Robby Gordon Mailbag: Testing, testing

Robby, Your performance was outstanding in the Daytona Pepsi 400. I was there. I was listening to you and your team on the scanner. Too bad Kurt Bush took you out. I can't stand him or Dale Jr. My question to you is -- I go to Daytona every year to the races and it seems like every year it's all about DEI since Dale Sr. is gone. They never dominate at any other track, but Daytona. I was so happy for Greg Biffle. Looks like the teams split up the pit stops and it messed up the DEI Boys. What is your opinion on this? Thanks for your time. Keep up the good work and be safe! We love you Robby!

--Teresa

	Robby Gordon

It probably has a lot to do with DEI's restrictor plate aerodynamic program and wind tunnel program, and how well they understand the air flow through the engine. Pit strategy probably hasn't hurt them, either.

In my opinion you are one of the most talented drivers in the world today. This being said, have you ever had offers for Formula One or thought about racing that series?

--Greg Valentine

I haven't really received an offer to run Formula One. There was an offer a while back when I was going from Trans Am GTO to Indy car racing. Instead of going to Indy car, I could have gone to Eddy Jordan's Formula-3000 car. But an offer to drive an Indy car developed with A.J. Foyt, a legend in America, so I decided to do that.

ROBBY GORDON  •  Driver Page  •  2003 Season Stats  •  Video Highlights  •  Driver vs. Driver

First of all, I'd like to say it's a pleasure to stop by for your autograph sessions at the merchandise trailer at the tracks. You are a very kind person. What is your typical schedule like from one race to the next? Do you try to take in the local "hot spots?"

--Denise

ALSO  •  SI.com archive

My schedule is usually pretty full when we get to the track each weekend. I usually arrive in the area about 6 or 7 p.m., and try to find a good restaurant in the area to get a bite to eat. Then I either try to hang out with the Cingular guys some weekends or get in the bed early. I usually do some media interviews Friday morning before the first practice and then do more in between practice and qualifying. I try to go out to my souvenir trailer after qualifying to meet my fans and then head to dinner if I don't have a Cingular appearance. We practice pretty early on Saturday mornings and I squeeze some interviews in between there, also. Then I go back to my souvenir trailer in the afternoon and try to rest a bit during the day. Sundays are usually crazy with Cingular hospitality appearances, media obligations, meet-and-greets in the garage and trying to stop by my souvenir trailer before the drivers' meeting. Then I just hang out with the Cingular guys, get some lunch (usually a turkey sandwich) and get ready to race.

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.