Joe Gibbs Racing to Move to Toyota in 2008

Well the rumors are done and the decision has been made that Joe Gibbs Racing is switching to Toyota. The formal announcement was made on Wednesday, September 5, 2007 at press conference that was televised by Speed at 11am. Answering questions at the press conference was drivers Tony Stewart and Denny Hamlin and crew chiefs Greg Zipadelli, Mike Ford, and Steve Addington. Along with them was President of Joe Gibbs Racing, JD Gibbs; head of the engine building department, Mark Cronquist; vice president of Toyota Motorsports and president and CEO of Toyota Racing Development, USA, Jim Aust; and senior vice president of racing operations for Joe Gibbs Racing, Jimmy Makar.

Questions were asked and answers were given. Yet only one main question really mattered. Why after 16 successful years with GM, in both Pontiac and Chevrolet, countless wins, and 3 Series Championships does Joe Gibbs Racing feel the need to make the switch? The answer is simple. Joe Gibbs racing wants to be the big dog among the manufacturer. That could never happen with GM because of the top-notch teams that Hendrick Motorsports has. With Toyota, Joe Gibbs Racing can climb into the driver seat so to speak and be able to dominate among the rest of the Toyota teams.

This a point in racing that only the most dedicated of fans will understand. It is not about the car, it is not about Toyota being better than GM, what is boils down to is that Joe Gibbs Racing will be the flagship team for Toyota. JGR will be the one calling the shots, much like Hendrick motorsports does with GM. JGR will be the who Toyota listens to, they will be the ones that Toyota gets the job done for. JGR will be the only opinion that matters.