Official Statement From Robby Gordon , Baja 500 Penalty

Robby Gordon’s Response to SCORE’s Alleged Accusations

Charlotte, NC (June 12, 2009) – We are deeply disappointed with SCORE’s decision and reject their claims in the strongest possible terms. We plan an immediate appeal of this unjust decision.
First, SCORE assessed a speeding penalty because it claimed that there was no IRC data between kilometer 77 and kilometer 78. The IRC device on our vehicle worked properly during all other sections of the race course, and Steve Myers from IRC has no explanation why no IRC data exists from that section alone. Our race team has footage of the entire race, and the video below proves that we were not speeding during the section in question (see the link below). Further, the No. 77 Trophy Truck has a speed control device connected to the engine management system that does not allow it to exceed 60 MPH. Please view the link to the video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0HG8Wwk9PQ. This video shows that it took the No. 77 TT longer than 72 seconds to travel the 1.2 miles of highway between km 77 and 78, which is less than a 60MPH average allowed by the rule. Please note that you can hear the pit speed control set at 59MPH.
The pit violations claims are equally invalid. Our team’s stationary pit was in compliance with SCORE International’s 2006-2010 Off-Road Racing Rules & Regulations Book (“SCORE Rule Book”). Rule GPT8 states: “All pits must be at least fifty feet (50’) off the edge of the race course. No pit may be in the first fifty feet (50’) leading into and the first one hundred feet (100’) leading out of any turn.” The location of our stationary pit near mile marker 290 (which included our chase vehicle, pit equipment, and pit personnel) was at least fifty feet (50’) off the edge of the race course and not located in the first one hundred feet (100’) leading out of any turn, in conformity with this rule. As to the other pit-related violations claim, Rule GPT9 states, “All pit services must be done while the race vehicle is at a complete stop. Vehicle may not be serviced while in motion, either under its own power, while being towed, and/or on a trailer. Pit services are to include fueling, tire changes, and/or any other services performed on the race vehicle.” Our vehicle was at a complete stop when fuel was provided to the race vehicle on Highway 1 near San Vincente, again in conformity with this rule.

Furthermore, it should be noted that no rule exists in the SCORE Rule Book that limits pit services to stationary pit locations. Pit services are routinely made outside stationary pits along the race course by drivers and crew members, including, but not limited to, fueling, tire changes, and repair services on the race vehicle. The bottom line is this: our team did not violate any rule in the SCORE Rule Book; therefore, we should not be penalized at all by SCORE for either of these alleged pit violations.

Also, under Rule GP3(9)all competitors who have a course deviation penalty are automatically disqualified. Disqualification is the minimum penalty allowed for a course deviation pursuant to GP3. These results will have to be modified as well.
My win at Baja was made possible by the hard work of my team and the support of my fans and sponsors. I want to assure all of these people that I will do whatever it takes to rebut these charges, clear my name and have my first place finish restored.

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Yeah!!!! What he said!!!
Sounds like RGM had their lawyers word this one and not their PR [thats Public Relations] people. This is the way to kick butt and take names!
good for him. End of the day, it's Robby who has everything to lose and the fanbase might lose the enjoyment of watching him race if his $$ is affected.
I wish my daughter could take the people who wrote this response with her to her EDD appeal hearing.

BTW the hearing is in Orange county...
Really? Do you know which courthouse? Let's go protest out front...FREE ROBBY! haha
what? you think PR folks don't know how to write a strong press release? Most times, lawyers tell PR folks what NOT to say.
Very well-articulated...it sounds like he definitely has done all the requisite homework and research to build a strong appeal.

That last bit regarding drivers who have a "course deviation penalty are automatically disqualified"; that's in reference to the 6(?) others who were penalized for deviating from the course but who were placed higher than Robby in the final result?
Robby spends a lot of money to race baja. He didn't win enough money for taking 1 st place in the baja 500 to pay for the parts on the truck. he has said several times before he races nascar to pay for baja and he runs baja because thats what he loves doing best. Score has more to lose with Robby not racing their event than he does not racing. So Score needs to get their crap together before they lose the ONLY superstar they have!!
Amen Nena, all Robby would have to do is pull out of SCORE for a year and then whenever they realize how big of an impact he has maybe then he'll get the respect he deserves.
Excellent point. I mean, sure Riviera, Herbst, BJ Baldwin, et al are "players in the game", so to speak, but if we're being strictly honest I believe Robby is accountable for over half the media attention SCORE gets and definitely ALL of it from alternative (read: NOT off-road specific) media sources.
NO Kidding. The only reason the Baja 500/ 1000 even gets mentioned during a NASCAR race is because of Robby. That goes out to millions of people. Robby brings that series more publicity than any of the other drivers. SPEED, TNT, FOX, Espn no one of them would give a hoot about baja if Robby didn't race. They would even report on it and it they did it would probably just be a ticker on the bottom of the screen near the end of the show. Here is SCORE'S email and phone number. Bet they won't anwser any emails.
info@scoreinternational.com
818-225-8402
With you all the way Robby.

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