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AUTO RACING Toyota's engines to lose some zip
Date published: 7/24/2008
BY JENNA FRYER
AP Auto Racing Writer
CHARLOTTE, N.C. --NASCAR tried to even out the competition in the Nationwide Series yesterday by ordering all teams using Toyota motors to squeeze down their horsepower before this weekend's race in Indianapolis.
Toyota has won 14 of 21 races this season in the Nationwide Series, and all but one came in a Camry fielded by Joe Gibbs Racing. The exception was JGR driver Kyle Busch's victory at Charlotte in May in a car fielded by Braun Racing.
NASCAR ordered all the Toyota motors to use a smaller spacer that will knock down 15 horsepower in the motors.
Lee White, president of Toyota Racing Development, said he was "extremely disappointed" and found no justification for NASCAR's decision, arguing the Nationwide teams have been successful this season because of hard work and not technical advantage.
"Despite this setback, we will continue to work diligently to keep our Nationwide teams competitive," White said. "Our hope remains that a Toyota team or driver will be rewarded with a championship at the conclusion of this year."
Technically, the new guidelines aren't directed solely at Toyota: the bulletin distributed to teams did not even mention the manufacturer.
But because the automaker is working with a brand new engine and has access to the latest technology, Toyota teams have gained an advantage over the manufacturers using older engine models.
If the other manufacturers should reach the stage Toyota is currently at, they would be subject to the horsepower guidelines NASCAR mandated yesterday.
Chevrolet has been pushing to use its new engine in the Nationwide Series, and many believe that model is on par with the Toyota motors.
Robin Pemberton, vice president of competition, said the Toyota motors are legal and in line with previous guidelines. But NASCAR is responsible for maintaining a level playing field, and because Toyota is working with new designs, the manufacturer has gained an advantage over its rivals.
"We are not punishing Toyota, but the end result is we have to try to maintain a competitive balance," Pemberton said. "We felt [the change] put [Toyota] back to where everybody was almost on par with the competition."
ALLSTATE 400 AT THE BRICKYARD
WHEN: Sunday, 1 p.m.
WHERE: Indianapolis Motor Speedway
TV: ESPN
RADIO: WFLS-FM 93.3
DEFENDING CHAMP: Tony Stewart
POLE QUALIFYING: Saturday, 10 a.m. (ESPN2)
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Date published: 7/24/2008
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