More on the Driver Shuffle at Fontana

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More on the Driver Shuffle at Fontana
©1997 SpeedCenter Internet Publishing, Inc.
This Gordon/Hogan thing is even more
complex than you thought
By Dan Proudfoot — Toronto Sun
Robby Gordon returns to CART racing in Sunday's Marlboro 500 atFontana, Calif., replacing Dario Franchitti, as motorsport's musicalchairs gain speed at season's end.
Climbing into Gordon's seat in the Team Sabco Chevrolet for Sunday'sWinston Cup event at Martinsville, Va., is Steve Park, the BuschGrand National rookie of the year who has signed to drive for DaleEarnhardt in the Winston Cup in 1998. Franchitti, the pole-winner inToronto's Molson Indy, exhausted team owner Carl Hogan's patience inhis attempts to bring the Scot to terms for 1998. "In preparation for1998, and so that we are completely focused on our performance atFontana, we have entered into an agreement with Robby," Hogan said ina statement (he was unable to return a telephone call). "His 1998status will be discussed after this weekend's race."
Franchitti is rumored to have signed to drive for Team Green, whichup to two weeks ago was believed to be Gordon's destiny. Earlier,Franchitti was linked to Roger Penske as he explored his options. ButAmy Riley, Green spokesperson, insisted yesterday that the team isn'tclose to announcing its driver lineup for 1998.
"We're still in a holding pattern because it's not decided yetwhether we'll be fielding one or two cars," said Riley.
Parker Johnstone is contracted to return to Green in 1998, but BarryGreen has said he believes Parker would be more effective in atwo-car team. The announcement of the Gordon/Park/Franchitti shuffleestablishes nothing more than the certainty of Franchitti's departurefrom Hogan. It has been known for months that Gordon, heralded inFebruary by Sabco owner Felix Sabates as the most talented driver hehad seen, was on his way out.
"Robby came to me last week and asked to be excused for the weekendso he could make the best decision regarding his future," Sabatessaid. "He felt climbing behind the wheel of an open-wheeled car thisweekend would help with his ultimate decision. "We've emphasized toRobby that Team Sabco will not stand in his way regarding any of hisfuture plans." Gordon is scheduled to return to Sabco for theremaining Winston Cup events. As for Park, Sabates said he wasrunning him to return a favor to Dale and Teresa Earnhardt for havingplaced Gordon in one of their cars at last October's race atCharlotte.
Source: Canada Online, used by permission


		NOW AVAILABLE! — The Official Directory for CART Racing

		More on the Driver Shuffle at Fontana ©1997 SpeedCenter Internet Publishing, Inc. This Gordon/Hogan thing is even more complex than you thought By Dan Proudfoot — Toronto Sun Robby Gordon returns to CART racing in Sunday's Marlboro 500 atFontana, Calif., replacing Dario Franchitti, as motorsport's musicalchairs gain speed at season's end. Climbing into Gordon's seat in the Team Sabco Chevrolet for Sunday'sWinston Cup event at Martinsville, Va., is Steve Park, the BuschGrand National rookie of the year who has signed to drive for DaleEarnhardt in the Winston Cup in 1998. Franchitti, the pole-winner inToronto's Molson Indy, exhausted team owner Carl Hogan's patience inhis attempts to bring the Scot to terms for 1998. "In preparation for1998, and so that we are completely focused on our performance atFontana, we have entered into an agreement with Robby," Hogan said ina statement (he was unable to return a telephone call). "His 1998status will be discussed after this weekend's race." Franchitti is rumored to have signed to drive for Team Green, whichup to two weeks ago was believed to be Gordon's destiny. Earlier,Franchitti was linked to Roger Penske as he explored his options. ButAmy Riley, Green spokesperson, insisted yesterday that the team isn'tclose to announcing its driver lineup for 1998. "We're still in a holding pattern because it's not decided yetwhether we'll be fielding one or two cars," said Riley. Parker Johnstone is contracted to return to Green in 1998, but BarryGreen has said he believes Parker would be more effective in atwo-car team. The announcement of the Gordon/Park/Franchitti shuffleestablishes nothing more than the certainty of Franchitti's departurefrom Hogan. It has been known for months that Gordon, heralded inFebruary by Sabco owner Felix Sabates as the most talented driver hehad seen, was on his way out. "Robby came to me last week and asked to be excused for the weekendso he could make the best decision regarding his future," Sabatessaid. "He felt climbing behind the wheel of an open-wheeled car thisweekend would help with his ultimate decision. "We've emphasized toRobby that Team Sabco will not stand in his way regarding any of hisfuture plans." Gordon is scheduled to return to Sabco for theremaining Winston Cup events. As for Park, Sabates said he wasrunning him to return a favor to Dale and Teresa Earnhardt for havingplaced Gordon in one of their cars at last October's race atCharlotte. Source: Canada Online, used by permission