"Robby to run a Dodge in Shootout: Sirius Speedway spoke to NASCAR representative Ramsey Poston today, and he confirmed that Robby Gordon is approved to run the Budweiser Shootout in a Dodge, before converting to Toyota for the remainder of Speedweek 2009. Gordon ran Dodges last season, but will campaign a Toyota in 2009. Both manufacturers have apparently signed-off on the arrangement. It is difficult to imagine why Dodge would approve of the deal, since it bumps Penske Racing’s Sam Hornish --a full-time Dodge driver in 2009 -- out of the race. The ruling also raises some potentially explosive scenearios. For instance, Chip Ganassi’s #42 car finished 25th in owners points last year, running as a Dodge. Based on Gordon's eligibility, Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing could presumably build a Dodge and put Juan Pablo Montoya into the Shootout, bumping AJ Allmendinger."

-Jayski

I'll be the first to say I don't get this, especially when Robby can be in it as a Toyota.The one benefit is that it gives Toyota more drivers represented in the race, which can't be a bad thing but if Robby wins the things in a Dodge, I would say it would be a diminished return for Toyota. I have no clue why Dodge would sign off unless they feel Robby could put the car in victory lane. That's the only way it pays off for them.