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Sprint Cup racing's newest participating manufacturer, along with everyone who follows the sport, will count the days in 2008 until Toyota's biggest move so far, the addition of powerhouse Joe Gibbs Racing to the Camry lineup, pays off in two ways. First, how soon will the Gibbs operation and its three drivers � all proven winners � get back to the championship-contending level it was with Pontiac and Chevrolet? And then, how fast can improvements from the first-tier talent and expertise of the Gibbs operation spread to help the teams that struggled through Toyota's inaugural season? From Toyota's perspective, the intent to make the latter happen seems to be in place. "One of the philosophies that we have tried to embrace dating back to the start of our NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series program in 2004 is to get all the teams to work together as best as possible," said Jim Aust, vice president of motorsports for Toyota's American operations. "You're much stronger by sharing information and working as one, as opposed to working as individual organizations. "It's not easy because everyone is a competitor. (But) the Gibbs organization has come on board with the outlook that they are willing to share information and work with the other teams. As we see that unfold throughout the year, I think we'll see our entire group become stronger." The addition of Gibbs, with returning drivers Tony Stewart and Denny Hamlin and new arrival Kyle Busch, cannot be overstated for Toyota. -- Charlotte Observer

That's Racin' | 01/03/2008 | Toyota pins improvement hopes on Gibbs shops, teams sharing