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| |  | Date: Tue, 3 Nov 1998 01:33:14 GMT
Subject: Media Opinions
Dear Robby:
After reading your article about the media and your latest Q & A's I felt the need to write. I'm specifically referring the the "former" fan that made the comment that racing is less about talent than about relationships. First of all, a real fan believes in their driver through thick and thin, from series to series.
Second of all, it is obvious that he's never driven a race car. I am far from a race driver, however, I have spent the last several years with performance driving schools. I can honestly say that I would have never thought driving a car on a race track could be so mentally and physically exhausting. It gave me a whole new appreciation for the talent you've got as well as the risk you are willing to take for the fans.
As far as the media is concerned, I think there are alot of misconceptions about the relationship between the team and the press. As part of my college career, I was able to spend a day with the Walker team in 1996 at Midohio. The focus of my project was to determine what really happens with a team vs. what the media prints. This experience was a real eye opener for me. We often read articles in various magazines or news paper articles with quotes from the drivers. Up until that Midohio race, I pictured reporters around the drivers getting their quotes to write their own articles. What I saw was Kim Carmine and a representative from Ford getting your quotes when you came in from qualifying. Those quotes were quickly typed and put in the media tent for anyone to take. I listened to what you said and saw those quotes in several articles after the race. Given the circumstances, sometimes a quote taken out of context takes on a whole new meaning. Many of the media people never even left the tent.
With that said, I would like to know if you feel I have an accurate perception of the media and how they treat a team at a race. Also, since Midohio is my home track, as a race driver, what is your opinion of the track for competition? I've been told that it is one of the most difficult tracks to learn on.
I will always be a "Robby" fan.
PS: I now live in Charlotte & I agree with Bob Irvin, Nascar just doesn't do it. Is there any chance Indy will come to CMS or Road Atlanta? | Thanks for your insight into our sport. It is indeed physically and mentallytaxing at times. You got to experience a good part of it, throw in sponsorappearances and personal life demands and your right on the money.
Mid-ohio is a great race track. Unfortunately I haven't won there.... yet.Off camber turns, you can't make a mistake. If you car is hooked up you canget a great lead. Race craft is very important here.
I appreciate you as a fan, taking the time to figure it out. |
| | | Date: Thu, 5 Nov 1998 15:43:14 -0800
From: "Randy Magruder"
Robby,
I've been enjoying your Q&A with readers, but I have to take exception to this comment, comparing your run-ins at Cleveland with the Tracy/Andretti incident at Surfer's: "Did you happened to see Michael run into the back of Paul Tracy at Surfers. Did you see how he hit Tracy, with his front wings to the rear tires of Paul. " You are, of course, aware that Wally Dallenbach reviewed the tapes of that incident and interviewed both drivers and penalized Tracy for blocking and endangerment, because he made more than the "one move" allowed. Tracy got hit because he sent mixed messages to Michael on the track with his driving. I remember the Cleveland race, and understand your frustrations about it, and without assessing any blame for Cleveland, I think that you are really reaching to try to use the incident at Australia to somehow make it look like this is something Michael makes a habit of doing. Several CART drivers have said that Michael is one of the drivers they trust to go wheel to wheel with anytime. I know you have always had an axe to grind with Michael because of your on-track incidents, but I think you should choose your examples more carefully. | You've missed the point. Michael is one of the greatest racing drivers of alltime. He is exceptional. I have never questioned going wheel to wheel withMichael. There is no axe to grind as you put it.
Race rule #1. It is the responsibility of the passing driver to make a cleanpass. Your comment about Tracy giving mixed messages is a bunch of crap.It's Michael's responsibility to get past Paul safely. Period. No if and orbuts. Granted Paully made some mistakes this past year. But that was not oneof them.
By the way, I chose my examples as I see them, from the cockpit, not in frontof a television set. |
| | Date: Fri, 06 Nov 1998 13:26:54 -0600
Subject: Re: just the way you are
Don't feel that you need to change your temperment to gain the approval of the media and some select race fans. I liked it when you bumped into the back end of Michael Andretti. No one else would have had enough guts to do that, and no harm was done.
You're great to watch because you're a good racer and a real person - not just some manufactured persona that represents motor oil or a chain store.
Keep it real.
Lisa | | Right on. I appreciate all your comments. No plans for me to change in thenear future. Happy Holidays. |
| | | Date: Fri, 06 Nov 1998 13:26
From : Philip Smurthwaite
Hi Robby..
I've written in once before but having just got back from Surfers Paradise I had to make a few comments and ask a few questions. I've been a Robby Gordon fan ever since I watched my cart race on TV, and I would probably be your biggest fan (215cm tall infact), while during those years I was supprised, overjoyed, extatic and sometimes even sadend but I was always a big fan and will continue to support you in whatever you do. Speeking of supporters I must thank Peter Burke for maintaining this great page.
