Tuesday, August 31st "What If" Question

Drivers switch teams, teams switch crews, sponsors switch organizations. They're some of the many things that happen in the NASCAR garage but very rarely do you see an organization change manufacturers, but Joe Gibbs Racing has had three over the last few years.

It started with Pontiac where drivers Bobby Labonte and Tony Stewart each won championships, in 2000 and 2002 respectively. In 2003 they switched to Chevrolet where Stewart brought home another title two years later in 2005. However, before the 2008 season JGR announced they would be switching to Toyota, who had entered the Sprint Cup Series in 2007. Things didn't go very well for the company and many called their performances with the company's they were aliened with to be embarrassing.

Joining forces with JGR would provide winners behind the wheel and Toyota was willing to spend whatever amount of money they needed to be successful. It proved to be the right combination as the manufacturer and company are ones to beat each and every weekend, no matter what series they're racing in.

Kyle Busch delivered a Nationwide Series championship last year and on top of their numerous owners championships in the Truck series, are looking to add a Sprint Cup title in 2010. Denny Hamlin has already won five races and was the pre-season pick to dethrone Jimmie Johnson.

But ...

What if Joe Gibbs Racing/Toyota never partnered. Would Toyota have become a force each week? How would JGR be doing w/another brand?

@NancyatStudioN l I think JGR would've done well but maybe not AS well as I think they got more support ($?) from Toyota than they got elsewhere. I think JGR gave Toyo legitimacy quicker than w/o JGR & I can't think of another Toyota team that could've done that.

@RedChevy14 What I wonder is if they'd still have Tony, if HaasCNC would have bothered to offer the ownership. And Toyota probably would have eventually gotten strong through MWR and some other top team they lured in JGR's place.

@dougthethird JGR would be fine. Toyota would be fine, but instead of winning tons they'd just be solid. MWR and Red Bull would carry them

@Emily_988 Missed the question at first, but my thoughts are that JGR was stronger with Chevy/Pontiac. That's what won championships.

@Ol_Man_Winter Toyota would hav found another team 2 pour lots funds into & still win. JGR could win w/other brand.