2019 Robby Gordon Headquarters
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.
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.
Views: 124
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Nena Patrick on
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Speed did do a special a few years ago on the Baja called Chasing Baja. It followed Ray Evernham and Eric Crocker.
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Permalink Reply by racerx5091 on
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I can't believe it! This guy just can't get a break. He's going to go broke trying to clear his name of all these penalties.
Next thing you know, Nascar will be penalizing Robby for his Ambassador Award for his continued support of DWI Courts.
But at least he doesn't take any crap. Fight the good fight, Robby!
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Permalink Reply by TOG on
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awesome in-car camera footage of the first 5 minutes located on the main page.
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Permalink Reply by alan4s on
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As I understand it....
The rulebook defines and regulates where and how teams can set up thier pits - distance from the course, relationship to turns, etc. Robby claims his teams pit location (equipment, trucks, spares, etc.) conforms with the rules. The rulebook does NOT say that refueling can only be done in a legal pit. The rulebook does NOT say that refueling on the course is illegal.
In fact, it's quite common in SCORE races for repairs and refueling to happen on the course. It happens often when a car breaks down or runs out of gas - there's no expectation that the car be pushed or towed to a legal pit to be serviced. It's also quite common for routine refueling and driver changes to be done either directly on the course, or within mere feet of the course - there are tons of pics and videos on-line to prove this.
Robby is saying that his refueling was legal, and that the pit location where the team members who refueled him ran from was also legal. While it's debatable as to whether this move was either intentional, or whether it gave Robby any advantage, it seems pretty clear that there is NO written rule that prohibits what took place. If SCORE does not want this to occur, they need to be explicit in the rules, and they need to enforce it equally for all competitors.
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I'm afraid you're right. Probably the only thing that will settle it down is the next race.
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Permalink Reply by Kevin Meyer on
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Too bad that's not until September...
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