June 1-6, 2009
Baja California, Mexico
Robby Gordon’s Response to SCORE’s Alleged Accusations
Charlotte, NC (June 12, 2009) – We are deeply disappointed with SCORE’s decision and reject their claims in the strongest possible terms. We plan an immediate appeal of this unjust decision.
First, SCORE assessed a speeding penalty because i t claimed that there was no IRC data between kilometer 77 and kilometer 78. The IRC device on our vehicle worked properly during all other sections of the race course, and Steve Myers from IRC has no explanation why no IRC data exists from that section alone. Our race team has footage of the entire race, and the video below proves that we were not speeding during the section in question (see the link below). Further, the No. 77 Trophy Truck has a speed control device connected to the engine management system that does not allow it to exceed 60 MPH. Please view the link to the video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0HG8Wwk9PQ. This video shows that it took the No. 77 TT longer than 72 seconds to travel the 1.2 miles of highway between km 77 and 78, which is less than a 60MPH average allowed by the rule. Please note that you can hear the pit speed control set at 59MPH.
The pit violations claims are equally invalid. Our team’s stationary pit was in compliance with SCORE International’s 2006-2010 Off-Road Racing Rules & Regulations Book (“SCORE Rule Book”). Rule GPT8 states: “All pits must be at least fifty feet (50’) off the edge of the race course. No pit may be in the first fifty feet (50’) leading into and the first one hundred feet (100’) leading out of any turn.” The location of our stationary pit near mile marker 290 (which included our chase vehicle, pit equipment, and pit personnel) was at least fifty feet (50’) off the edge of the race course and not located in the first one hundred feet (100’) leading out of any turn, in conformity with this rule. As to the other pit-related violations claim, Rule GPT9 states, “All pit services must be done while the race vehicle is at a complete stop. Vehicle may not be serviced while in motion, either under its own power, while being towed, and/or on a trailer. Pit services are to include fueling, tire changes, and/or any other services performed on the race vehicle.” Our vehicle was at a complete stop when fuel was provided to the race vehicle on Highway 1 near San Vincente, again in conformity with this rule.
Furthermore, it should be noted that no rule exists in the SCORE Rule Book that limits pit services to stationary pit locations. Pit services are routinely made outside stationary pits along the race course by drivers and crew members, including, but not limited to, fueling, tire changes, and repair services on the race vehicle. The bottom line is this: our team did not violate any rule in the SCORE Rule Book; therefore, we should not be penalized at all by SCORE for either of these alleged pit violations.
Also, under Rule GP3(9)all competitors who have a course deviation penalty are automatically disqualified. Disqualification is the minimum penalty allowed for a course deviation pursuant to GP3. These results will have to be modified as well.
My win at Baja was made possible by the hard work of my team and the support of my fans and sponsors. I want to assure all of these people that I will do whatever it takes to rebut these charges, clear my name and have my first place finish restored.
SCORE Responds to R. Gordon Press Release
Gordon Received Penalty for Fueling on Highway
#77 Robby Gordon issued a press release today stating that his stationary pit
near race mile 290 at the recent Baja 500 was in compliance with SCORE rules.
SCORE has NOT called into question the legality of the stationary pit. However, the
manner in which the race vehicle was actually serviced is clearly illegal.
Highway 1 is the major north/south highway on the Baja Peninsula. The highway is
not closed during the race, but remains open to local traffic. SCORE receives permission
from the Mexican Federal Highway Police to incorporate transitional highway sections
into the race course. This permission is subject to a 60 MPH speed limit, as well as safe
and prudent conduct by racers while running on the various highway sections.
Video of the incident shows that Gordon came to a complete stop directly in the middle of
the northbound lane of the highway and members of his pit crew ran onto the highway and
fueled his race vehicle with a portable fuel container and performed visual checks.
For obvious reasons, this type of behavior is completely unacceptable. Needless to say, it
creates a very dangerous situation to have pit crew members running around with fuel on the
public highway servicing a race vehicle that has stopped in the middle of the highway lane.
The highway in the area was the actual race course and it is illegal under SCORE rules to
make a pit stop on the race course. All pitting should have occurred in Gordon's legal fixed
stationary pit, which was apparently a mere 50 feet away.
We wonder how NASCAR would respond if Robby stopped on the track during a race at the
California Speedway and his crew ran onto the track to service his race vehicle?
Aside from the serious potential safety consequences, this type of behavior also aggravates
SCORE's relationship with the Mexican Federal Highway Police.
Video of the incident can be viewed at:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tq7rbJ_Fb9w |
