Robby Gordon Mailbag: Fighting stigmas

You recently stated in a previous mailbag that you have to work six times harder to gain respect. Why do you think so?

-- Chris, Charlotte, N.C.

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I have two big things going against me. First of all, I came from open-wheel cars and there just seems to be a stigma associated with us open-wheel guys. I have tried to work hard to overcome that. Secondly, I grew up in California and we're just a little different out there. We are every bit as nice as southerners but we show it in different ways. We're not as open and talkative as some southerners. Plus, my sense of humor and personality are a little different than some southerners, so I think it took some time for everyone in NASCAR to begin to understand me and what I'm all about.

What experiences from off-road racing or CART have helped you the most in NASCAR?

-- Mark Hooper, Azusa, Calif.

My CART experience helps me in the technology department and the off-road series has helped me with the tube chassis. I understand what it takes structure-wise to make a good car and we're working really hard at RCR. With input from me, Jeff and Kevin, we all put our heads together on a weekly basis to make our team more competitive each week.

I had the opportunity to get your autograph this spring in Bristol. I was impressed with the amount of time you spent greeting and signing autographs for the fans. You appeared to be very down to earth. What do you do to keep yourself grounded despite your popularity in the world's fastest-growing sport?

-- Melanie Stiff, Louisville, Ky.

I don't find it difficult to keep myself grounded at all. I just don't get caught up in all of it. To me, I'm just a regular 34-year-old guy who happens to drive race cars for a living. The next guy may be a teacher or accountant but I drive race cars. I'm nothing special. It's very flattering to have people look up to us for what we do and to have a great fan base like I do. But I'm no different than the next guy.

What do you find the most comfortable driving, your Winston Cup car, Trophy Truck or Indy car? You seem to be more comfortable in your Trophy Truck, but I am basing that assessment on the in-car camera. Was it hard to adjust going back and forth between your Trophy Truck and Cup car when you were getting ready for the Baja 1000 last year? Either way you are a wonderful driver of all vehicles.

-- Kent D. Jennings, Aurora, Colo.

I think I can drive well in any of them and win in any of them. But unfortunately, we're not doing really well right now in the Cingular Wireless Chevrolet in the Winston Cup Series. We've got the Indy 500 and the Baja 1000 figured out enough to run up front each time in both series. But we're still working on finding that magic in NASCAR this year.

I have heard that you are a fan of computer/console racing games. What are your favorite off-road games/simulators, and which do you think are the most realistic?

-- Rob

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My favorite is Off-Road Fury. There is an Off-Road Fury and Off-Road Fury II. There are also some pretty cool grand prix games and home computer games that are more realistic where you can fine-tune the cars. There haven't been that many great off-road games yet but I would love the opportunity to be involved with coming up with a cool off-road game.

NASCAR has done a lot to improve the safety of racing. You have driven in several different styles of racing. Do you consider NASCAR the "safest" of all the racing series?

-- Rick Payne, Kennesaw, Ga.

I have raced in several series and I feel totally safe in all of them. Each series has improved their safety by leaps and bounds the past few years and have done everything in their power to create a safe environment for all the drivers and teams.

Robby Gordon drives the No. 31 Cingular Wireless Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series. Before arriving in NASCAR's top division, Gordon enjoyed success in the CART Series and off-road racing.

Throughout the 2003 Winston Cup season, Gordon will answer questions from SI.com users in a weekly Mailbag.