Stock-Car Montreal event news 2010-08-19

The return of the driver who highlighted the first running of the NAPA 200
Robby Gordon returns to the NAPA Auto Parts 200 Presented by Dodge: A race he was sure he had won in 2007

Montréal, August 19, 2010 - Robby Gordon, one of the most popular drivers on the NASCAR circuit, announced this week that he will be participating in the August 28-29 NAPA Auto Parts 200 presented by Dodge at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. The 42-year old Californian will be driving the number 07 Toyota Camry in his first NASCAR Nationwide Series start of the season. Gordon's return will also mark his first appearance in Montreal since the 2007 NAPA Auto Parts 200, a race he almost won. Gordon had already started to celebrate his victory, but NASCAR officials deemed his on-track antics with Marcos Ambrose unsportsmanlike during one of the last restarts, and the penalty pushed him all the way to 18th place.

"We are pleased to welcome Robby back to Montréal. He is one of the most popular drivers in North America, and has numerous supporters in Canada," said Francois Dumontier, President of Octane Management, and delegated promoter of the NAPA Auto Parts 200 presented by Dodge. "In 2007, he came close to winning our inaugural event and fans still remember the eventful end of the race, in which he was one of the main actors. We wish him better luck this time, and if he is battling for the win, we hope that he does not become involved in any controversy during a late race restart."

The versatile Gordon, who has entered more than 400 NASCAR Series races, made over 100 CART/IndyCar starts and competed in several off-road raids, including the endurance Dakar Rally Raid, has been quite successful on road courses. He has qualified fourth, once, third, three times and twice in the number two starting position at Watkins Glen. In Sonoma, California, he once placed fifth on the grid, and twice on the outside of the front row. In Mexico, he qualified once in second place. His race results at Watkins Glen include a fifth-place finish, three fourth places, a third, two runner-ups and a win as well as a victory at Sonoma and a pair of second-place finishes.

"We are excited to be headed back to Montreal to race at a track where we virtually beat everyone in the inaugural event in 2007. I enjoy the town and the fans! We are looking forward to next weekend's race," Gordon said about his return to Montréal.

Tickets for the 2010 Montreal NAPA Auto Parts 200, Presented by Dodge are currently on sale. To order grandstands tickets and see Robby Gordon, Paul Menard, Marcos Ambrose, Carl Edwards, Brad Keselowski, the current series points leader, Justin Allgaier, Jacques Villeneuve, Patrick Carpentier, Ron Fellows and Andrew Ranger as well as several other NASCAR stars on Circuit Gilles Villeneuve on Saturday and Sunday August 28-29, fans must call 514 397-0007 or order online anytime at www.circuitgillesvilleneuve.ca/

-source: scm