Ambrose lands shot at Cup race

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Marcos Ambrose was cheated out of a chance to win his first NASCAR race by Robby Gordon. His disappointment was lifted, though, when he was given an opportunity to race the first Nextel Cup event of his career.

His benefactor? None other than Gordon himself.

Feeling guilty because he intentionally wrecked Ambrose in the closing laps of the Busch Series race in Montreal, Gordon offered Ambrose a car to race this weekend on the road course at Watkins Glen, N.Y. He got the idea from a fan, who suggested it would be a peace offering to the Australian driver.

“We were all bitterly disappointed after last week, and I’m sure if Robby could have wound the clock back, he would have done things differently,” Ambrose said Wednesday as he and Gordon detailed their partnership.

Ambrose and Gordon were racing for the lead with four laps to go in Saturday’s race when a multicar accident brought out a caution. Both drivers said they weren’t sure who was ahead when the yellow flag was displayed.

All they are certain of is that at some point, Gordon passed Ambrose for the lead. Seconds later, Ambrose spun Gordon as he reclaimed the lead.

By the time Gordon righted his car and pulled back into traffic, NASCAR scored him in 13th place. Gordon argued he should have been no lower than second, and refused the directive to take the 13th spot.

He was disqualified when the race resumed with two laps to go, and he immediately spun Ambrose to move into the lead. He was ordered off the track, but ignored the directive. Gordon technically crossed the finish line in first place, and celebrated as if he had won the race.

Ambrose, meanwhile, went from what looked like a certain victory to finishing seventh.

Coincidentally, the two had made prior plans to hang out in the Charlotte area on Wednesday to get to know each other. After the on-track incident, neither was sure the date was still a go.

So Gordon called him on Monday night – Ambrose said he only answered because he didn’t recognize the number – and the voice on the other end said, “Does this mean we’re not getting together Wednesday?”

The two talked about the incident, and about three hours later, Gordon called back with the offer to let Ambrose drive one of his cars.