Gordon's divorce spills over to track

Mom23boys · 02-15-2003, 03:17 PM

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) -- Jeff Gordon's divorce case spilled over to the race track Monday when attorneys for his wife tried to subpoena several car owners at Daytona International Speedway.

NASCAR officials did not allow process servers into the track.

Most of the top teams have been subpoenaed at their home offices in the past month, and all have refused to open their books to Brooke Gordon and her lawyers.

Because the divorce is being heard in Florida, her lawyers want the car owners to have to fight new subpoenas in a local court.

"We wanted to take advantage of the fact they are in Florida and issue Florida subpoenas," said Terry Young, an Orlando-based attorney representing Brooke Gordon.

"If they choose to contest them, we want them to go before a Florida judge to do so."

Young said a process server was turned away Friday when NASCAR teams reported to the track to prepare for Sunday's Daytona 500, so the papers were sent again Monday with Volusia County sheriff's deputies.

Young did not know if the deputies had gotten into the track, but a NASCAR official said they did not allow the subpoenas in.

Gordon, the four-time Winston Cup champion, was aware of what was happening at the track.

"It's out of my control, but I think it's really disgusting," he said. "It's a real shame that they are trying to drag all these other guys into this, because to me, there are other ways for them to get what they are looking for. This is just harassment."

The Gordons met early in the driver's career in Daytona's Victory Lane, when the former Miss Winston model presented him with a trophy. They were married for seven years; she filed for divorce in March, citing marital misconduct.

Since then, her lawyers asked to examine the contracts other car owners have with their drivers and sponsors to determine what Gordon is worth as a car owner. The four-time Winston Cup champion owns a stake of Hendrick Motorsports.

NASCAR contracts are closely held secrets because teams don't want to reveal what kind of deals they are able to negotiate.

Most of the car owners have been outraged at the request to open their books, even though Jeff Fisher, Brooke Gordon's lead attorney, has promised confidentiality.

"They say they will keep it a secret, but the only way it can be kept a secret is if only two people know and one of them is dead," said car owner Felix Sabates. "This is just plain harassment, and by sending people to the race track, it shows she has no consideration for Jeff Gordon's career and thinks NASCAR is just a toy to play with."

Gordon had to turn over papers in November that estimated his worth at about $48.8 million and that he earned more than $18 million in 2001.

Brooke Gordon has asked for exclusive use of their Highland Beach, Fla., mansion, valued at $10.2 million, as well as alimony, two cars and periodic use of their boats and an airplane. She also wants him to continue to pay the salaries of their housekeepers, maintenance workers and chef.

The racer has countersued, saying he should not have to equally split the couple's estate because he risked his life to collect it.

Florida law requires assets amassed during a marriage to be split evenly.

mustang80 · 02-15-2003, 03:36 PM

This makes my blood boil!

Who the HE*& does she think she is? Just goes to prove she only married Jeff for the money.

Mom23boys · 02-15-2003, 03:38 PM

I agree. She is out for money alone!!

KathiS · 02-16-2003, 04:13 AM

I think Gordon must have done something to tick that little lady off! What is that saying about "He** hath no fury"? Too bad all the other folks are getting dragged into it.

baronmom · 02-16-2003, 11:10 AM

They say that he cheated on her. I can't blame him. She always seemed like an ice princess to me. My guess is that he wanted to have kids, and she didn't. That is just my opinion though. Seems like she is a typical gold digger to me. Just goes to show you what money can do to a person.

Traci C.

midwest mom · 02-16-2003, 01:20 PM

I'm not to into the sport, and what I think she is doing to the other drivers are wrong. But he is no angel in this by any means. He did cheat on her and is still dating the blond bombshell and seven years ago he was not worth hardly the amount of money is today. I always believe there are two sides to the story, but shes putting her nose in where it doesn't belong with the other drivers. Divorce is a huge issue when millions are involved. Ice queen or not, when you are still married you don't cheat, you get divorced first.

baronmom · 02-16-2003, 02:33 PM

I do not condone what he did. I can't stand people that cheat. That is one thing that I never could tolerate, but as you said there is always two sides to a story. But that doesn't mean that she should be able to take him to the cleaners. I just feel that by trying to get info from other teams it shows that it is clearly all about the money.

Mom23boys · 02-16-2003, 02:44 PM

I don't agree with him cheating on her, but he did risk HIS life for the money not hers. She is wrong for bringing every other driver into their divorce.

Honestly, if it were me in her shoes, I would want some money too. Even if I would be wrong. I would just settle for a fair share, and I wouldn't be dragging everyone in to it.

baronmom · 02-16-2003, 03:12 PM

I agree. She is entitled to something, but I don't believe that she should get everything that she wants.

The rain has stopped in Daytona.

Looks like they will get the race underway soon!!!! Can't wait.

Mom23boys · 02-16-2003, 03:15 PM

Me either. I am ready for Dale, Jr. to lead it off.

AND HOPEFULLY WIN IT!

keilley · 02-16-2003, 03:37 PM

I think it's disgusting the way her divorce lawyers are handling it.
Divorce is always so sad.

Keilley