Robby Gordon returns to Dodge

[rickaren]

Feb 10, 2011
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla.

Robby Gordon will return to NASCAR Sprint Cup competition in a Dodge this season.

Gordon said the direction Dodge was moving in “with two young guys (CEO of Dodge Ralph Gilles and Head of Dodge Motorsports Bryan Viger) running the program,” made it an attractive proposition, particularly for an owner/driver.

“They have good ideas. Their cars are stylish. It was the first time, even though I was with Dodge before that I had factory help," Gordon said.

“Toyota didn’t have any help to offer. I’m impressed with (Dodge) cars. And anyone who hasn‘t been to Dodge, it‘s a beautiful facility.”

Gordon, 42, will have Penske engines this season. He acknowledges that the most success he’s had since the inception of the new car was with Dodge power under the hood. He was last behind the wheel of a Dodge in 2008.

“Eighty-five percent of your lap is full throttle,” Gordon said. “You have to be able handle down the straightaways.”

Gordon has operated his own team in NASCAR since 2006. He has driven cars from all manufacturers throughout that period.

Gordon last visited Victory Lane in the Cup series in 2003, when he swept both road-course races while driving for Richard Childress. In 2010, he spent time between off-road trucks and stock cars and finished 34th in the NASCAR points standings.

SOURCE

[rickaren]

Dodge Motorsports Notes & Quotes - Robby Gordon Joins Dodge Motorsports for 2011
Robby Gordon

February 10, 2011 , DAYOTNA, Fla. - ROBBY GORDON PARTNERS WITH DODGE FOR 2011 SEASON

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. (February 10, 2011) – Robby Gordon announced today that he will be driving a Dodge Charger during the 2011 season in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. In response to the partnership with Robby Gordon Motorsports, Dodge President & CEO Ralph Gilles issued the following statement:

"We’re excited Robby will be joining the Dodge Motorsports program in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in 2011. We like the competitive flare and skill he brings to the track. Robby’s driving style mirrors the performance attitude of the rejuvenated Dodge brand, so he’s a welcome addition to our team.

“We believe you don’t need a certain number of cars to be successful in racing. The key is having the right combination of teams, drivers and technology. We already have a strong foundation with Penske Racing and the Dodge engineering team can easily support another Sprint Cup Series team. Our technical support will be a valuable asset for Robby Gordon Motorsports.”

Robby Gordon (No. 7 SPEED Energy Dodge Charger) issued the following statement:

"I'm excited to be associated with a manufacturer again. I like the things that Dodge has been doing to build brand awareness. They have an impressive factory and facility, and their product line is top notch. I've really enjoyed putting this deal together with Ralph Gilles and Bryan Viger; they are a fun, youthful, forward-thinking group. I've worked with Dodge in the past and have always had a great relationship with Dodge corporate."