[Racer Duck]

"I would probably give our first season a letter grade of a B-minus," says Jim Aust, vice president of motorsports, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. "We're probably about 14 races behind where I thought we would be. We expected to run in the top-15 by mid-season, and we moved in on that at the end of the season. Overall, the consistency picked up, but we still have plenty of work to do in order to compete with the Hendrick, Childress and Roush teams." more...

[Souporscotty]

Originally Posted by Racer Duck

"I would probably give our first season a letter grade of a B-minus," says Jim Aust, vice president of motorsports, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. "We're probably about 14 races behind

14 races behind, and a B-? Wow. Sure wish I'da had him for a teacher in highschool.

[Quality88]

Their goals must not have been very lofty

[disco stu]

Let's see how he feels if they follow the "success" of their F1 team.

"Stagnant" would be a gross understatement!!!

[wingkey1]

Interesting. Would seem to indicate they were (appropriately) in recognition of the learning curve and challenges before them, and appear to have set goal somewhere in the "humble/yet aggressive" area of "A = run in top 15 by mid-season".

Interesting too the number of teams bypassed in targeting the - "we want to run with/beat" - list. Wouldn't have been surprised to have seen Gibbs in there were the same question asked of them before the season began. Wouldn't have been surprised either if in the deep dark secret room (prior to season start) that converting one of the "wanna run like" teams to Toyo was a goal.

They'll visit the winners circle a number of times in 2008. If they "feel" 14 races behind, goal may be within the first 12 or so point paying races. Expect here it will happen.