Mind of Montgomery

A NASCAR BLOG BY Lee Montgomery

NASCAR's decision to cut Toyota horsepower unfortunate

Jul 24
NASCAR’s decision to cut horsepower from Toyota’s Nationwide Series engines in an effort to make all manufacturers equal is unfortunate.
 
It’s not unfortunate for drivers in Toyotas, for I have no doubt any horsepower those engines lost will soon be made up. It’s unfortunate for Chevrolet, Ford and Dodge, for I have no doubt the Toyota dominance will only slow – and certainly won’t disappear.
 
And it’s unfortunate for NASCAR fans, who see the sanctioning body tinkering with the rules in the middle of the year like it once was famous – infamous? – for.
 
I figured this piece of NASCAR lore was over and some consistency could be established. Too much to hope for, I guess.
 
The biggest reason why it is unfortunate is that Toyota did nothing wrong. They didn’t bend the rules, they didn’t work outside the box. If anything, they did just what NASCAR wanted.
 
And now they are being penalized. Welcome to NASCAR.

The funniest part of all of this is Toyota won’t slow down. Joe Gibbs Racing won’t slow down. Neither will Braun Racing or Phoenix Racing, the other Toyota teams in the series.
 
Will those teams’ engines have less horsepower? Yes. Will it matter? My guess is it won’t.
 
JGR didn’t win 13 of 21 races this year on horsepower alone. Even competitors agree. Take some away, and maybe they won fewer races.
 
But I doubt it. Fortunately for Toyota.

Average Rating: 3.6

Comments

87 responses to "NASCAR's decision to cut Toyota horsepower unfortunate"
  1. 1
    Worm Dirt said:
    Jul 24, 2008 at 9:06 AM

    Congratulations Nascar!!! Well done! Now, if only the PGA will follow your example and do something about Tiger Woods dominance! I suggest giving everyone else 10 strokes a side and making Tiger play with only a shovel and a rock. What a JOKE! NASCAR IS NOT A SPORT! Competitors from any of the manufacturers should be EMBARASSED today!!!!!! Actually.... can we even use the word "competitor" anymore???

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  2. 2
    anonymous said:
    Jul 24, 2008 at 10:42 AM

    I would expect nothing less from you mr dirt. Comparing PGA to Nascar is so immature and off the wall. If you are so disenchanted with the SPORT, stop watching, stop reading and move on to something else a little more competitive, such as lawn bowling.

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  3. 3
    Brad Birdsong said:
    Jul 24, 2008 at 10:51 AM

    Anonymous, Mr. Dirt's analogy seemed right on with me. What's the difference? Toyota is competing within the rules as laid out by NASCAR. The new kid on the block did their home work and begin to kick everyone's butt. Now Mommy NASCAR was called in to fix it and you say Mr. Dirt is immature?

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  4. 4
    del brown said:
    Jul 24, 2008 at 2:28 PM

    Hey Anonymous --- I am watching NASCAR a LOT LESS than I used to because the fickle management has degraded NASCAR's credibility. It no longer meets the basic criteria for an ORGANIZED sport. This latest fiasco is all too typical. All Toyota did was start with a good basic engine then add some good competitive teams. Isn't that what it's all about? Or at least what it's supposed to be about. NASCAR seems determined to turn their races into a even more boring version of the mercifully defunct IROC series.

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  5. 5
    Chrissie Bennett said:
    Jul 24, 2008 at 5:58 PM

    You that are saying that worm dirt is right are as bad as him. Worm Dirt is not right about anything that I have read he has said yet. He's pathetic because he has not and does not say anything nice about anyone or anything. If he think NASCAR is so bad why does he even watch it.

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  6. 6
    marcus simons said:
    Jul 24, 2008 at 7:31 PM

    Nascar has to try and do something because the racing just sucks . Toyota make more power because the rules allows them to make it Nsacar gave them more because they sucked last year and something needed to be done. Its all about the money. How fast do you whant to go .

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  7. 7
    del brown said:
    Jul 24, 2008 at 10:27 PM

    How exactly did NASCAR "give" Toyota more power? Did NASCAR let the Toyota teams use Jolt as a fuel additive? Or maybe they secretly run NOS? Could it be Viagra in the cooling system? Maybe it's speed-dial in team communications? More likely Toyota threw 20 tons of money at their engineering department and got a very good return on the investment. Toyota also has a very active ongoing development program.

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  8. 8
    STEVEN SPARKS said:
    Jul 25, 2008 at 6:24 AM

    Last year they did not have enough top end speed so NASCAR allowed adjustments to be made so they would be able to keep with the pack of cars. Now they are leading every race. They were given an advantage and made the most of it! Now if they could just do the same thing to the Sprint cars maybe the racing would not be so BORING. Are Kb's glasses getting bigger and bigger every week to match his ever swelling head. He goes below the yellow line at Daytona yet gets away with it and wins and he then taunts the crowd. When Jeff Gordon won a race stuff was thrown at him after the race. kb gets stuff thrown at him during the race, my how the crowd hates him I have Never seen that before.

