While Marcos Ambrose is planning his flights to and from Michigan, Robbie Gordon announces his return to the NAPA Auto Parts 200 Presented by Dodge
Montréal, August 12, 2011 – The event promoter learned today that fan favourite Robbie Gordon will enter the upcoming NAPA Auto Parts 200 presented by Dodge which will be held August 19-20 at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. The American veteran will be driving the #77 Speed Energy Dodge Charger especially prepared for the Watkins Glen and Montréal events. While Gordon was confirming his third presence in the five years of the event, Australian Marcos Ambrose was committing to the event he swore he would compete in until he won it. In four Montréal starts, the Tasmanian driver has earned two poles and collected three Top-10 finishes, two of them in the Top-5.
“Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is one of my favourite tracks, and I really enjoy going to Montreal. I like the city, and it has some of the best fans around,” said Ambrose who will be driving the Richard Petty Motorsport #9 Ford Mustang. “It’s going to be a tough weekend doing double duty, racing in Montreal Saturday and then flying back to Michigan to race Sunday afternoon.” Ambrose then talked about the times he dominated the races in Montréal since 2007. “I’ve come close to winning several times. I know how to get around the track and I really want to bring home the win this year. I’ve got a great sponsor in Stanley, and I appreciate them giving me the opportunity to race in Montreal.” Ambrose also explained that he would be racing for a worthy cause, as Stanley is donating $100,000 on his behalf to the Canadian Tire Jumpstart program that helps kids achieve their goals in sports programs across Canada.
As for Robbie Gordon, who has had more than his share of troubles with Ambrose in the inaugural 2007 NAPA Auto Parts 200 presented by Dodge, he was glad to be returning to Montréal. “Robby Gordon Motorsports has been to Circuit Gilles Villeneuve twice and we’ve been in a position to win both times. It’s definitely a bittersweet situation for us. I love the racetrack and the people in Montreal. The track reminds me of street circuits. It’s a lot of fun and I’m looking forward to going back,” said Gordon who at 42, is a day older than the great Michael Schumacher.
Unlike the German champion however, the California native has competed in all types of motorsports series. He has entered a combined 441 NASCAR Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series races, 118 IndyCar-type races where he collected two Indy 500 fifth-place finishes and a fourth. He also came very close to winning the Big Event in 1999. An avid off-road enthusiast – he won the 1987 and the 1988 Baja 1000 and finished third in the 2009 Dakar Rally. Robbie came close to winning the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring, two of the great American classics. He was also selected to compete in the former IROC Championship Series in 1996 and 1997.
Tickets for the 2011 Montreal NAPA Auto Parts 200, presented by Dodge are currently on sale. To order the best grandstand tickets available and see Carl Edwards, Marcos Ambrose, Danica Patrick, Reed Sorenson, Elliott Sadler, Robbie Gordon and all the other NASCAR Nationwide stars take on Patrick Carpentier, Ron Fellows Andrew Ranger, Alex Tagliani and Jacques Villeneuve on track on Friday and Saturday, August 19 and 20, fans must call right now 514 397-0007. They can also order online anytime at www.circuitgillesvilleneuve.ca. Fans who will be attending “Discovery Day” on Thursday August 18, can buy tickets for Friday and Saturday at the booth located next to the lavatory at Jean-Drapeau station.
Mandated by Stock-Car Montréal, a wholly-owned subsidiary of International Speedway Corporation (ISC) based in Daytona Beach, Florida, Octane Management is, since 2009, the delegated promoter of the NAPA Auto Parts 200, Presented by Dodge. ISC is the leading promoter of motorsports in North America, hosting over 100 major racing events each year.
