At least Robby was considered for Watkins Glen

“James (Finch) came into the shop and we were throwing a few names around. Robby Gordon was a candidate and then Owen’s name was put up,” said Harrison

“To be honest Dale (Earnhardt) Jr, Marcos (Ambrose), AJ (Allmendinger) , anyone we spoke to was very supportive of Owen and what he could bring to our team.

“We are pumped to have him as part of our operation. Anyone who looks at his career and has watched him in his Nationwide qualifying and races knows he has got talent.

“We will be running the same car which Kurt Busch finished third in at Sonoma last year. We head up to Watkins Glen believing we can be very, very competitive.

“We had Jacques Villeneuve in our car at Sonoma this year and had Robby Gordon as an option, as I said, but we believe Owen is the best option for us.

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Mark Reeves on July 20, 2013 at 5:15pm

Kelly will be interesting, but sure would love to have seen RG!!

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Permalink Reply by BAD on July 21, 2013 at 12:04pm

Would have been interesting - but would the team have been a good enough opportunity for RG to win? Would he accept the offer if given it?

Remember, his energy and focus is on SST and maybe that would have been a venue and opportunity for him to advertise and spread the SST "gospel".

Or, maybe he needs to spread that in a Camping Truck Series ride? Same paint scheme and sponsors as his SST?

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Permalink Reply by Mike Kenyon on July 21, 2013 at 12:49pm

why the Camping World Truck series? who pays attention to that series -quickly who's the points leader?
Justin Lofton isn't spending his money there,why should Robby.
There's a stand alone race today for NationWide.Look to see if the grandstands are full or pretty open.

The 51 has Hendrick's equipment, Kurt Busch finished second at Sears last year,so,yes it's good enough to have a good ride.Owen Kelly should be fun to watch.

Robby also has DAKAR to think about.Equipment needs to be shipped in 120 days.

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Permalink Reply by Mike Kenyon on July 21, 2013 at 3:58pm

and built.

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Permalink Reply by Mike Kenyon on July 21, 2013 at 4:03pm

@Bad, looks like almost any seat is available in Chi-town.No one is there. I'll guess there where more people in San Diego for the SST race.

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Permalink Reply by BAD on July 21, 2013 at 6:45pm

Good point. I wonder how the Dakar plans are going. I heard from an inside source while we were in Toronto the next car may be based on the SST chassis and set up. Wonder how well it would be based on the size and rules category their aiming for? 4wd or 2wd... wait a minute... probably another discussion where all this is answered.

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Permalink Reply by Buzzzz on July 22, 2013 at 9:52am

RG would have been the best bet if you want a chance to win......if you just want someone to gain seat time, then, yes, Owen will be good!

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Permalink Reply by Eric Howard on July 22, 2013 at 11:39am

I'm sure Owen wrote a big check.

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Permalink Reply by Mike Kenyon on July 22, 2013 at 1:29pm

my standard one beer bet,Kelly didn't write a check to drive the 51 at the Glen.

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Permalink Reply by Bigzoom on July 22, 2013 at 1:44pm

Robby Gordon was an option...sounds like RG would have but the money was less with Owens. Who knows the logistics...RG might have wanted Speed Energy or SST on the car or whatever...Finch is a hand shake kind of guy and Owens was probably just happy for the opportunity. Would have been great to see...I know RG fans would love it.