#7. ROBBY GORDON. JIM BEAM TOYOTA. ROBBY GORDON MOTORSPORTS-RGM
Robby Gordon's single car operation will make its debut as a Toyota team this year after switching from the Dodges they ran last year. However, via special arrangements, the team will campaign a Dodge in the upcoming Budweiser Shootout at Daytona. The really good news for RGM is the fact that they are fully funded for 2009 with sponsorship from Jim Beam and Menards Home Improvement Stores. This is an old school operation that is an owner-driver combination. The rebel with a cause concept was reported to be especially appealing to executives representing Jim Beam and was a major reason that made them want to resign with Gordon.
Outside of NASCAR RGM has an impressive record. This is especially true in the rugged world of off road racing. They proved that in recent days by placing second in the Dakar Rally in Argentina and winning this year's Laughlin Desert Challenge in Nevada.
However their NASCAR Cup operation, led by returning crew chief Kirk Almquist, has been a source of frustration for RGM in recent years. Certainly one of those reasons lies in the fact that they are a single car team which is a very tough row to hoe in the modern NASCAR era. One bright spot could be their new association with Toyota Racing Development which will offer them an impressive wealth of technical data. The other potential bright spot for this team will be the two road course events at Infineon Raceway and at Watkins Glen. When it comes to turning both left and right Gordon is a master on road courses.