VermontHunter Posted September 6, 2007 Report Share Posted September 6, 2007 Gibbs ready, willing and able to be Toyota flagship Joe Gibbs Racing representatives and Toyota officials gathered alike at JGR headquarters Wednesday to make the switch official, to explain why it was made, and to assure everyone that star drivers Tony Stewart and Denny Hamlin are on board with the jump to a foreign-based manufacturer. Here's what Tony had to say... Stewart, currently running second in points, worked hard Wednesday to quiet rumors that he was unhappy about the pending move to Toyota. Stewart has a relationship with General Motors that stretches beyond his Cup team; they back teams he owns in two other racing series (USAC and Outlaws). "This is not like any other professional sport. Things are constantly in a state of change," Stewart said. "I've had a great relationship with General Motors. From Day One, I was with GM -- and we've won a lot of races and a lot of championships. They've become part of my open-wheel program, and I'm very proud of that. "But I joined this race team because of the leadership qualities and the quality of dedication that Joe Gibbs and J.D. have had toward this sport and will continue to have. So it's never been a question of where are we going to be and where are we going to finish our careers, but rather what are we doing to win races and to stay on top of our game. This is a decision that, as an organization, we feel like we need to make. ... It's not any disrespect to General Motors, because we've had a great relationship and we've had a great history with them. The record books show that. But at the same time, we feel like this is the right step to take to maintain that, to maintain that jump on everybody in the sport." Here's the link to the whole story ... http://www.nascar.com/2007/news/opinion/09/05/jgibbs.toyota.dcaraviello/index.html http://www.nascar.com/2007/news/headlines/cup/09/05/jgibbs.toyota.overview/index.html So I guess Tony won't be going anywhere, and wasn't even close to being upset of the switch to Toyota... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AdvantageTimberLou Posted September 6, 2007 Report Share Posted September 6, 2007 I see Tony losing fans over this deal. Sorry but Toyota is not really welcomed in NASCAR. What's next? Honda coming out next year? One thing is for sure, if the Toyota's are slow in 2008, and we know they are in 2007 thanks to Mikey showing us just how slow, Tony will be the biggest complainer!! Go Chevy, Go Ford, Go Dodge in 2008!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VermontHunter Posted September 6, 2007 Author Report Share Posted September 6, 2007 Now Lou, I thought it would have been about the racing and not the manufacuter with you .. I think Toyota will do decent with a proven team,, Not championship material ,, but decent .. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
str8shooter48 Posted September 6, 2007 Report Share Posted September 6, 2007 I see Tony losing fans over this deal. Sorry but Toyota is not really welcomed in NASCAR. What's next? Honda coming out next year? One thing is for sure, if the Toyota's are slow in 2008, and we know they are in 2007 thanks to Mikey showing us just how slow, Tony will be the biggest complainer!! Go Chevy, Go Ford, Go Dodge in 2008!! You bet, I'm pulling for Tony hoping he wins the championship this year. Next year I'll be curious to see what he can do in a Toyota, but that will be the end of it. I'm a Chevy guy always will be who know maybe Jeff Gordon may be my next hero. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VermontHunter Posted September 6, 2007 Author Report Share Posted September 6, 2007 I'm a Chevy guy always will be who know maybe Jeff Gordon may be my next hero. :eek::eek: ,, The sky is falling .. :D;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
str8shooter48 Posted September 6, 2007 Report Share Posted September 6, 2007 :eek::eek: ,, The sky is falling .. :D;) Not to get the Toyota bashing going again, but JG in a Chevy looks a lot better to me than Stewart in a Toyota. Actually I sort started watching Gordon a little closer. He's staring to grow on me a little. Mark Martin full time in the #8 would work for me.:D:D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MUDRUNNER Posted September 6, 2007 Report Share Posted September 6, 2007 It's a good thing JR. didn't end up at Gibbs.I hope Tony wins a championship this year,because i think they will struggle next season.It'll be a shame to see Hamlin struggle because the kids got tons of talent and I think he would run better in a Chevy.I could be wrong,but if Waltrip's expierience is any sign of what's to come Gibbs will taking a few steps back next year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VABuckSlayer Posted September 6, 2007 Report Share Posted September 6, 2007 I don't think the Gibbs teams will be as strong as they are now for next year but I bet they don't fall off too far. Toyota is learning a lot this year and will be better prepared for next year. Vickers has had some good runs this year with a brand new team so with Gibbs I think you will see Toyota show what they can really do. Plus we're going to all COT next year which will level the playing field a little more. It's basically going to be IROC next year. If Toyota's motor program is up to snuff (which I think it is close) they will be a threat next year. We'll just have to see. I don't like Stewart but Hamlin is from my hometown. I don't like Chevy so I don't really care that they made the switch. I've been driving a Toyota truck for the past 5 years and with the resale value they have I'll continue to drive one till Ford steps up to the plate! Eric Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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