Eeverything I've heard all points back to the same chain of events...
Robby was content on sticking with Dodge and moving forward for 2009 after finishing off with an average finish of 29th with Penske motors. Gordon was able to finish the season inside the Top 35, secure sponsorship for 2009 and with plans to move forward. However, like other teams that began to cut cost and scale down on personnel, Penske would not have the resources to continue into 2009 supporting RGM, and Dodge wasn't in position to add anymore support. Dodge even released Ganassi racing one year early from their agreement.
Dodge, GM & Ford are all seeking aid from the government for bail out money to keep the "Big Three" from bankruptcy.
Robby quickly began to call Toyota. Nascar has been strict on allowing teams to switch over to the foreign brand and prevented Gillett Evernham Motorsports from merging with Bill Davis Racing in an attempted switch. Being a single-car owner has been an uphill climb for RGM, but this was a situation where it was a benefit. Toyota was loosing 3 teams with BAM closing shop and HOF leaving Toyota and Bill Davis Racing on the brink of closing it's Cup team down. RGM was granted by Nascar the opportunity to move to Toyota.
RGM will get full factory support from TRD and will reimburse Toyota for it's engines.
Only 2 Toyota teams finished outside the Top 35 Owner points for 2008: #47 MWR, and #96 - Hall of Fame Racing. With Hall of Fame switching manufacturers and Ganassi moving to Chevrolet (which will eliminate 2 spots in the Top 35), the #47 will now be locked inside the Top 35. This means all Toyota backed teams will be locked inside the Top 35 for the first 5 races of 2009.
Toyota will enter it's 3rd year in Nascar Cup Racing, and it's 2nd year with the COT.