Submitted by NASCAR Eclectic

It’s certain that Toyota is the big winner in the recent [confirmed] announcement that JGR will switch to Toyo next season, but by the looks on these guys faces they appear delighted too. One would think that Tony’s All-American demeanor would automatically shadow him as a James Dean, but in truth and like most driver’s, all he wants to do is win races. Alot of their success comes from Gibbs engine building genius Mark Cronquist. He is sure to take their Toyo engine package to the pinnacle and he has an edge as GM has already delivered the latest technological breakthroughs to him. This will also greatly benefit other Toyota teams, Michael Waltrip Racing, Bill Davis Racing and Red Bull. They will benefit quickly from Gibbs engineering. Hall of Fame Racing and its new driver, J.J. Yeley, which is basically a satellite Gibbs operation, so Yeley will still, in essence, be on the Gibbs payroll and driving a Camry.

One to watch… Brad Keselowski. This kid is quickly making a name for himself. After his fiery crash at California Speedway a formal contract has been signed with JR Motorsports to keep him in Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s car the rest of the season. Keselowski stepped into Earnhardt’s car on the July 14 race at Chicagoland Speedway and has competed in six races since, earning two top 10s and finishes of 13th and 14th. Keselowski also scored top-rookie honors in three of those six events. He will earn a Cup ride soon at this rate.