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  9. 9
    del brown said:
    Jul 25, 2008 at 7:03 AM

    We're getting off-topic yet it's probably all related in that KB drives a Toyota - and does so very well. Like him or hate him the guy can drive. To the point that he's winning races and racking up points. Much to the chagrin of Junior Nation and the JeffJimmie GordonJohnson crowd among others. And in a Toyota no less. Not a Chevy or Ford or even a Dodge. Frankly I think that's good dor NASCAR; I've already watched more races this tear than I did all of last year.

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  10. 10
    Ronald Schwalbe said:
    Jul 25, 2008 at 7:52 AM

    How did NASCAR help Toyota ?? Well - How about when Toyota FIRST came in - NASCAR just HANDED them a complete engine from each -Chevy, Ford, and Dodge, and basically told Toyota - "No dimension smaller than the smallest, and no dimension larger than the largest." Wouldn't ANYone LOVE to have been HANDED everything the competition has worked so hard for SO many decades to achieve so THEY didn't have to do their own R&D ? Pretty easy to design a better engine when you have all the others just HANDED to you by the sanctioning body. That fact doesn't get mentioned much. Does it ?? Hmmmm? Fortunately, there actually ARE other RACING series around that are based on "COMPETITION" not "entertainment for TV ratings"!

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  11. 11
    anonymous said:
    Jul 25, 2008 at 12:32 PM

    All the boring racing began with the COT. WORSE mistake nascar ever made. go back to the old days of racing. Only racing seen now is when the green flag drops on lap 1 and when the green flag is dropped throughout the race when the lead lap cars are trying to "race" past the lap down cars. TOTALLY SNOOZEFESTS every week.

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  12. 12
    david larison said:
    Jul 25, 2008 at 1:44 PM

    GO WATCH SOCCER THEN! I CAN USE THE EMPTY SEATS TO KEEP MY STUFF ON.

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  13. 13
    Peter Karlovics said:
    Jul 25, 2008 at 3:22 PM

    It is sad to see so many columnists that seem that they are on Toyota's payroll. Not only are most NASCAR columnists afraid to take on Toyota, many sound like they work for the public relations department for Toyota. Toyota is not working harder or smarter than other manufacturers; they are only throwing more money around to buy their way into NASCAR. Notice that when Toyota was on their own, with Micheal Waltrip racing, building cars from the ground up, they got nowhere. It was only when they flashed the cash and Chevy Team Joe Gibbs Racing sold out, did Toyota start "dominating". Where would they be without the Chevy technology Gibbs gave to Toyota? Warning to NASCAR: most fans do not like the ways of Toyota. Let Toyota buy dominance in this sport, and watch your race tracks empty out. Warning to Toyota apologists: you do not represent the average NASCAR fan.

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  14. 14
    Scott Baker said:
    Jul 25, 2008 at 4:56 PM

    In my humble opinion. Give all teams and makers the specs you want them to stay within. Tell them to go to work and may the best car win. PERIOD. Quit adjusting the rules for "Competitive Balance".

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  15. 15
    Timothy Schultze said:
    Jul 25, 2008 at 8:25 PM

    15 TO 17 horsepower loss wont make a differance must be that new math again.

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  16. 16
    Worm Dirt said:
    Jul 25, 2008 at 9:26 PM

    Did Peter Karlovics just issue on behalf of MOST fans, not one..... but TWO...WARNINGS at the end of his comments????? Ha!!!!! Don't get me wrong....I RESPECT each and everyone's right to an opinon, BUT....who the hell gave you the authority to speak on behalf of ANYONE BUT YOURSELF???????????? Has anybody else noticed the disturbing trend that most toyota-haters all try to remind everyone that there is a large herd that shares their opinion? As if that somehow MAGICALLY cancels any principles involved and makes them right?? I love it........Consider me warned tough guy!

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  17. 17
    del brown said:
    Jul 26, 2008 at 9:09 AM

    In my opinion JGR did not sell out. Chevy favored Hendrick and possibly RCR over JGR. When Toyota expressed interest JGR made a logical business decision to switch makes. Had Chevy treated JGR a bit better over the years the decision might have been different. As to Toyota buying their way in ..... news alert ..... that's the way NASCAR and other forms of racing work. At least to get a seat at the table. But being able to stay at the table and maybe sit at the head takes a lot more. Ford went after Ferrari with their GT40 program and it wasn't financed with pocket change.

