 |
kodak.com
presents
Robby Gordon
The New Driver of the #4 Kodak Chevrolet Car
February 13, 2001
|
Page 5 of 6
Linda:
The new deal is for 5 years. Thoughts on that?
Robby Gordon:
Larry has an option every year to do something different if he wants to. I'm looking to it and hope it lasts. If we have performance, we'll all be excited. If there isn't performance, there will be concern on both sides, but I'm very excited about it.
Dave Carlson:
Hi Robby! Welcome to the team. Are you ready for the Twin 125's?
Robby Gordon:
Hi! Thanks! We're definitely ready for the 125s. We will practice tomorrow with our 125 motor, transmission package, and tomorrow afternoon we'll know how ready we are, or if we're ready for 125.
Sara:
Where are you from originally and where do you call home now?
Robby Gordon:
I have dual residence. I spent most of the winter in California, Orange County, which is where I'm originally from. I do have a place due to the busy Winston Cup schedule in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Am A TX Guy 28:
What brought you back to NASCAR
Robby Gordon:
I think the fans. The interest from everyone in NASCAR racing, or about NASCAR. NASCAR is a booming sport, and I believe it's the most popular form of motorsport in America today.
EiEiO:
Who do you say has been the most helpful to you during your racing career?
Robby Gordon:
First, I would have to say my father for getting me involved in racing. Second, all the great team owners I've driven for over the years. Jim Venable who I raced for in off-road. Cal Wells who I also raced for in off-road. After my off-road career took off, I met a gentleman from Ford Motor Company, Michael Kranefuss, who placed me with my first Indy car ride--or actually he placed me with Jack Roush, who I raced road racing for. From there, Michael Kranefuss hooked me up with AJ Foyt, who I drove the 1993 Indy car season for. From there to Derrick Walker who I drove 1994-95-96. My first NASCAR stint did not go very well with Felix Sabates. From there back to Cal Wells where I did a limited Indy car season in 1998. I was fortunate enough at that point with a guy named John Menard who helped me with sponsors in 1999 and 2000. I think without those people, my racing career would not have been what it has been so far. I appreciate every one of them.
Donch:
How hot does it get in the car?
Robby Gordon:
To be honest with you, with the aerospace heating blankets that we have today, it doesn't get that hot anymore. It probably gets about 140.
Articulate:
How high tech is in the cockpit, or does it all go to the crew pit for engine, etc.,
Robby Gordon:
I don't think there's a whole lot in the cockpit in NASCAR, like an Indy car where you can make adjustments. I think all the high tech stuff comes in preparation before the race, i.e., a modeling program, a simulation program on how to simulate the car's attitude via software programs. I think that's where a lot of the high tech stuff is. The FEA programs that we have today help make the cars safer.
Super Picksman:
A lot of people say that Tony Stewart is too rough of a driver. What do you say about that?
Robby Gordon:
I think Tony Stewart is actually a great racecar driver. He's done a really good job adapting from sprint cars, Indy cars, NASCAR--he can drive anything, and he's one of the guys from the old school, like Mario Andretti and AJ Foyt, and Tony's one that has done that as well. I think his aggressive style gets him to Victory Lane.
Hey Almo:
Robbie- Can you relate to the non-racer members of the audience, the feeling of winning?
Robby Gordon:
That's kind of tough. I think winning is something that it takes a lot of people and a lot of hard work to get to that level or into Victory Lane. I know how hard it is to get there one time, but to get there more than one time takes a lot of work and want, and you have to believe it. So to get there 3-4 times a year also helps build momentum, but to get there the first time is the toughest.
Page 5 of 6
|
