Toyota unhappy with new limits in horsepower

INDIANAPOLIS 

A Toyota official worries that NASCAR's rule change this week limiting Toyota's horsepower for Nationwide teams could have far-reaching implications.

NASCAR announced Wednesday a rules change that will reduce Toyota horsepower by about 15 for its Nationwide cars only. Toyota has won 14 of 21 races in that series this season.

"We're extremely disappointed in NASCAR's decision," said Lee White, president and general manager of Toyota Racing Development. "In our opinion, there is no technical justification to penalize the Toyota engine utilized in the Nationwide Series. Toyota always has, and will continue to, abide by all NASCAR-mandated engine specifications, and the Nationwide engine was built strictly to NASCAR specifications.

"The success of the Toyota Camry this year in the Nationwide Series is the result of hard work and achievement by all of our race teams - Braun Racing, Joe Gibbs Racing, Germain Racing and Michael Waltrip Racing - working in conjunction with TRD (Toyota Racing Development) U.S.A.

"Unfortunately, the decision by NASCAR could be more far-reaching than simply mandating Toyota to adjust its Nationwide engine. The real impact will be felt by the Toyota teams as they adjust to the change, work to remain competitive for the remainder of this season and attempt to line up their sponsorships for next year."

Interim chief named for Truex's team

Mike Greci will serve as Martin Truex's interim crew chief beginning this weekend, the team said Thursday. Greci replaces Kevin Manion, who begins serving his six-race suspension after Dale Earnhardt Inc. lost its appeal this week.

Grechi first worked with Truex when Truex competed in what is now called the Camping World East series earlier this decade.

NASCAR fined Truex and the team points and money and suspended Manion, along with car chief Gary Putnam, after Truex's car failed an inspection at Daytona this month. The car's roof did not conform to rules.

Manion can return at Richmond in early September.

Labonte will drive for carpentier next week

Terry Labonte will drive next weekend at Pocono for Gillett Evernham Motorsports, the team announced Thursday.

Labonte replaces rookie Patrick Carpentier for that race as Carpentier focuses on the Nationwide event in Montreal that same weekend.

Labonte has been driving this summer for Kyle Petty as he served as an analyst for TNT's broadcasts. TNT is done broadcasting Cup races - ESPN begins its coverage with this weekend's race at Indianapolis - but Labonte will drive for Petty this week to assure the team a spot based on his champion's provisional.

PIT STOPS

Kyle Busch, Scott Riggs and Travis Kvapil took part in a Goodyear tire test this week at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Several drivers complained about the tires after the race there in March.... Companies affiliated with car owner Roger Penske will sponsor David Stremme in four Nationwide races for Rusty Wallace Inc. Stremme, a test driver for Penske, is among the candidates to replace Ryan Newman after this season at Penske Racing.

- Dustin Long