Gordon gives Ambrose Cup chance

Ambrose accepted the 'peace-offering' drive after Gordon, a fellow Ford driver, wrecked the Australian out of the lead in Montreal with two laps to go. Ambrose had spun Gordon a few laps before while fighting for the lead with neither driver taking the win, which went to Chevrolet's Kevin Harvick.

"There are a couple of reasons why I'm doing this," said Gordon. "The first reason is that it's unfortunate that Marcos got put in a position in Montreal where I was thinking, 'OK, if I'm not going to win, he's not going to win.'

"At the same time, I think he's a talented race-car driver, and obviously he has the ability to compete at the highest level. He showed that last weekend in the Busch race, and I felt that this opportunity would be a make-up."

Ambrose will try to qualify the No. 77 Camping World Ford Fusion at Watkins Glen this weekend in a joint effort between his regular Busch Series team Wood Brothers/JTG Racing and Robby Gordon's Cup outfit. His car will also have signage from his usual sponsor Kingsford Charcoal.

"Well, they say that America is the land of opportunity, and I guess this is proof of that," said Ambrose. "A bit of old outback Australian culture involved playing a game of Australian football, having a fight and then heading to the pub together for a beer - I guess this is a bit like that.

"This is part apology and part compliment on Robby's behalf. In some respects this is a no-lose situation for me because I get to break into Nextel Cup without the regular burden of things like owner and championship points.

"Obviously, this indicates there is no animosity between us, and we will both be out there looking for the best result possible in our Fords," the Tasmanian added.

But while they will be teammates in Nextel Cup this weekend, Gordon and Ambrose will be racing for different outfits in the Busch Series race on Saturday. The American will drive the No. 55 car again, while the Australian will be racing his regular No. 59 entry.

Ambrose was originally scheduled to make his Nextel Cup debut in a Wood Brothers/JTG Racing entry this weekend, but several circumstances meant the team decided to put their plans on hold.