Gordon cancels France trip after being hospitalized for flu

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NEW YORK (AP) -- A severe case of the flu put four-time NASCAR champion Jeff Gordon in the hospital for an overnight stay and forced him to cancel a trip to France for an all-star race.

Gordon became dehydrated and spent Wednesday night receiving intravenous fluids. He was released from the hospital Thursday but still was ailing, spokesman Jon Edwards said.

Edwards said Robbie Loomis, the crew chief on Gordon's No. 24 Nextel Cup car, flew to New York to fill in for the driver at a breakfast Friday morning.

Gordon hoped to be well enough attend to the NASCAR awards ceremony Friday night.

Four-time champion Gordon had been scheduled to leave following the NASCAR function and travel with Hendrick Motorsports teammate Jimmie Johnson to Paris to represent the United States on Saturday in the Race of Champions Nations Cup, an event matching drivers from all over the world.

Officials were undecided Thursday on a replacement for Gordon.



On a personal note... as much as I don't like Jeff, that's too bad for him.. I say.... send the other Gordon.
 
My poor Jeff :(

I really doubt that Robby will go :) and I wonder if Jimmie will cancel.
 

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I'm with W.O.P. about sending the other Gordon. Sure would like to see him and Jimmie team up.
 
Get well soon Jeff.
Guess that the USA wont win the Nation's Cup this year anyway. :beerbang: :growl:
I wouldn't be surprised if Jimmie Johnson backed out now either.
 
Too bad, I would have liked to see Jeff do the race. I believe that he may have surprised the Europeans.
 
CRASH.net

Jeff Gordon's sudden illness has provided fellow NASCAR driver Casey Mears with a late opportunity to represent the United States in the annual clash of nations at the Race of Champions in Paris.

Gordon, who was due to team up with Hendrick Motorsport co-driver Jimmie Johnson in France, was struck down by the 'flu virus on Wednesday, having completed the first leg of the Nextel Cup series' end-of-season celebrations in New York. He was admitted to hospital suffering from dehydration and spent the night being observed by medical teams. Although he was released the following morning, he was advised not to travel to Paris, leaving US team bosses to search for a late replacement.

That search led to Mears, who has single-seater experience to add to his recent NASCAR outings, and some frantic arrangements to fly the American out to Paris in time for the start of the event on Saturday.

Mears is the son of former Indycar driver Roger Mears and nephew of Rick Mears, and began his career in open-wheel cars before switching to stockers. He owns a second place overall from the 1999 Indy Lights season, and contested five CART races between 2000-2001, posting a best of fourth place - in his series debut at Fontana. He was then drafted in as replacement for the injured Alex Zanardi in 2001, before opting to switch to stock cars full time for 2002.

Despite only finishing 21st in the Busch Series standings in his rookie season, he quickly moved up to the senior series as pilot of Chip Ganassi Racing's #41 Target Dodge.
 
What a bummer! I know how much Jeff was looking forward to this. Wishes to him for a speedy recovery. And congratulations to Casey Mears!
 
Casey Mears may be some what of a surprise choice, but I think it is a good one. That kid can drive just about anything.

This does suck for Jeff as I know how much he enjoys racing in these types of events with Jimmie and other drivers. But, it may be a good thing for him. He was pretty physically and mentally drained after the season ended with him losing by a few points. Getting away from driving all together for a few weeks may be the best thing for him. I just hope he gets well soon.
 
I wish Jimmie and Casey the very best!

I hope Jeff is well enough to be Best Man at Jimmie's Wedding!
 
Jeff looked like death warmed over when he made a brief appearance at the banquet last night. I hope that he gets well soon.
 
muggle not said:
Jeff looked like death warmed over when he made a brief appearance at the banquet last night. I hope that he gets well soon.
Click to expand...

You're right muggle, and I hope so too!
 
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