"Got beat by a Camry..." So what? What if you raced a Ford Fusion against a Mustang, and you spanked the Mustang? Then, you'd say "you got beat by a Fusion!" So, it's no different anyways. These are race car replicas of economy cars, complete with V8s and rear-wheel drive. It goes both ways.
Besides, Toyota's been racing in America for quite a while. They've done everything from off-road truck racing, Champ Car, Indy Racing League, even those Toyota-powered IMSA GTP race cars. To say that they have no place in NASCAR is foolish. It's obvious I'm not a NASCAR fan myself. I do like Jeff Gordon. I do like NASCAR road racing. I do think that if Toyota wants to prove themselves against the Monte Carlo, Fusion, and Charger in an "equal" playing field, then let them. Think about it: today's Monte Carlo, the all-new Fusion, today's Charger... all to face today's Camry. No muscle cars, no tire-smoking, no sub-12 second ETs in stock form... they are economy cars made into oval racing beasts. I don't like the Camry too much, so I'd say this isn't really a problem. Toyota likely wants to extend their racing resumé, which doesn't hurt, right?
I don't want NASCAR to be a glorified "America vs. Japan" battle, but if Japanese (or even other foreign-based brands) want their chance at NASCAR glory, I'd let them. It doesn't mean they are instant favorites, they just want their hand at racing success. For more info on the significance of this deal, look at this site:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sport...5758.column?coll=chi-sportscolumnistfront-hed
It talks about the first foreign involvement in NASCAR's top series (except Craftsman Trucks) since Jaguar in 1955. That's right, no lies. Jaguar (the company usually pronounced like "Jag-uar" rather than the correct "Jag-u-er") actually entered a race back in 1955. What makes Toyota any different? Let the kiddies from Toyota play, already!