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  18. 18
    Fan #5 said:
    Jul 27, 2008 at 3:28 AM

    I agree Del, Why should JGR be 4th in line for technical help behind Hendrick, Childress, DEI? The Golf analogy(thats comparing to you JR nation fans)is correct. Did anyone complain or did Nascar make Hendrick change their motors last year? Chevrolet has bought it's 2008 Nationwide Title and Toyota is threatening

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  19. 19
    Peter Karlovics said:
    Jul 28, 2008 at 3:38 PM

    Who gave me the authority to issue an opinion against Toyota? OH, lets say another American institution... the U.S. Constitution. But, as a Toyota fan, you may not remember such American things. What do I base my belief that the majority of NASCAR fans agree with me? OH, lets say attending races where American cars are cheered and the Toyota's are booed. But, according to the Toytotafiles, we are not allowed to criticize Toyota's attempt to purchase this sport.

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  20. 20
    Worm Dirt said:
    Jul 29, 2008 at 1:48 PM

    Professor Karlovics, you need to re-read my comments. I NEVER questioned your right to your OWN opinion, but instead the audacity you have to speak for OTHERS. You actually continue to prove my theory that MANY Toyota-haters like yourself seem a little NERVOUS to stand on their own. And be careful bringing up the U.S. Constitution in this friendo..... Remind me again why the Constitution was written? Among MANY things... were they establishing a framework of laws to prevent government (or a sanctioning body) from EVER being able to mandate rules at will....to prevent oppression of the people...and of individual success? Sound familiar to anything done in this sport lately???? I don't think you fully understand the situation, so excuse me if it's shocking to me when you drape an American flag around your un-american sounding OPINION! Dodge, Kia, Ford, Mitubishi, Pontiac, Chevrolet, Isuzu..... i'd be screaming just as loudly if anyone of them were being treated this way!

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  21. 21
    emily bagwell said:
    Jul 29, 2008 at 7:31 PM

    Peter Karlovics---you just made a new friend. I love your comments. You can tell they are right on because Worm is on the top limb! It's hard to decipher his writing sometimes , but I think he is implying that Toyota haters are afraid to speak up--BULL---so let me blow that theory away by agreeing with your ever word. If you really want to make Worm freak out, tell him he is jealous of JUNIOR and JUNIOR NATION. He's threatened by your intellect. David Larison, I think the whole point of a lot of this rhetoric is that NASCAR fears empty seats--they seem to be going to all matter of means to try and stop the loss of fans. Maybe you think it's good enough right now for you to purchase several seats for yourself to buoy up the sales. Go for it!

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  22. 22
    Worm Dirt said:
    Jul 29, 2008 at 11:11 PM

    Emily, You're always a good sport, so let's work through a quick hypothetical scenario just for some fun!... HOw about this?? Let's PRETEND for a minute that Peter Karlovics is your supervisor at work and you have been busting your tail and getting some OUTSTANDING results so far this year. That's AWESOME right? But let's say one day he calls you to his office to tell you that from now on you have to work overtime every day AND come in on weekends. WHOA!!??! He ALSO says that despite this additional work, you are actually going to have to take a pay-cut as well!!! WHOA!!! NOW, let's assume that when you ask Boss Karlovics WHY he is punishing when you have worked SO HARD and have been SO SUCCESSFUL, he replies that.... well, it's because so many of your co-workers were complaining that they can't keep up with you!!!! Now, Emily......please BE HONEST and SINCERE and tell me what you would tell bossman Karlovics? PLEASE TELL ME WHAT YOU WOULD SAY?

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  23. 23
    Peter Karlovics said:
    Jul 30, 2008 at 12:06 PM

    What do i have to do to get a comment posted? sheesh.

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  24. 24
    Peter Karlovics said:
    Jul 30, 2008 at 12:07 PM

    Well, worm, you seem to need an education, so I do not mind providing you with that service. You do not have much tolerance for opposing opinions, and resort to personal attacks and mocking disrespect to cover for your weak arguments. Your lack of class warranted a reminder of constitutional law. As to your diatribe against my observations regarding the attitudes of NASCAR fans, I think you need to get out of the house more and watch a few races and talk to a few fans outside of your fellow employees at Toyota. Few people at the track like your foreign car company that has a few token American employees.

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  25. 25
    Peter Karlovics said:
    Jul 30, 2008 at 12:11 PM

    About your analogy, you need to take some logic classes. They offer those at your local community college - the place where many American workers displaced by foreign companies like Toyota have to go to get retrained after they lose their jobs. Toyota has been getting outstanding results due to hard work similar to that of a diligent employee? Please.

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  26. 26
    Peter Karlovics said:
    Jul 30, 2008 at 12:12 PM

    How about a different analogy. What if Emily worked for a small company that produced a good product made here in America? What if a bigger foreign company then came in, and over time, bullied its way into the market through throwing its money and economic power around? What if it used unfair trade practices and preditory capitalism to destroy the smaller company? Should we join you at the alter of this large foreign company as you worship it? You say Toyota has been busting its tail? Really? You mean, like it did with Micheal Waltrip racing? Toyota really got great results at MWR due to that hard work, eh? Why is it that Toyota didnt get on the map until it paid off a winning Chevy team? Hard work or big money? I bet you are going to argue next that Toyota is really an American Company... please don't bore us with that. Most Americans know where the money is going.

