Official Speed Energy Racing Statement from Robby Gordon

Fellow Racers, Fans and Supporters,

What happened during the Parker 425 this weekend is unfortunate and a huge disappointment for everyone involved with our Team, including Sponsors, Employees and Fans. Our racing program is not just a fun hobby - it is a business. I want everyone to understand that it's business and nothing personal against Casey Folks or anyone involved with BITD. We enjoy racing the series and feel Casey does a good job, and we're going to learn how difficult a job it is for Casey and other promoters in the very near future with Stadium SUPER Trucks.

We have a serious issue in regards to what Casey has said we did and what the rules allow. First and foremost, we want to hear the alleged recording of the radio communication with the helicopter. The rules specifically say "No aircraft permitted for the purpose of race support." We used our aircraft to film within the bounds of the Section 8 rules, which I have listed below.

Here is what the rulebook says in section SEC8:

The rule book does not say what this BITD official posted:

In addition, we use a helicopter for the following reasons: SAFETY! SAFETY! SAFETY!

For most of the races, at some point we are the lead vehicle and I want them to protect innocent people, spectators, snow birds, motorcycle riders, atv's and quads playing in the desert that may not know there is a race going on, especially in Mexico, etc. Trophy trucks (Trick trucks, Class 1400) are the most sophisticated race vehicles in American Motorsports today. The rules are wide open with the class being Unlimited and it is inevitable that someday we're going to crash again and as fast as my trophy truck goes, it could cause serious damage and life threatening injuries. If the helicopter is there to service my team or other teams for medical attention it is making the sport safer.

Our helicopter has landed on multiple occasions to make sure that other competitors are okay when in distress. Last year for example, at Vegas to Reno with the Mastercraft trophy truck and this race our helicopter landed to assist a rolled over vehicle that was stuck in a ditch. Our helicopter did that not to help us win a race and not because we are somehow required to do so, but just because someone needed help immediately and our helicopter was there. I know the people in off-road racing, and I know that they would return the favor if we needed it. That is the way we operate.

Last but not least, we use the helicopter for video production.

Facts: Until we hear the recording that BITD alleges exists, according to our understanding of the rule book, we didn't do anything wrong. We will have to stand up for ourselves on this matter as I take great pride in this issue. This is our business and we support ourselves by winning.

We won this race.......and it's really a bummer that we have to defend the results.

Thanks for the continued support, see you at the next race.
-Robby Gordon

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Jarodd Scott Daniels on February 5, 2013 at 12:42pm

Every occupation or sporting event in this country is governed by this rule. SAFETY FIRST! Any person willing to break this rule whether at work or an event is most commonly fined, sidelined, fired, replaced or even imprisoned. Safety is generates enormous business in this country. The thought of a penalty being imposed on any individual for following this #1 rule is disturbing. We all are annoyed at the tape, barricades etc. at these events but they are their for everyones safety. The drivers/codrivers do not have this luxury out on the race track. Alerting a race vehicle to a potentially deadly situation should be mandatory with penalties being assesed for not doing so. It can be considered criminal neglegence in an occupation, why is this not considered mandatory protocol at this event? Fans alert other drivers of potential safety hazards at every race I have ever been to. The purpose of this is not to give someone an advantage. If anything it slows them down! The purpose is to possibly SAVE A LIFE!

Permalink Reply by timothy price on February 5, 2013 at 1:07pm

As a pit captain one of my pet peeves is a racer busting through my checkpoint at speed and not stopping. The main reason is we stop them to warn them if there are any vehicles stopped on course blocking or partially blocking it. RACER SAFETY IS FIRST anything that helps keeps racers safe im all for totally. Anything that helps I’m ok with and it seems Casey and BITD is totally wrong!!!!!

Permalink Reply by Jarodd Scott Daniels on February 5, 2013 at 1:03pm

I remember Robby being asessed a penalty at Parker when I wasa kid because the fans helped him push the buggy the last 50 fet across the finish line because he was out of gas and exhuasted after pushing it so far. The finish line had a hill that 2 guys couldnt have pushed a buggy up anyhow. Even though he had the overall much longer than a pitstop would have taken to get fuel. Parker bites Robby in the ass every time he kicks ass here.

Permalink Reply by steve wilson on February 5, 2013 at 2:24pm

Robby and Fans,

Thanks for posting. I truly hope that the officials either prove their case or admit they are wrong.

I also hope every fan who enjoys following RG, who enjoys following racing, goes out and buys some SPEED ENERGY! I then hope they tell everyone they know to support SST in anyway they can, buy tickets, attend the races, watch the races and tell, tell, tell others about the races.

And if you cant buy SPEED ENERGY in your area, go on the website and buy some merchandise! Do your best to help them succeed!

GAS ON! American Rebel! Best to all!

Permalink Reply by Slanted66 on February 5, 2013 at 3:55pm

Has BITD released the alleged communication? Or at least defined what they are accusing them of?

Permalink Reply by mj on February 5, 2013 at 4:23pm
All they said is communication w the helicopter .
Permalink Reply by Hummer Time on February 6, 2013 at 4:20am
Great job Robby! Behind you 100%
Permalink Reply by randy engen on February 6, 2013 at 8:42am

Robby has now posted video over on race-dezert.com....

video shows some serious flaws with with qualifying results at 2011 race with BITD....

Permalink Reply by Dave Horwath on February 6, 2013 at 9:19am

Where can I see this? I've been to the site, but can't find it!!

Permalink Reply by randy engen on February 6, 2013 at 9:26am

click on, Desert Racing.....

scroll down to the," Let's keep them honest"

by R Gordon

Permalink Reply by Tooltime on February 6, 2013 at 12:30pm

Just arrived on scene and havent had the opportunity to review RGM transcripts sent to RDZ. Somehing has come to my attention.If this has not been thought of, I might have a partial first step which with more input from system I.T. engineers or such.If all the TT and class 1 cars ect. all use navigation,here is an idea taken from the DAKAR rally.In the rally,should you want to pass,the navigator uses whats called a sentinel telling the team in front there is a car wanting to pass, so get your chit over.
Lets say we take this one step further.So, if you are parked on the side of or in the middle of the road,or are on your roof down in a revene,why not have something in the nav system that could alert oncoming cars,of eminent danger ahead?This signaling device would allow the navigator a chance to inform the driver.Also with safety in mind, it would also inform the race officials of the issue in case your radio was knocked out in the process.This would allow the race officials to fly in and review the situation. Just an intial thought, thinking from the hip.Knowing my luck, this device is already out there. Just my .02

Permalink Reply by timothy price on February 6, 2013 at 1:32pm

Tool in VORRA every driver has "stuck sheets" so if the crash or are stuck they just fill out info and they can hand it to next several cars to turn in at next checkpoint/pit or crew so they can get help

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