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May 31, 2007
Toyota Trying To Woo Gibbs, Penske or Yates?
I almost hesitate to discuss this rumor because it comes from a column by Mike Mulhern who isn't exactly the most reliable source of information, but a "Detroit Source" told him that Toyota might be interesting in trying to get Joe Gibbs Racing, Penske Racing or Robert Yates Racing to switch to Toyota from the manufacturers they're currently aligned with. In addition, if Penske were to switch they might merge with Michael Waltrip Racing. I'm not surprised that Toyota might be looking to lure an established organization to sign with them given the struggles of the brand-new teams they went with for this season. I don't think it's too likely that Gibbs is going to switch from Chevy to Toyota, particularly since they're a player in the Dale Earnhardt, Jr. sweepstakes and I don't see him racing for Toyota. But do think it makes sense that Penske might make the switch given that Roger Penske already has an affiliation with Toyota due to his dealerships.
However, what I don't see happening is a complete merger with MWR. Michael has spent a significant amount of time, effort and money into becoming a three-team Cup owner. Although they've struggled tremendously this season, I don't see him giving up on being an independent owner so soon. What I could see happening is if Penske makes the switch, that they form a partnership where Penske provides some of the engines and other equipment like Hendrick does so well with Haas/CNC, Ginn Racing and Furniture Row Motorsports. That would probably give MWR a huge boost because they might not have to worry about as much of the issues on the competition side in terms of the engines and cars as they do right now. And they'd be getting engines and equipment from an established team that has more experience than they do with making those things competitive. Then MWR could focus their resources in other areas.
But if there were a merger between Penske and MWR a team would need to be eliminated. NAPA and UPS are signed through next season so neither the #55 or #44 is likely going anywhere. While Domino's and Burger King only have a deal for this season, I have a feeling they'll be back since David Reutimann has done a good job of qualifying for races and making the best out of a bad situation on the Cup side. At Penske I don't think it's likely that Kurt Busch is going anywhere, so that leaves Ryan Newman. It's been rumored that Ryan is looking around for a new ride, and it's also been rumored that Alltel has some concerns about their sponsorship in light of the legal battle between AT&T/Cingular and Nascar/Sprint-Nextel. So that could be the team that gets dropped, with the #12's points shifting over to one of the MWR cars to lock that car into the top 35 in owner's points.
All of that said, the rumors that Mulhern is reporting are so vague that there's no telling if there's any truth to it. Not to mention just because various scenarios are under consideration doesn't mean that it's going to actually happen. However, I'm in favor of anything that would help strengthen MWR. I dearly want to see Michael have success as an owner and as a driver, and working closely with another organization, particularly a large, established and successful organization could be the key to that.
ETA: Claire B. Lang has a spokesperson from Penske on her XM show now who says there's absolutely no truth to any of what Mulhern reported. He says Penske has a deal with Dodge through next season, that they're very pleased with their relationship with Dodge, and have no intention of going anywhere.
Posted by silverdsl at May 31, 2007 03:28 PM