Robby Gordon Mailbag: All about respect

I'm new to NASCAR and I've been watching you since Sonoma 2001. I've watched drivers treat you with disrespect. Do you think you are finally getting the respect you deserve from other NASCAR drivers?

-- Michael Heron

	Robby Gordon

Yes, because the Cingular team is continuing to be consistent and finish races and that helps our reputation. The drivers aren't seeing the No. 31 car wrecked on the weekends and I think they race me better, as a result. After racing with these guys for years, we understand each other's characteristics and driving style and that allows us to race closer without wrecking each other.

Who do you think is going to win the 125 and 250 Outdoor National Championships this year? I know you're a Southern Cal kid, and you can't grow up there without having an opinion on this, plus I know you still ride.

-- Mike Doherty

In the 250, Carmichael is looking really strong but Chad Reed has also got a great shot at it. I'm a big fan of motocross. My off-road background and the fact that I'm from California allows me to get to know and keep in touch with some of the riders.

Nice effort racing the Double Duty. I have noticed the Cingular team becoming more consistent this year. Do you think you would attempt the Double again if you were competing for the points championship next year?

-- Rick Payne

Yes, I would because the Cingular team was competing to get into the top 10 this year around the time of the Double and I don't think the Double hindered me at all. We didn't miss any Winston Cup practice sessions. I was at a disadvantage on the first long run in the Coca-Cola 600 because I had to start from the back. But I'm competitive at Indy and Charlotte and as long as I can race well at both tracks, I'm going to keep doing the Double.

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I was just wondering what was up with the bandages on your elbow and wrist after the Indy 500? Were you injured or just old injuries acting up?

-- Carrie Horton

No, I wasn't injured at all. Those bandages were there because I got my IV started at the infield care center at Indy before I left the track for the airport. They just bandaged me up so the needles wouldn't be sticking out.

Robby, I had the pleasure of meeting you at the Andretti Green pre-race party at Indy. You were kind enough to sign an Archipelago team shirt for me. It was awful that your gearbox blew up in the race since your car looked so good. I figured if you were in the top 12-15 with 50 laps to go, you had a shot. I would love to see you in the 500 for many years to come. Do you think you will be able to do the Double again for the next couple of years?

-- Jon Peabody

I'm really glad I had the opportunity to be involved with Andretti Green Racing and Archipelago and Motorola this year at Indy. They were all great to work with and a classy bunch of people. As for future Doubles, of course, I plan on running them. I'm actually working on a deal for Indy next year and am hoping to have it all tied up within the next couple of months. I want to have everything ready to in plenty of time next year.

When Tony Stewart was finishing his last lap under caution Sunday, he got under the pace car. I know he was only horsing around, but seems like I recall a few years ago that Dale Earnhardt used to do that sort of thing and was either cautioned or penalized for the very same thing. Is there such a rule regarding that and if so, what is the penalty for that?

-- Nona Liles

I'm not aware of a rule concerning that. I don't think it's a big issue, although if someone were to damage the pace car, I think it would definitely be addressed.

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I love NASCAR but I am an open-wheel fanatic. How did you really feel after doing the Double Duty? How did your itinerary go for that day? I have yet to see a good interview with any of the guys who have tried it. Thanks for your time.

-- Matt Masi

I honestly felt fine after doing the Double. Unfortunately, the Coca-Cola 600 was called early due to rain, so I didn't drive the entire 600 miles. I really didn't even feel like we'd run an entire race between the two races. If we'd completed the Coca-Cola 600, I still think I would have felt pretty good and not had any problems. As far as the itinerary, it didn't go as smoothly as we had hoped but we pulled it off. My police escort didn't arrive at the hotel Sunday morning and we kind of had to wing it to the track in all that traffic. Plus, we weren't allowed to helicopter out of Indianapolis Motor Speedway and had to drive out with a police escort but that went smoothly. It was more difficult planning all that stuff than actually executing it.

Robby, are there any offers or thoughts about competing in the IRL race at Richmond on NASCAR's off-week at the end of June? We sure would like to see you in an IRL car at Richmond.

-- George Pallas

Richard Childress allowed me to compete in the Indy 500 but that's really the only one he wants me racing in outside NASCAR.

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.