WELCOME, N.C. - Robby Gordon has been placed on probation by Richard Childress Racing for the remainder of the NASCAR Nextel Cup season after admitting he intentionally caused an accident Sunday at New Hampshire that involved championship contenders Tony Stewart and Jeremy Mayfield.
Childress made the announcement Wednesday, apologizing to fans, media, the teams involved and Cingular Wireless, the sponsor of Gordon's No. 31 Chevrolet.
"If there is one positive," Childress said, "I think this can make Robby understand that there is more to racing than just being aggressive."
Gordon was angered 17 laps into the Sylvania 300 when Greg Biffle caused him to spin. He radioed to his crew that he would retaliate and later wrecked Biffle.
The cars of Stewart and Mayfield were severely damaged, with Mayfield finishing 35th and Stewart 39th. Neither is likely to overcome his resulting point deficit in the final nine races.
NASCAR immediately hit Gordon with a two-lap penalty, but nothing more.
Gordon made a public apology Tuesday and also apologized for an obscene gesture after the race as reporters tried to interview him.
There has been considerable speculation that Gordon's job was in jeopardy before Sunday's crash. He finished 32nd and is 22nd in the standings.
BUSCH SERIES: Childress also announced that Ron Hornaday will not be re-signed for 2005. He has two wins and 28 top 10s in 60 Busch starts for RCR. He is sixth in points.
