Permalink Reply by JoCo on December 15, 2008 at 12:38am
I think Robby is just more "Toyota" than "Dodge". I mean, they're kind of strangers in their own sport, so to speak, with everyone hating on them, it suits Robby's trailblazing rebel side perfectly.
I am very surprised we haven't seen any Jim Beam Toyota drawings on here yet........................ I just hope Robby either keeps the "old school" Jim Beam scheme or something that doesn't have flames. I wasn't a big fan of the Jim Beam Flames scheme.
Cup News
Robby Gordon Expected To Run Toyotas In 2009
Written by Jay W Pennell
Tuesday, 16 December 2008 14:30
After last year's debacle with Dodge, it appears Robby Gordon is getting ready to join the Toyota brigade for the 2009 season. While no official announcement has been made, HardcoreRaceFans.com spoke with a Robby Gordon Motorsports employee Monday afternoon that indicated the switch was already underway.
Gordon started off the 2008 season by making the switch from Ford to Dodge just weeks before the Daytona 500. Aligning with Gillett Evernham Motorsports, Gordon's No. 7 Jim Beam sponsored Dodge failed inspection at Daytona for having the incorrect nose on his car. Giving the incorrect nose combination by Dodge, Gordon was forced to start the season off with a hefty penalty from NASCAR.
Throughout the remainder of the year, the single-car owner-driver team fought tooth and nail to remain in the top-35 in owner points. To make matters worse, the affiliation with Gillett Evernham Motorsports fell apart in September. A lawsuit was threatened by GEM, however cooler heads prevailed and the suit was finally dropped.
Now it appears it was one and done for Gordon and Dodge. Talking with the RGM employee, he made it clear the team would not be running Dodges this season and that, "We're definitely building something." Unwilling to say which manufacturer the team was committed to, he did indicate with a smile the manufacturer was not receiving any aid from the U.S. government - hint, hint.
One of the most unique drivers in the garage, Robby Gordon has been able to maintain his independent team while mergers and acquisitions have hit others hard. Jim Beam recently announced they were rejoining RGM as a primary sponsor for thirteen races, while serving as an associate sponsor for the rest of the season. Guaranteed a spot in the first five races of the year by finishing 2008 in the top-35 in owner points, Gordon's switch to Toyota should do nothing but help this organization. Be sure to check back to HardcoreRaceFans.com for the latest news concerning Robby Gordon Motorsports and his probable switch to Toyota.