Toyota Statement
Regarding NNS Engines
Lee White
President and General
Manager
TRD, U.S.A. (Toyota
Racing Development)
"We're extremely
disappointed in NASCAR's
decision. In our opinion,
there is no technical
justification to penalize
the Toyota engine utilized
in the Nationwide Series.
Toyota always has, and will
continue to, abide by all
NASCAR-mandated engine
specifications and the
Nationwide engine was built
strictly to NASCAR
specifications.
"The success of the
Toyota Camry this year in
the Nationwide Series is the
result of hard work and
achievement by all of our
race teams -- Braun Racing,
Joe Gibbs Racing, Germain
Racing and Michael Waltrip
Racing -- working in
conjunction with TRD U.S.A.
(Toyota Racing Development).
All the tireless efforts by
our teams, TRD and Triad
during the off-season, at
pre-season testing and
during the first half of the
year, combined with
extremely talented drivers,
have produced exceptional
results.
"Despite this setback, we
will continue to work
diligently to keep our
Nationwide teams
competitive. Our hope
remains that a Toyota team
or driver will be rewarded
with a championship at the
conclusion of this year. .
"Unfortunately, the decision
by NASCAR could be more
far-reaching than simply
mandating Toyota to adjust
its Nationwide engine. The
real impact will be felt by
the Toyota teams as they
adjust to the change, work
to remain competitive for
the remainder of this season
and attempt to line up their
sponsorships for next year."