Robby Gordon, American race car driver

Robert "Robby" Wesley Gordon, born on January 2, 1969, is a highly distinguished American auto racing driver renowned for his extraordinary versatility and competitive spirit across an unparalleled range of motorsport disciplines. Unlike many drivers who specialize in a single form of racing, Gordon has left an indelible mark on various top-tier series, showcasing his exceptional adaptability, driving skill, and tenacious desire to win, both on asphalt circuits and in the most demanding off-road terrains.

A Multifaceted Racing Career: From Open-Wheel to Stock Cars and Rally Raids

Gordon's extensive career resume is a testament to his remarkable adaptability, spanning nearly every major American racing series and prestigious international events. He has competed at the highest levels of open-wheel racing, including the CART (Championship Auto Racing Teams) series and the IndyCar Series, notably making nine starts in the iconic Indianapolis 500. His best finish in the legendary 500-mile race was fourth place in 1999, demonstrating his capability in single-seater racing.

His foray into stock car racing saw him become a familiar face in NASCAR, where he competed in the premier Cup Series. Gordon secured three career victories in the Cup Series, showcasing his versatility on diverse track types: Infineon Raceway (now Sonoma Raceway) in 2003, New Hampshire International Speedway in 2001, and Watkins Glen International in 2003. These wins underscored his particular prowess on challenging road courses.

Beyond the primary American circuits, Gordon also showcased his talents in prestigious sports car and road racing championships. He raced in the high-performance Trans-Am Series, known for its powerful muscle cars, and the IMSA (International Motor Sports Association) series, competing in demanding endurance sports car events. Furthermore, he participated in the invitational IROC (International Race of Champions) series, where top drivers from various disciplines competed in identically prepared stock cars, further underscoring his diverse skill set and ability to quickly adapt to new machinery.

His adventures extended far beyond conventional circuits to the challenging world of rally raids. Gordon has been a prominent American competitor in the grueling Dakar Rally, an extreme off-road endurance event known for its demanding desert terrain, long stages, and complex navigation challenges. He often piloted custom-built vehicles for the event, including his signature Hummer H3 and Gordini, cementing his reputation as a formidable off-road specialist on the global stage.

Off-Road Prowess: A Return to Roots and Continued Dominance

While his versatility across pavement disciplines is impressive, Robby Gordon's roots and continued passion lie deeply in off-road motorsports. He remains exceptionally active and highly competitive in top-tier off-road racing, a discipline he first mastered in his youth, following in the footsteps of his legendary father, "Baja Bob" Gordon. He consistently competes in premier events organized by SCORE International (Southern California Off-Road Enthusiasts), BITD (Best in the Desert), and NORRA (National Off-Road Racing Association), which represent the pinnacle of desert racing.

Gordon’s off-road achievements are particularly noteworthy, including a remarkable seven overall wins in the legendary Baja 1000, considered one of the most challenging and prestigious off-road races in the world. His numerous victories in the Baja 500 and other significant desert races solidify his status as one of the most successful and enduring figures in modern off-road racing, where he continues to compete against younger generations, often piloting his formidable Trophy Trucks.

Innovator and Entrepreneur: The Stadium Super Trucks

Beyond his active driving career, Robby Gordon has transitioned into a prominent role as a motorsport innovator, team owner, and series promoter. In 2013, he founded and launched the Stadium Super Trucks (SST) series, officially known as the Speed Energy Stadium Super Trucks. This unique and highly engaging series brings high-flying off-road trucks, specifically designed to withstand massive impacts, to purpose-built tracks within sports stadiums and alongside temporary street circuits. These courses incorporate massive jumps, challenging obstacles, and tight turns that create thrilling, close-quarters racing and spectacular aerial displays for fans.

Gordon not only owns and operates the SST series but also actively competes in it, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the sport's development and his enduring competitive drive. He proved his mastery of this exciting new format by winning the inaugural SST championship in 2013, and followed it up with another championship title in 2014, showcasing his unparalleled blend of entrepreneurial vision and on-track performance as an owner-driver.

The Speed Family of Brands: A Self-Sustaining Racing Empire

Further extending his business ventures, Robby Gordon operates the "Speed family of brands," a strategic umbrella for his various enterprises. Central to this is Speed Energy, an energy drink that Gordon launched and has leveraged as a primary sponsor for his diverse racing efforts since 2010. This integrated approach allows him to fund his extensive racing endeavors, including his NASCAR teams, Dakar entries, and the operation of the Stadium Super Trucks series, creating a unique and self-sustaining ecosystem that epitomizes his independent and resourceful spirit in motorsports.

Frequently Asked Questions about Robby Gordon

What is Robby Gordon best known for?

Robby Gordon is best known for his exceptional versatility in motorsports, having competed successfully in a wide array of disciplines including NASCAR, IndyCar, CART, Trans-Am, IMSA, IROC, and the grueling Dakar Rally. He is also renowned for his enduring dominance in top-tier off-road racing, highlighted by multiple Baja 1000 wins, and as the visionary founder and a two-time champion of the Stadium Super Trucks (SST) series.

Has Robby Gordon won the Baja 1000?

Yes, Robby Gordon has achieved remarkable success in off-road racing, including winning the prestigious Baja 1000 overall seven times. This makes him one of the most successful drivers in the history of this legendary off-road endurance race.

When did Robby Gordon found the Stadium Super Trucks (SST) series?

Robby Gordon founded the Stadium Super Trucks (SST) series in 2013. He also demonstrated his on-track prowess by winning the championship in the series' inaugural year (2013) and securing another title in 2014.

What is Speed Energy?

Speed Energy is an energy drink brand that Robby Gordon launched and operates. Since 2010, it has served as a pivotal primary sponsor for his diverse racing ventures, including his NASCAR efforts, Dakar Rally participation, and the operation of the Stadium Super Trucks series, showcasing an innovative and self-sustaining business model within motorsports.