NASCAR Cup Series

Robby Gordon returns to Dodge

Published Feb. 10, 2011 2:45 p.m. ET

foxsports

Robby Gordon will return to NASCAR Sprint Cup competition in a Dodge this season.

Gordon said the direction Dodge was moving in “with two young guys (CEO of Dodge Ralph Gilles and Head of Dodge Motorsports Bryan Viger) running the program,” made it an attractive proposition, particularly for an owner/driver.

“They have good ideas. Their cars are stylish. It was the first time, even though I was with Dodge before that I had factory help," Gordon said.

“Toyota didn’t have any help to offer. I’m impressed with (Dodge) cars. And anyone who hasn‘t been to Dodge, it‘s a beautiful facility.”

Gordon, 42, will have Penske engines this season. He acknowledges that the most success he’s had since the inception of the new car was with Dodge power under the hood. He was last behind the wheel of a Dodge in 2008.

“Eighty-five percent of your lap is full throttle,” Gordon said. “You have to be able handle down the straightaways.”

Gordon has operated his own team in NASCAR since 2006. He has driven cars from all manufacturers throughout that period.

Gordon last visited Victory Lane in the Cup series in 2003, when he swept both road-course races while driving for Richard Childress. In 2010, he spent time between off-road trucks and stock cars and finished 34th in the NASCAR points standings.