Joe Gibs Racing Goes Tojo

SilveradoLAX7 · September 3, 2007

Joe Gibs Racing abandons Chevy and goes to Toyota next season.

Here's the ESPN Link: http://sports.espn.go.com/rpm/columns/stor...&id=3000792

Ticks me off, I like #20 with a Bow Tie... I know he has no choice in the matter, but I can't see myself rooting for him with a (whatever the hell that logo they have is) on the front of car.

-Jay

Zembonez · September 3, 2007

I can't see Stewart in a Toyota. He's seems like a Chevy guy to me.

KCXLT · September 3, 2007

I can't see Stewart in a Toyota. He's seems like a Chevy guy to me.

I won't be buying any shirts

redsled2007 · September 3, 2007

I can't see Stewart in a Toyota. He's seems like a Chevy guy to me.

Gee, I thought he had two more years on his Chevy contract. Wonder where he'd go if chevy won't release him?

Zembonez · September 3, 2007

I can't see Stewart in a Toyota. He's seems like a Chevy guy to me.

Gee, I thought he had two more years on his Chevy contract. Wonder where he'd go if chevy won't release him?

I'm sure Gibbs has all of that covered. Stewart is his big draw guy.

Gibbs was with Pontiac before right? Apparently all of those years of dealing with NFL free agents have removed any brand name loyalty from his operation. Whichever way the wind blows...

I feel sorry for the drivers in his organization. The Toyota changeover won't make for instant success simply because of the learning curve. Say what you want about NASCAR but it is a sport of tiny percentages. It will take a while for them to gel as a race team.

I am sure Toyota views this as a big win. This is the first major team defection - so far.

2007 GMC HD · September 4, 2007

As with everything, Its all about the money. With Gm and Ford reeling financially, their factory support is going to be cut back. Gibbs Racing was at least 3rd in line (behind Childress and Hendricks ) if not 4th (DEI) , so off to the Japs he goes. It really sucks too because I'm a Hamlin fan

SilveradoLAX7 · September 4, 2007

I can't see Stewart in a Toyota. He's seems like a Chevy guy to me.

Gee, I thought he had two more years on his Chevy contract. Wonder where he'd go if chevy won't release him?

I could be off the mark here, but it was my understanding his contract is with JGR was through 2009. Not Chevy. Any contracts the factories have are with the team owners, right? Kinda sucks for drivers that are perhaps a little loyal to a brand. If I recal, when JR was shopping around he mentioned atleast once he would like to go to a team that runs chevy. Again, I could be off the mark, but there are certain guys that just don't look like they belong in a toyota. It would be like Roger Clemens playing cricket...just ain't right.

-Jay

redsled2007 · September 5, 2007

I could be off the mark here, but it was my understanding his contract is with JGR was through 2009. Not Chevy. Any contracts the factories have are with the team owners, right?

You're correct about his contract with JGR. BUT he ALSO has a contract with Chevy. Almost all the top line drivers do.

gave20 · September 5, 2007

I'm glad they made the switch, it's a good move for the organization and the manufacturer. Too bad GM couldn't pony up the money to keep them, but I doubt they had that much to offer them.

Zembonez · September 5, 2007

I'm glad they made the switch, it's a good move for the organization and the manufacturer. Too bad GM couldn't pony up the money to keep them, but I doubt they had that much to offer them.

I wasn't actually cutting Toyota. They are strong. There is no doubt that they will become a power in the series given the money they are willing to spend. With that much money you could make Briggs & Stratton compete.

I do think it will be a couple of years before Gibbs team gels with the Toyota setup well enough to get it done in the chase.

gave20 · September 5, 2007

Toyota's goal is to bankrupt the other manufacturers, they've done it in the trucks to point were Dodge contemplated baling out. I look for Hendrick to big the next big team to jump ship, especially if JGR doesn't miss a beat next year. And the teams switching to all COT cars next year I look for Gibbs to be another Chase player. Those cars have very limited manufacturer areo advantages so the only unknown for next year in my opinion, is JGR horsepower potential with Toyota engines.

jason2006 · September 5, 2007

Does anybody really care about Nascar anymore? It is all about money, plain and simple. The races suck, drivers are all cookie cutter. I don't see what benefit the car companies get out of it anymore. Who goes out to the dealership and buys a car after their favorite driver wins a race anymore? Remember, Nascar has never been in the business of running races, they have always been in the business to make money and they will do whatever it takes to bring in more money everyday.

Zembonez · September 6, 2007

Does anybody really care about Nascar anymore? It is all about money, plain and simple. The races suck, drivers are all cookie cutter. I don't see what benefit the car companies get out of it anymore. Who goes out to the dealership and buys a car after their favorite driver wins a race anymore? Remember, Nascar has never been in the business of running races, they have always been in the business to make money and they will do whatever it takes to bring in more money everyday.

WOW that's pretty deep Jason.

While I agree somewhat... can you name a "sport" of any kind that isn't all about the money in this day and time? (or ever was?)

Baseball, Hockey, Football, Golf, Racing... they are all the same.

antig24 · September 6, 2007

It'll be interesting to see how JGR performs next season. It will help that the COT is being used since it's "new" for all the teams and manufacturers.

KCXLT · September 6, 2007

Does anybody really care about Nascar anymore? It is all about money, plain and simple. The races suck, drivers are all cookie cutter. I don't see what benefit the car companies get out of it anymore. Who goes out to the dealership and buys a car after their favorite driver wins a race anymore? Remember, Nascar has never been in the business of running races, they have always been in the business to make money and they will do whatever it takes to bring in more money everyday.

Exactly, I feel the same way. The drivers might as well have their speeches written for them, if they say anything controversial they get fined. I used to watch or tape every race, now if I'm bored, or its Daytona or Dega I'll watch. Hey, if everyone switches to Toyota I'll have alot of free time on Sundays.