Lawyers for Jeff Gordon’s wife have subpoenaed records from his competitors and NASCAR for use in their divorce case. Geoff Smith, general manager of Roush Racing, said the team planned to file an order Friday to block Brooke Gordon’s request in Wayne County Circuit Court in Michigan, where the company is headquartered. Roush does not want to make public the individual contracts it has with its drivers and sponsors. Those deals are highly sensitive in NASCAR, where each car owner works out separate agreements with every individual. Sponsor deals also are secret, lest a company should find out if it is paying extra for something another might get for free. NASCAR also has had records subpoenaed by Brooke Gordon’s lawyers, said series spokesman Jim Hunter. Gordon, a four-time Winston Cup champion, drives for Hendrick. Roush fields cars for Winston Cup drivers Mark Martin, Jeff Burton, Matt Kenseth, Kurt Busch and Greg Biffle. Smith said other teams have also been asked to turn over contracts. Brooke Gordon’s lawyer, Jeff Fisher, did not immediately return a call to The Associated Press for comment. Jeff Gordon has unsuccessfully tried to get a Florida judge to require his estranged wife and anyone involved in his divorce to sign a confidentiality agreement. The request was denied and Jeff Gordon had to turn over papers in November that estimated his worth at about $48.8 million and that he earned more than $18 million in 2001. Brooke Gordon filed for divorce in March, citing “marital misconduct.” The racer has countersued, saying he should not have to equally split the couple’s estate because he risked his life to collect it. Jeff Gordon had to reveal his worth in an affidavit filed to comply with a Florida law that requires assets amassed during a marriage to be split evenly. Brooke Gordon has asked for exclusive use of their Highland Beach, Fla., mansion, valued at $10.2 million, as well as alimony, two cars and periodic use of their boats and an airplane. She also wants her husband to continue to pay the salaries of their housekeepers, maintenance workers and chef.( ThatsRacin.com/AP )(1-23-2003)
