Gordon to switch to Toyota

UPDATE This rumor is upgraded to 'fact' today. Robby Gordon Motorsports officials announced today that the organization will partner with Toyota beginning with the 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season. RGM fields the No. 7, driven by Robby Gordon.

The team switched from Ford to Dodge for the 2008 season.

“We are excited to be partnering with Toyota in NASCAR in 2009. After watching their progress last season, we decided that a switch to Toyota was the right package for our team," team owner Gordon said. “We are confident that fielding a Toyota Camry will add to the success of our organization and the competitiveness of our performance on the race track."

Toyota was first involved with Gordon in 1989, when he became the youngest Grand National Sport Truck driver to win a championship in a truck from the manufacturer.

“I’ve known Robby as a driver, team owner and fierce competitor since 1990," said Lee White, president of TRD, U.S.A. “We’ve raced together in off-road, IMSA, SCCA and IndyCar and have shared many memorable challenges and victories. It will be exciting to see how the association between Robby, his team, Toyota and TRD will develop in 2009. I promise you that it will not be boring to watch."

Financial terms of the contract were not disclosed.

12/11/08 After years of being a backmarker due to inferior equipment, Robby Gordon is rumored to be moving to Toyota in 2009.