Toyota Statement
Regarding JGR NNS Penalties
8-20-08
Lee White President and
General Manager TRD, U.S.A.
(Toyota Racing Development)
August 20, 2008
"Over the past several
days we have had numerous
conversations with Joe and
J.D. Gibbs relative to the
infractions at Michigan
International Speedway in
the Nationwide Series
post-race inspection."
"Toyota respects NASCAR's
rules and regulations and
accepts the sanctions that
were imposed against Joe
Gibbs Racing. It is NASCAR's
responsibility to enforce
their rules and we respect
their decisions. Toyota
always has, and will
continue to, abide by all
NASCAR-mandated policies."
"In the 17 years in which
JGR has been a NASCAR
competitor, this is the
first time that a JGR crew
chief has ever been
suspended. We are encouraged
by the manner that Joe and
J.D. have taken
responsibility and have
quickly imposed their own
internal sanctions in an
aggressive manner -- above
and beyond the penalties
that NASCAR imposed. We
applaud their response,
support their decision and
are completely satisfied
with their actions in
response to this incident."
"Joe and J.D., and the
entire Joe Gibbs Racing
organization, have been --
and will continue to be -- a
great partner to Toyota.
Going forward this year --
and in the future -- we will
continue to support JGR and
work diligently together to
be successful."