Waltrip's Crew Chief, Director Suspended (Daytona)

Breitbart/AP ^ | 2-14-07 | Jenny Fryer

[WestCoastGal]

Toyota issues warning to teams: Robin Pemberton, NASCAR's vice president for competition, was emphatic this [the #55 infraction and penalty] was a team issue and not a Toyota issue. While embarrassed over the incident, Toyota officials insisted they would maintain a relationship with MWR. "This is not the way you want to enter NASCAR's Nextel Cup Series by any means," said Jim Aust, the president and CEO of Toyota Racing Development. "For this to happen to him is extremely disappointing and extremely disappointing to Toyota. ... He has certainly apologized to just about anybody that would be associated with his organization. He's beside himself with what's happened."

Toyota isn't resting on an [Waltrip] apology. Company officials are expected to send a letter out to all Toyota teams next week stating Waltrip's organization has used two of the company's three strikes. The next team that crosses the line will face the loss of the manufacturer's support.

Lee White, the senior vice president for TRD, said TRD worked with NASCAR throughout the process. "I can honestly tell you from an ethics standpoint and integrity, along with character and honesty, those things are paramount in our company," he said. "We hold ourselves to a high standard and we hold our teams to high standards. We hope we've picked the right ones."(ESPN.com)

[38special]

I thought the Camry's were rice burners? I know they're slow but...

[Wolfstar]

Thanks for the info. Toyota is most definitely not pleased. On NASCAR Live yesterday they said Toyota gives the race teams all their engines for each race, and tells the teams not to modify them. When the race is over Toyota wants the engines back. One big thing Toyota expects to get out of their racing program is the R&D benefits. So monkeying with the fuel is a big deal to Toyota.