Robbie Gordon in a RCR car? UPDATE 4 Skinner/Lowes to Stay?: PRN’s Garage Pass interviewed Cup, BGN, IRL team owner Richard Childress who says he may give Robbie Gordon a shot in one of his cars in the future, possibly a BGN car(The #21 at Watkins Glen?). Plus the #30-AOL team still needs a full time driver in 2002(5-16-2001) UPDATE – Robby Gordon at the Brickyard 400? After struggling in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series, Robby Gordon was fired by Morgan-McClure Motorsports last month. But he came to Indianapolis and qualified an A.J. Foyt entry for a front-row start in the May 27 race(follow Gordon during the race at www.robbygordon.com). Gordon says, “I’m going to try to put a program together for the Brickyard 400,” he said of the Winston Cup race at Indianapolis in August. “That’s a race I really would like to compete in this year. I feel with the right situation, we can be just as competitive at that race in qualifying as we were for this (Indy 500) race.”(ESPN/AP)(5-17-2001) UPDATE 2: Rumors are abound on Gordon’s future, a future that he just coyly smiles at when asked what the short-term holds in store for him. He knows where he’s going; he just can’t say too much about it … at least not yet. One rumor has Gordon heading back to NASCAR to drive for legendary owner Richard Childress. One scenario has Gordon competing in a Childress-owned Busch Series car for the remainder of this season before returning to Winston Cup in 2002. Another scenario has Gordon primed and ready to replace the struggling Mike Skinner in the #31 Lowe’s Home Improvement Chevrolet if Skinner’s mediocre season does not improve dramatically in the coming races. A third scenario has Gordon starting his own Cup team in partnership with Childress, with the likely debut being this year’s Brickyard 400.(ESPN) UPDATE 3: Richard Childress very likely will have three teams next year, with solid sponsorships for #29 (Goodwrench with Kevin Harvick), the new #30 (America Online, possibly with Jeff Green), and with Lowe’s recommitted to #31. The future of Mike Skinner in #31 is not clear, and it’s hard to get a clear view from any of the principals. If Skinner does not return (rumors put him in Childress’s #21 Busch car next year), who is available? Childress apparently has talked with several drivers. Jeff Burton’s name came up a couple months ago, but Burton firmly denied he has any interest in leaving Jack Roush’s #99. Others available could be Joe Nemechek and John Andretti, although, again, all this is just rumor(SpeedVision)(5-27-2001) UPDATE 4: There are reports that Jeff Green, who has a seven-race Winston Cup deal with Childress this season, may take Mike Skinner’s ride before the year is out, but David Smith, the general manager of Skinner’s team, insists that Skinner will be in the car the rest of the season. However, there are now some questions about sponsor Lowe’s. Last fall, the company fall said it was considering moving to a different team, provoking a sharp debate with Childress over contracts. The Lowe’s questions come just as Home Depot’s Tony Stewart is making big headlines. Meanwhile, there are reports that Greg Biffle is now on Childress’ list as a possible third Cup driver next season. Biffle drives this season on the Busch tour for Jack Roush. A large number of drivers have been mentioned on Childress’ list, including Jeff Burton, Ward Burton, Joe Nemechek and Jeremy Mayfield, and even Tony Stewart.(Winston Salem Journal), some Jayski Notes on the drivers listed: Jeff Burton and Roush have denied any contact or interest, Ward Burton is signed with Bill Davis thru 2002 as is Mayfield with Penske and Tony Stewart is signed with Joe Gibbs thru 2004 and reports a few weeks ago about him leaving the #20 Team were squashed AND: Richard Childress is continuing his search for a driver of what is now the AOL-sponsored car in 2002. Roush Racing drivers endured speculation earlier this season about being prime candidates for the job, but both Matt Kenseth and Jeff Burton denied plans to move. Jeff Green is in the car for a few races this season but has not signed for next year. Currently, Green is headlining reports right now. An interesting combination would come if Childress selected Greg Biffle. A Kevin Harvick/Biffle team could be tough to beat. The pair added a much-needed shot of excitement to the Grand National series this season, fighting for wins and championship points on a weekly basis. As teammates, they could assist one another’s run for titles. Biffle could join Harvick in the Winston Cup series this season. Although he is concentrating on the Grand National series, the rookie may enter a few Cup events for the Roush team(Richmond Times Dispatch)(5-28-2001)
