How the 2007 NASCAR Xfinity Race at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve Became a Comedy of Errors

For a long time, NASCAR has been known to operate only on ovals. However, there has since been a slow shift to include road courses as well. Back in 2007, the Xfinity Series had a crack at road course racing at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal, Canada, for the NAPA Auto Parts 200. Unfortunately, that race turned out to be pretty controversial in terms of decision-making and driving standards.

This particular race saw several drivers take to the field, and it was a diverse one. First and foremost, there were the regular drivers, Kevin Harvick and Jeff Burton. Also competing were the road course aces Boris Said and Ron Fellows. In totality, there were drivers from eight different countries. The first half of the race went off without a hitch, with the road course experts dominating the pack.

Where did it all go wrong for NASCAR at this race?

Sometime during the second half of the race, Australia’s Marcos Ambrose was leading the pack, with Robby Gordon tailing him. During the closing laps, a sudden caution flag came out, which obviously meant that there should be no overtaking. When the lights went green, Gordon made a move for the lead, but Ambrose punted him out.

Since the wreck was intentional, Robby Gordon tried to get back into the lead. However, NASCAR was supposedly convinced that Gordon overtook during the caution, so they ordered him to drop back down the field. Unfortunately, the American driver had other ideas and ignored the orders. Oddly enough, NASCAR let it go and threw the green flag for Ambrose, with Gordon breathing down his neck.

The zenith was when Robby Gordon elected to punt Ambrose out of the race. Luckily for Gordon, there were no yellow flags, and the race continued. With Gordon’s race compromised due to his shenanigans, Harvick took the lead and won the inaugural race. Owing to his actions, Gordon was fined $50,000 and handed a one race suspension, as well as being put on probation.

READ MORE: Former NASCAR Cup Driver Robby Gordon Talks About His Dakar 2021 Campaign