Robbie Gordon of NASCAR Will Not Drive IRL Races Against Danica Patrick, Citing Weight Advantage

National Review Magazine: The Corner ^ | 6/1/05 | KJ Lopez

[gopwinsin04]

Robbie Gordon of NASCAR started the discussion, saying that he wouldn't drive in the Indy Car Racing League series until they do something about Danica Patrick's weight 'advantage.'

'The lighter the car, the faster it goes,' Gordon said. 'Do the math. Put her in the car at her weight, then put me or Tony Stewart in the car at 200 pounds and our cars are at least 100 pounds heavier.'

'I wont race against her until the IRL does something to take that advantage away.'

I glanced at the weight of the weight of the drivers in the Indy Car Series. They are pretty much smallish guys --between 140 and 155 lbs.

He seems to be willing to race against guys who are about 60 pounds less and had no problem with it before.

[Servant of the 9]

I WAS impressed with Danica.....but then I saw the spread she did for the New York Post (I think it was that mag.) where she is dressed like a slut on the cover. I lost complete respect for her and wish she would set a better example for the young girls who watch her.

She is no better than Paris Hilton.

Yes, she is.

She is better looking and can drive fast without running over one of her own dogs.

She didn't dress like a slut, she dressed like any woman who looks good enough and needs publicity to help balance the prejudice against women in her occupation

So9

[Obadiah]

I WAS impressed with Danica.....but then I saw the spread she did for the New York Post (I think it was that mag.) where she is dressed like a slut on the cover. I lost complete respect for her and wish she would set a better example for the young girls who watch her.

She is no better than Paris Hilton.

Exactly right. I really hate the fact that she is/has done all these tool calendar-like photo shoots. Jeepers, does EVERYTHING have to be hyper sexualized. What's the point. Can she not make it as a race car driver alone? Or is this all about marketing to make her into a big commodity? If it is, in my opinion she has chosen to degrade herself along the way to an otherwise respectable pursuit.

[ctlpdad]

Indy Car Racing League is where someone weighing less than 100 lbs, no experience (rookie), and runs other million dollar cars off the track,

You sounded like you were describing the little prick Brian Vickers at last weeks All Star d main (or qualifier, whatever it's called).

[rabidralph]

The Green River Killer must be his hero.

[gopwinsin04]

ok, thanks. So even under NASCAR rules, Danica would have gone to the back if she refueled on the yellow.

[Charles Martel]

How come they don't have free re-fuels during cautions in Indy Car? (with the driver retaining position)

It's been a few years since I saw the Indy 500, but IIRC, IRL does permit refueling during pitstops for repair work. The weight issue might have been at play here - Patrick's team might've been trying to increase her weight advantage by deliberately running the car with as little fuel as possible.

Gordon is taking the wrong approach here and sounds childish - but the weight issue is real. Overall, this is a good thing - IndyCar racing needed a shakeup.

[ctlpdad]

Oh, Harvick, too.

[ctlpdad]

Yep.

[yellowdoghunter]

I really hate the fact that she is/has done all these tool calendar-like photo shoots. Jeepers, does EVERYTHING have to be hyper sexualized. What's the point. Can she not make it as a race car driver alone? Or is this all about marketing to make her into a big commodity? If it is, in my opinion she has chosen to degrade herself along the way to an otherwise respectable pursuit.

Thank you. Excellent analysis.

[ET(end tyranny)]

Indy Car Racing League is where someone weighing less than 100 lbs, no experience (rookie), and runs other million dollar cars off the track, CAN LEAD THE RACE. I'll take NASCAR any day over this.

Do you remember when Roberto Guerrero took out a couple of cars at the start of the race? Danica isn't the first person to cause an accident in Indy cars. And she sure won't be the last. The men have been doing it for a lot years. Even experienced ones. :)

[holdmuhbeer]

You don't know what the hel! you're talking about. The girl is a good driver you just seem to have a bias against hot chicks for some reason

[yellowdoghunter]

I just love how people assume I am a man. I am a 32 year old married woman.

See #56....:)

[holdmuhbeer]

Maybe you'd like her better in a burka you prude.

[sharktrager]

Not to mention, it is offset by an upper body strength disadvantage, which is also a big issue at 225 mph.

[yellowdoghunter]

Maybe you'd like her better in a burka you prude.

I wondered how long it would take. Congratulations, you win the prize. :) No need to name call. Have a great day!

[sharktrager]

She's been racing for 13 years. Being a rookie at Indy doesn't mean she has no experience.

[Miss Behave]

"Dan Wheldon, who won the race, only weighs 157. Why isn't Robby Gordon whining about his weight being an advantage? "

That was my first thought too, ET.

Put down the bottle of whine, Robby. You're calling attention to yourself.

[Samwise]

Poor widdle Robby. Afraid to race the widdle girl.

[gopwinsin04]

Looks like the little girl kicked his rear end on Sunday, placing 25th to her 4th.

[Miss Behave]

"Not to mention, it is offset by an upper body strength disadvantage, which is also a big issue at 225 mph."

Yes, sharktrager. She's pretty amazing...and an Illinios girl to boot.