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Wow - it seems lately like everyone is jumping ship. Is it due to the economic downturn - or something else?

From the Formula One website:

Toyota will be absent from the grid next season after the team’s parent company announced its withdrawal from Formula One racing on Wednesday. The team had been competing since 2002.

“Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) announces it plans to withdraw from the FIA Formula One World Championship at the end of the 2009 season,” said a statement released by the Japanese car manufacturer.

“TMC, which had viewed its participation in F1 as contributing to the prosperity of automotive culture, remained dedicated to competing at the pinnacle of motor sports, even in the face of the abrupt economic changes that started last year.

“However, when considering TMC’s motor-sports activities next year and beyond from a comprehensive midterm viewpoint reflecting the current severe economic realities, TMC decided to withdraw from F1.”

Read more…

Last week we talked about all the drug/substance abuse violation suspensions in NASCAR in the 2009 season, and now we must discuss the high volume of rule violations in this series as well.

WHAT IS GOING ON?

Again I must ask, is NASCAR just becoming more diligent (while still turning a blind eye to blatant rules violations by “pet” drivers) or are these violations a sign of something bigger? As more teams outside the Toyota realm try to find ways to get wins, cheating is becoming more and more prevalent. Fans have expressed outrage at series forums and in online discussions about specific drivers and teams, demanding an investigation by NASCAR sanctioning staff, but no relief has come.

Until then we must be content to see violators punished and fined as we have in this week’s example. According to CarRacing.com: NASCAR announced that Michael Allen, crew chief for the No. 91 Chevrolet driven by Terry Cook in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, has been fined due to rule violations during this past Friday’s event at Darlington Raceway.

The infractions were discovered on May 7 during opening-day inspection.

An insightful article was posted earlier today at the USAToday.com website discussing the potential ramifications NASCAR might feel as a result of the troubles looming around the “Big 3″ - Chevy, Dodge and Ford. NASCAR is a big enough sport that it might be able to get by without direct support from the manufacturers - there’s a lot of money in the teams/sponsors to keep it afloat - the question is would the teams that drive Chevys, Dodges and Fords be able to keep up with the teams that drive a Toyota and are getting full support from their manufacturer. Anyone who watched the 2008 season and the way that Joe Gibbs Racing’s Toyotas seemingly “walked away” from the competition knows - those Toyota COTs are a concern already anyway.

From the USAToday.com article:

As the nation’s three largest automakers fight for survival, their uncertain future threatens a longstanding connection to another American staple: NASCAR. Ford, General Motors (through its Chevrolet division) and Chrysler (Dodge) made up roughly 75% of the cars in the field in the premier Cup circuit last season, and there are many questions about how much manufacturer support — a multilayered package of cash, technical support and parts — those teams will receive in 2009.

Chevy already announced plans in July to slice its motor sports spending (eliminating NASCAR track sponsorships), and Ford will end commitments next year to the lower-tier Camping World Truck and Nationwide series. Dodge is dialing back its teams (Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates’ two cars move to Chevy) and promotions. The cuts will reduce each company’s NASCAR outlays by at least 20%.

So… what do you think? Will the drop in Big 3 support and spending affect NASCAR - and will it affect all series in an obvious way in 2009? Or do you think these teams will be able to increase sponsor participation and keep up with the well-taken care of Toyotas? Sound off in our comments section - we would love to hear your .02!

Now, I wouldn’t necessarily race a Lexus - they are just pretty to look at - but you never know… some people will race ANYTHING! The all-new RX 350 and RX 450h will debut at the LA Auto Show - which, I might add is shaping up to really be a BIG DEAL this year. Two options here - 3rd generation RX 350 and the new RX 450h - the “h” stands for Hybrid.

At the heart of the new RX models are two improved powertrains. Entering its second generation, the RX 450h will feature an enhanced Lexus Hybrid Drive system with a 3.5-liter V6 gas engine that runs on a highly efficient Atkinson cycle. Combined with a new, more efficient inverter, the total system output will be 295 horsepower, 27 more horsepower than the current generation RX hybrid.

Both RX models feature a new, uniquely designed double-wishbone rear suspension that helps provide exceptional agility and control. Its distinctive design also allows for five percent more cargo volume and easier loading. To complement the new rear suspension and provide excellent dexterity and ride comfort, the front McPherson strut geometry was optimized.

The third generation RX 350 will be powered by an improved 275-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 engine mated to an electrically controlled, sequential-shift six-speed transaxle. The all-wheel-drive version will feature an Active Torque Control AWD system that optimizes torque depending on driving conditions, resulting in improved efficiency and performance.

You can find out more and get the FULL scoop at www.lexus.com.