltime driver in September and in November at New Hampshire International Speedway, in just his 10th start with RCR, he claimed his first NASCAR Cup victory.

Soon after, Cingular Wireless was announced as the team's primary sponsor for the 2002 season.

An announcement on who will be the driver of the No. 31 Cingular Wireless Chevrolet in 2005 will be made on Friday.

[Chrud]

Who DIDN'T see that coming?

Well, I'll throw in $20, Johnny Sauter in the 31 next year. UNLESS, he is under contract with Brewco.

I would like to see Kerry Earnhardt get that ride.

[texastrophies]

I don't think Kerry will get it, yet. He needs to get some more experience in Busch first. I hope RC gets some one that is experienced and can fit in with Jeff & Kevin and make a cohesive team out of them. Don't think Sauter will be the one.

[Chrud]

You know you'd like to see Kerry in that car.

I would like to see Sauter in a good (Chevy) Cup ride, but he's not all that good.

[IowaDeerHunter]

So where is Robby going next year? I would like to see Kerry get that also that would be neat!

[slugshooter]

Maybe he'll be a better racer now that he is going to own his own team, drivers that own their own teams and pay the bills don't like to tear up more than they have to.

[Greener]

So Jeff Burton will move over to the 31 car and I heard that Dave Blaney will drive for RCR in a #7 Jack Daniels car. Has anyone else heard this?
I hope it's true. Dave Blaney could do really well in some good equipment.
I would have liked to see Kerry drive for Childress though. Maybe he'll take over the 30 car and RCR will have 4 teams.

[Chrud]

Jeff Burton is probably going to the 31 Cingular car. I doubt the rumor about Blaney in the #7. RC should worry about the 30. I would have left JB in the 30 AOL car.

[texastrophies]

From what I understand AOL will be gone after this year, which is why JB is moving to the 31. Heard the rumor about the 07 also, but I thought NASCAR had an issue with Hard Liquor?