ESPN: Robby Gordon faces 8-race season

Uh-oh. From ESPN.com

AVONDALE, Ariz. -- Robby Gordon, who has run a full Sprint Cup schedule as a driver/owner since 2006, says he has enough sponsorship for only eight races in 2010.

"I'm looking at a lot of weekends off,'' a frustrated Gordon told ESPN.com on Friday at Phoenix International Raceway.

Gordon said he has two four-race commitments from sponsors for next season. One of his major sponsors, Jim Beam, announced earlier in the year that it would not return to the sport.

"Nobody is spending money,'' Gordon said. "Everybody is cutting the fat out of everything. To be in racing you have to be a pretty big company.''

Gordon said many of the larger teams are making deals for well less than the market value because they can afford to, but that runs teams like his out of business.

"It's sponsorship suicide,'' said Gordon, who is 34th in points.

Gordon said NASCAR needs to create a unified marketing plan so every team is on a level playing field. He said there are so many different plans now that sponsors are confused.

He expects to see more start-and-park teams next season than ever, adding he doesn't plan to be one.

"I don't know what we're going to do,'' Gordon said. "We're going to continue to work hard to sell races through March of next year. After that I'm looking at a lot of weekends off.''

David Newton covers NASCAR for ESPN.com. He can be reached at dnewtonespn@aol.com.

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Joan Forsythe on November 13, 2009 at 5:05pm

Robby has to market himself, not just the car/team. He could be The " Kimora" of racing, if he would promote himself as his own industry. Between her Baby Phat and clothing line, etc. plus the TV show Kimora made 22 million, with that kind of money Robby could field his team without people like Beam. Joan

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by 7gason7 on November 13, 2009 at 6:00pm

Youre sayin Robby has baby fat the man is 40???

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by jpman53 on November 13, 2009 at 5:12pm

no bueno.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Jayme on November 13, 2009 at 5:19pm

Oh my god. I feel sick.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Alex on November 13, 2009 at 5:19pm

I have a hard time believing this writer, i know Robby has a lot on his plate but theres no way that he only has 8 races which i assume are from Mapei and Polaris. Menards? They have to be on for about the same slate as this year plus Freightliner, Camping World have to have a few races, plus Robby supposedly has new sponsors hes talking to. This writer isnt one of ESPN's finest.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by RG4ME on November 13, 2009 at 5:24pm

I just watched Nascar Now on ESPN and they reported that Robby gave them this information himself in an interview today.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Alex on November 13, 2009 at 5:28pm

Ouch.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by TOG on November 13, 2009 at 5:39pm

also, the radio interview from the other day , re-listen to it, when asked about 2010 plans, RG didnt elaborate other than the car make.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by TOG on November 13, 2009 at 5:30pm

This is just the harsh reality that has been facing RG . The marketing department is working hard to getting deals done, and as always, there are potential deals being worked on, so have faith folks.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by RG4ME on November 13, 2009 at 5:36pm

Nascar has to bear a lot of the responsibility for the smaller teams having trouble getting sponsors. Companies want value for their money and unless you're one of their favorites or a contender for the Chase, your car is almost never shown on the track. It should be mandatory that every driver's name, number and car is mentioned or shown at least twice during a race no matter what position they're running in. You can't tell me that there's not enough time during these races.