Charlotte-based Jacobsen is a recently formed company with a rapidly rising profile on the local pro sports scene. Race-car driver Robby Gordon — in need of fast, convenient transportation this weekend — flew from Concord Regional Airport to Indianapolis early Thursday in a jet provided by Jacobsen President Jon Carlson, a friend from their Lake Norman-area neighborhood. And Jacobsen’s products — turf-care equipment used primarily for golf courses and sports fields — maintained the Quail Hollow Club’s layout this month for the PGA Tour’s Wachovia Championship. Gordon can use Jacobsen’s help. For a second straight year, Gordon is driving in both the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on Sunday. Carlson helped out by going to Jacobsen parent company Textron’s two other brands, Cessna Aircraft and Bell Helicopter. The jets will transport Gordon between Concord and Indianapolis; the choppers from the airports to the tracks’ infields. “I don’t know if it would be possible to do both races without the transportation worked out this way,” said Gordon, who flew on Richard Childress Racing aircraft and had to rent helicopters last year. “Being able to bounce back and forth like this makes my job a lot easier.” Gordon, who will start on the outside front row at Indy, flew to Indianapolis for practice Thursday and returned the same day. He’ll go back Saturday night, run the 500 at 11 a.m. Sunday, then be back at Lowe’s Motor Speedway for the 600’s 5:30 p.m. start. Carlson said Jacobsen might get involved with NASCAR in a more formal way in the future. “A lot of our customers and employees really identify with and enjoy the sport,” said Carlson. “It’s something we’re looking at.”( Charlotte Observer )(5-24-2003)