I live in Auckland, New Zealand and while it is a beautiful place to live there isnt much international motor racing which is why I went to surfers to watch you race but unfortunately the closest I came (after going everywhere possible) was seeing you drive past on the drivers parade lap.
My question for you is how much has your schedule changed this year compared to when you were with the Walker team, do you ahve more things to do with the development of the toyota engine?
Anyway while I will have to go another year without a piece of signed Robby Gordon merchandise i'll have to get your autograph next year at the cart race in surfers, If you are there of course.....
Good luck and good racing.. Kick ass in Fontana. | | Sorry I missed you down under. I was hoping to be in the top 5 in Australiabut a last minute call to the pits moved me to the back of the pack. Myschedule has been extremely hectic lately planning for 1999. I have beenbusier than I have my entire life. I'll be back to your awesome countryside.I look forward to visiting with you in the most beautiful place in the world.Keep the faith. |
| | Date: Fri, 06 Nov 1998 13:27:03 -0600
Subject: The Man in the Mirror
Robby,
I've enjoyed your columns and respect the decision you've made to publicly take full responsibility for some of your prior outbursts. It takes a strong individual to confront and accept mistakes made in the heat of the moment. It's great to see that your maturity is starting to catch up with your immense natural talent!
Unlike most of your column's readers, I have worked as a crew member in both in CART and SCORE and have experienced the pressures involved in professional racing. I've seen your incredible talent AND COURAGE first hand and attribute much of your success to your personality and confidence. It is very easy for a fan to pass judgement without having any concept of what it takes to fill your shoes!
I may not have agreed with or understood some of your choices, however, I sincerely respect your current direction.
Stand on it!
Tom - Anaheim Hills, CA
PS - See you in the trails behind Santiago Oaks... | You know what, it's great to know that racing fans are very rational. Theycan have an opinion, usually influenced a great deal by the media, but ifconfronted with what they perceive is the truth, they go with it.
This forum Peter has allowed me to participate in, levels the playing field.A chance to tell my side of the story.....without being a crybaby.
We are flat out. Good news is on the horizon. |
| | | Date: Sun, 8 Nov 1998 19:22:16 -0800
From: Joseph E Peak
Subject: Stay in CART!
Dear Robby,
The last time I wrote you, I was in the sixth grade. You responded personally and answered all my questions AND sent me an autograph. I am now a Freshman in highschool and I haven't forgotten you! Ever since you wrote back, you've been my hero. I still have that autograph, it's right Jimmy Vasser's (by the way, tell Jimmy I said hi!).
As you can tell I am a big race fan. I always have been. Being a race fan, I have my opinions about the IRL and CART situation. Some people have written to you saying you should join the IRL. PLEASE DON'T!!!!!! I'd hate to see you blemish your career like that! Sure, I miss Indy too. The thrill of watching it has disappeared ever since the IRL took over completely. I still watch the race, but for the heck of watching the race, not the drivers. It tears almost any CART fan's heart in half to see this happening. Me especially.
The last time you raced at Indy was with NASCAR. I hate seeing Indycar racing take a back seat to Bill France's little club, but I enjoy seeing NASCAR there because it provides a little attention to the track. I want to know what it was like to be back home again. It was thrill to see you there.
I want to shift gears a little (excuse the pun), with Bobby Rahal gone, racing won't be the same. How do you feel about him leaving? I bet it killed him to go without Indy on the schedule. I'd like it if you could give me his E-mail address! I remember watching him when I was five years old.
Anyways, I know this is a bit extensive so I'll wrap it up. You're still my hero, so don't give up and stay with CART.
Your BIGGEST fan,
Joey "pots and pans" Peak
P.S. - Can I have little Al's E-mail too? | Indy is a special place to many people, especially to me. I am not sure myfeelings for that place will ever go away. It's sad what's happening, butmost of that is beyond my personal control. Sometimes you just have to do,what you have to do.
Bobby Rahal was an awesome race car driver. Smart beyond belief. So easy onequipment and rarely a crash. I believe Bobby will be as effective if notmore effective as a continued ambassador for our sport in the team ownerposition. He is a great champion. Sorry at this time, I don't have theiremail address, but maybe Peter can supply that for you.
[note from Peter Burke: Sorry - I have no idea how to contact Al Unser Jr. via the internet] |
| | A closing thought from Robby Gordon
Wow. What a year! Time to reflect and be thankful for all the people whohave helped you out during the year and time to reflect on what's reallyimportant.
My favorite quote of the year was from my co-patriot, Jimmy Vasser when hesaid, "Hey we can't take ourselves too seriously, we race cars for a living!"Couldn't have said it better myself.
I thought a little holiday illustration done by my close friend, Clay Dean,will emphasize our plan for the future.
"We are plowing our way to the front!"
Stay tuned and Happy Holidays.
Robby.
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| | | | "Sometimes you just have to do, what you have to do" | |
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