GIBBS- TOYOTA: A WINNING MATCH
What we’ve been hearing for months has become official today: beginning in 2008, Toyota will become a manufacturer for Joe Gibbs Racing, home to perennial Cup contender Tony Stewart, the up-and-coming Denny Hamlin, and soon to be home to Kyle Busch- regarded by some as the best young racer in the NASCAR Nextel Cup circuit. The move ends Gibbs’ 15-year association with General Motors.
NASCAR purists are up in arms. Most fans of the traditional NASCAR bent have loathed the presence of the Japanese-based auto maker since the announcement came down that they would enter the world of NASCAR auto racing in 2007. I’ve read more than one comment that amounts to, “NASCAR is an American sport. Rice rockets don’t belong here.” The fact that Toyota cars have struggled this season has no doubt caused such individuals to snicker with glee. First, we had the Michael Waltrip Racing violation before the season even began. Second, Toyota being a bit behind the curve has resulted in several otherwise reliable drivers (Dale Jarrett, Michael Waltrip, and Jeremy Mayfield) struggling and often not making the field. Then, when they do, the good runs are short lived. How many times have we seen Brian Vickers and David Reutimann run well for short stretches, only to “peter out?” There’s also been more than one occasion where we’ve seen Dale Jarrett and Michael Waltrip encounter engine trouble. The maiden voyage of Toyota at NASCAR’s top level has a ride filled with sea sickness.
Given that, I’m sure that purists are questioning the sanity of Joe and J.D. Gibbs, who are putting their winning reputations on the line. I’m also sure they’re waiting for the outspoken Tony Stewart to go on some kind of strike. I mean, you can only imagine what Smoke’s reaction would be if he would run into the same problems that say, Jarrett has. You’d have to be thinking, what in the name of Dale Earnhardt is going on here?
Let me first of all say, this move has been a win for Toyota, because the switch by the Gibbs team to the makers of the Camry gives them a higher level of credibility. Purists would say “Duh.” There’s no comparing the brain trust that has produced 3 Nextel Cup championships (2 by Tony Stewart, 1 by Bobby Labonte) to Michael Waltrip Racing, Red Bull Racing, or Bill Davis. The JGR folks are proven winners and wouldn’t make the move if they thought it would ruin their standing as a top team.
It’s also a win for Gibbs as well. WHAT??? Think about it, after what has happened this year, don’t you think Toyota is HIGHLY motivated to produce a better product in 2008? No question about it! Do they have the engineering and the funds to pull it together? Hmmmm, since we’re talking about one of the top selling manufacturers in the world, I’d say, “Yes.” How about their track ecord elsewhere: the Craftsman Truck Series, for example. Toyota’s doing quite well there, thank you very much, and that’s just ONE example of how, after an adjustment or warming up period, Toyota kicks butt.
It’s real simple: Gibbs had a good gig with GM. This was not a move born of deperation or anything resembling it. I’m sure there were boatloads of cash involved and replete assurances by the manufacturer that they’d supply the product needed to continue JGR’s winning ways. Who could say no to that? It’s not like this move will destroy Chevrolet. You figure they still have Hendrick Motorsports, Richard Childress Racing and DEI as top teams to represent them. I somehow think GM won’t miss Gibbs a whole lot.
So its real simple. Toyota gets a top team to work for, and Joe Gibbs gets a lot of money and support.
This marriage will work. Either that, or it will have the same shelf life of a Britney Spears union. Stay tuned.
