Robby Gordon plans to enter both the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 if his appeal against a fine and a points penalty during the
Daytona Speedweek is dismissed.
Gordon was fined $100,000 and docked 100 points after being found to have an illegal nose fitted to his Robby Gordon Motorsports Dodge on the opening day of inspections.
He has since appealed the decision, but even if that proves unsuccessful and he is unable to make Chase contention in May, Gordon claims he will attempt to compete in both the Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600 at Lowe's Motor Speedway – on the same day.
Although attempted before – including by Gordon in 2002, 2003 and 2004 – logistics have prevented many from achieving their aim. Nonetheless, Gordon claims it is something he would like to do if he cannot reach the Chase.
"If the fine sticks, I will go to the Indianapolis 500," Gordon told
ESPN.com. "The only way I wouldn't is if we're in a position to make the Chase in May."
Despite the plans, Gordon is nonetheless confident that his appeal will be successful, particularly as the illegal part was never raced in the first place and was not fitted by the team itself.
"You never know with [appeals], but I've learned a lot through this process," Gordon said. "And the more I learn, the more I feel like we have in our favour."
"If you modify certified parts [to gain] a competitive advantage, you're asking for it," Gordon said. "This was a clerical error. We feel like we have a good opportunity to win this appeal, but it has been distracting."
