Confirmed-Robby in a Dodge at Daytona

"Robby to run a Dodge in Shootout: Sirius Speedway spoke to NASCAR representative Ramsey Poston today, and he confirmed that Robby Gordon is approved to run the Budweiser Shootout in a Dodge, before converting to Toyota for the remainder of Speedweek 2009. Gordon ran Dodges last season, but will campaign a Toyota in 2009. Both manufacturers have apparently signed-off on the arrangement. It is difficult to imagine why Dodge would approve of the deal, since it bumps Penske Racing’s Sam Hornish --a full-time Dodge driver in 2009 -- out of the race. The ruling also raises some potentially explosive scenearios. For instance, Chip Ganassi’s #42 car finished 25th in owners points last year, running as a Dodge. Based on Gordon's eligibility, Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing could presumably build a Dodge and put Juan Pablo Montoya into the Shootout, bumping AJ Allmendinger."

-Jayski

I'll be the first to say I don't get this, especially when Robby can be in it as a Toyota.The one benefit is that it gives Toyota more drivers represented in the race, which can't be a bad thing but if Robby wins the things in a Dodge, I would say it would be a diminished return for Toyota. I have no clue why Dodge would sign off unless they feel Robby could put the car in victory lane. That's the only way it pays off for them.

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Permalink Reply by MTwomn on January 17, 2009 at 7:26pm

From what I have read, the Shoot Out is based on the top 6 from each manufacturer based on owner points for 2008. Since the #7 was a Dodge in 2008, if it is going to be in Shoot Out it cannot be a Toyota. There was not a #7 Toyota in 2008. Eligibility for the 2009 Shoot Out has nothing to do with 2009.

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Permalink Reply by Lance on January 17, 2009 at 7:29pm

Ah-ha! Excellent point. It's in the nascar.com article, I just missed it.

"As was announced last August, the lineup will consist of the top six teams from each manufacturer, based on the final 2008 car owner points. Eligibility is based on owners competing in this event with the SAME manufacturer as 2008."

Thanks for pointing that out. It is still odd to me that Dodge would approve that instead of allowing Hornish in.

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Permalink Reply by MTwomn on January 17, 2009 at 7:49pm

NASCAR announced Friday a revision to the 2009 Budweiser Shootout format that provides each manufacturer with a "wild card" entry, increasing the size of the field from 24 to 28 cars, highlighting the manufacturers' involvement in NASCAR, and featuring more drivers for fans to support.

It still is based on 2008 data.

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Permalink Reply by EWF on January 17, 2009 at 8:33pm

Considering the shape Chrysler's in, I don't think Dodge really has much to say about it.

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Permalink Reply by FlyHiFlyLo on January 17, 2009 at 9:26pm

Told ya so.....

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Permalink Reply by Keith on January 17, 2009 at 9:58pm

There will be a little something extra in your pay next week. ;)

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Permalink Reply by wingit on January 18, 2009 at 11:07am

This is what I just read at nascar.com?

Robby Gordon is in. Apparently there was more room at the Toyota Inn for the Dodge defector rather than for Scott Speed's then-No. 84/now-No. 82, which actually was a Toyota in 2008.

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Permalink Reply by FlyHiFlyLo on January 18, 2009 at 12:12pm

Read the update at the bottom.

BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE! (Updated on Saturday, Jan. 17)

From my buddy Dave Moody's blog, The Motorsports Soapbox: "Sirius Speedway spoke to NASCAR representative Ramsey Poston [on Friday], and he confirmed that Robby Gordon is approved to run the Budweiser Shootout in a Dodge, before converting to Toyota for the remainder of Speedweek 2009."

OK, so if RG drives a Dodge, then Hornish is out of the Shootout (if GEM enters the No. 10) -- meaning a guy who will drive a Dodge in 2009 is being booted in favor of a driver who will jump to a rival manufacturer the next day for Daytona 500 qualifying.

But what if Earnhardt Ganassi Racing, which fields Chevys, decides to enter Juan Montoya, who theoretically could enter as a Dodge driver given his '08 ride and 26th-place finish in owner points (and thus make GEM's decision moot regarding the No. 10)? Given the diversity angle, wouldn't you think Montoya's presence would be encouraged / welcomed? ... And if Gordon does drive a Dodge in the Shootout, then Scott Speed is in as the Toyota wild card.

Can this get any more convoluted? If anyone figures out the Shootout lineup, here's something you can tackle for giggles. In the meantime, we eagerly await the aforementioned official entry list ...

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Permalink Reply by Keith on January 18, 2009 at 1:10pm

CGR still has a boat load of Dodge motors left over from the engine shop closure... unless they already sold them. Why not put Plablo in the race. NASCAR and BUD have turned it into a joke, why not go all out and make it a gut buster?