March 15th, 2010 
Journo Just less than a month after NASCAR veteran Larry Carter joined Robby Gordon Motorsports as a “consultant” we are hearing he has been named crew chief of the #7 team. Carter would take over the spot from Iain Watt who has been in the position since January.
Gordon and his team have struggled this season, averaging just a 34th place finish. On top of that they are in a precarious owner points situation. With one race to go before this season’s points take effect, Gordon sits 38th. Given his average qualifying position (38.8), without the guaranteed starting spot he runs the risk of not making races.
That struggle with performance coupled with RGM’s history of crew chief longevity (or lack thereof) make this move less than surprising.
Over the last few seasons Robby Gordon has had a staggering number of guys on top of the box. Since 2005 Doug Richert, Peter Sospenzo, Kirk Almquist, Frank Kerr, Gene Nead, Walter Giles, Bob Temple and Greg Erwin (in no particular order) have all come and gone.
Many throughout the sport have their opinions about the organization and the reasons for the high turnover. Gordon’s demeanor has been blamed, as has his unrelenting control over the team. Beyond second hand information though I unfortunately can’t give a comprehensive explanation.
Obviously Gordon has a drive and passion for racing that few others around the world of motorsports have. That said, his Cup operation has problems. There is absolutely no reason why any team should go through the number of crew chiefs his has gone through. All of the guys who have held the position are competent team managers (most have wins, one has a championship) so you’d think one of them would have clicked.
At this point the team would be well served to do some self reflection. Without some changes in the very near future I would be willing to bet Larry Carter and Iain Watt won’t be the last guys to hold the title of crew chief at Robby Gordon Motorsports.
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Larry was on the box for Atlanta. Ian remains @RGM. His background was in Indy Car. It is speculated that he is working with Derrick Walker putting together an Indy Car ride for the 500. Robby is tight-lipped about that deal, so who knows.
As much as I hate to say this. I really think Robby should give up on Cup racing. Maybe drop down to the Nationwide or truck series.
The off road racing is great for him as well, and he’s very good at it. I’d love to see him in the Indy 500, I would even watch it with him driving at Indy.
While the statistics show Robby has struggled this season, reality is it’s luck he’s been struggling with.
Daytona: in the top-15 and moving forward on the last lap, when Jeff Gordon wobbles and spins into Robby in turn 4. RG ends up 28th.
Fontana: Engine blows with 20 laps to go.
Atlanta: Right rear tire sheds it’s carcass on lap 3 putting Robby in the wall. Goodyear claims it was either punctured or the car had a too-aggressive setup. Looks like a bum tire to me.
Robby got into the wall early in Vegas, and lost several laps due to it. Can’t really blame Vegas on bad luck, ironically.
So, 3 out of 4 races so far have been spoiled by just plain crappy bad luck. We need to see a few races where he’s not bitten before giving up for the season.
Good news for Robby though may be that fields look to be getting smaller. Only 45 entries for Bristol. If this continues, the top 35 has less meaning, as fewer teams will be sent home.
Seeing Robby Gordon racing full time in the Truck Series would be something to see, definitely.
Since day one of this entry into racing RG has been a spoilt child. Period. If he cant get what he wants, then change the crew chief/team/ truckie/cook. That’s the way it is with him and as it always will be. Even Chad Knaus would be a short timer in this team.
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IMHO Robby is a very good driver in many different things. He is one of those drivers that you could put wheels on a mouse and he will find a way to drive it. About the only active driver in motorsports that would come close to him would be Tony Stewart. There are only several drivers thru out history that come to mind that would fit his mold of driving in all kinds of motorsports. I do wish Robby would do better in the cup. I also think the reason he tries in the Cup is to keep his name in the press, and/or because it’s one of the few things he has NOT done good at.
Looked at his BIO a little while ago, it didn’t mention everything I knew about, and I’m NOT even a fan. Got to give credit will credit is do. But I have to agree as was said before, the Cup is not his cup of tea.
Actually, Robby has been anything but tight lipped about his return to Indy. He mentions his return to Indy in interviews over the San Felipe weekend.
Sure, you can say Robby is “unlucky” all day long but at the end of the day you make your own breaks. You have to put yourself in a position to be lucky to get breaks. Look at Menard at Atlanta for example getting a top 5. If you follow Robby in anything other than offroad you are wasting your time, he hasn’t been competitive in nascar for a number of years now even on the road courses. Best of luck to you Robby in your future racing endeavors, won’t be the first guy to leave cup.
Where else can you make 3 or 4 million dollars for finishing last. He’ll stay where he is for now.
I have always been a fan of Robby’s. He can win in anything he drives. I think he should leave Nascar,(he has to much class for Nascar) and go back to the IRL. I would love to see him in the Indy 500.