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  27. 27
    Peter Karlovics said:
    Jul 30, 2008 at 12:13 PM

    Sorry about the long comments everyone... I had to break it down into three postings.

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  28. 28
    Worm Dirt said:
    Jul 30, 2008 at 2:24 PM

    Karlovics, AGAIN!!!, I find it interesting that toyota-haters are constantly speaking for OTHER PEOPLE and rationalizing hatred by seeking the SAFETY of a HERD. Don't believe me?? Well, just read YOUR OWN comments and count how many times you say "WE", or "MOST AMERICANS", or "MOST FANS" etc. This is where I think all of your 'patriotic' posturing is fundamentally WRONG and in fact UNPATRIOTIC!! How is gathering a collective herd and only buying American good for America long-term??? HOnestly? You flaunt 'patriotism', yet you refer to the U.S. Constitution and at the same time support the concept of a sanctioning body penalizing a team for success. Does labeling anyone associated w/ Toyota as a TRAITOR or UNAMERICAN make you feel good about yourself? Now, obviously something about the scenario I posed to Emily frightened you!! Care to try again? Or does it scare you too much?

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  29. 29
    Peter Karlovics said:
    Jul 30, 2008 at 4:19 PM

    Dearest Worm.... Easy on the multiple punctuation marks....

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  30. 30
    Peter Karlovics said:
    Jul 30, 2008 at 4:25 PM

    So you are saying that it is not permitted by Toyota that I express my view that most NASCAR fans do not like Toyota or its practices? Are you saying that I cannot, based upon my own observations, make a statement that most NASCAR fans are not Toyota fans? What is this "collective herd stuff"? Are you saying that people who refuse to worship at Toyota's alter are not human, but animals? Are you saying that - because the majority of NASCAR fans do not love Toyota like you do, the majority's opinion is less valid? So if I joined you in the minority, my opinion would be more valid just because I stand with you and your illogical point of view?

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  31. 31
    Peter Karlovics said:
    Jul 30, 2008 at 4:30 PM

    As to questioning my patrtiotism, don't you think you have it a bit backwards, as a supporter of a foreign brand? Isn't part of being patriotic supporting American people? Are you more patriotic because you support the Japanese Toyota brand? What does NASCAR evening the playing field have to do with the U.S. Constitution? Is there a provision in the U.S. Constitution that pertains to NASCAR's rules and regulations? It it wrong for crediting NASCAR from stopping a wealthy Japanese Corporation from buying success, as it did when it paid off Gibbs Racing?

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  32. 32
    Peter Karlovics said:
    Jul 30, 2008 at 4:35 PM

    Now some answers: How does buying American help our economy? May I suggest, in addition to taking some logic classes, that you consider educating yourself in basic economics? Let me try to draw this for you in crayon. American goes to buy a car. He choses a Ford Taurus or Taurus X, made in Chicago. Money is transfered to the Ford Motor Company. Ford Motor Company pays the executives, research and development staff, and guys in the assembly line. Ford employees keep their jobs, and the purchase money of the car stays in America. If you need any more economics lessons, do not hesitate to write.

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  33. 33
    Peter Karlovics said:
    Jul 30, 2008 at 4:40 PM

    I am having too much fun defending my country and NASCAR from Toyota money. If only other forms of patriotism can be this fun.... Go Roush! Go Edwards!

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  34. 34
    emily bagwell said:
    Jul 30, 2008 at 6:07 PM

    Well, Worm, I'll tell you exactly what I would do. "I'd fill my car up with gas and tell my boss to kiss my @$$--I'm going to Party Town!" In your scenerio, it sounds like Ford, Chevy, Dodge should be telling Boss NASCAR to bite them because they have ignored their hard work for the new kid on the block---Toyota. Where was all this hard work the first year Toyota was in the garage?

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  35. 35
    Worm Dirt said:
    Jul 30, 2008 at 11:53 PM

    Peter Karl-"Marx"-ovics, Surely someone as ANTI-capitalist as you is familiar w/ Karl Marx right? Look... you have many questions (I counted FOURTEEN!), and I'm happy to oblige each and every one of them confidently, but there is hardly room. So.. I'll focus on what seems to have you the most confused and agitated.... BUYING AMERICAN-ONLY MAY SEEM PATRIOTIC TO YOU, BUT IT IS IN FACT THE OPPOSITE! One word for you..."CAPITALISM". What don't you understand about capitalism?..economic freedom?..the free market?..Comparative Advantage???..Competition?? This is not about 'Us verses Them' Pete