Ranking Toyota's 2007 NASCAR Roster

Posted by Jeremy Dunn Aug 31, 2006

Toyota has added Jeremy Mayfield to their 2007 NASCAR Nextel Cup roster along with Dale Jarrett, Michael Waltrip, Brian Vickers, and Dave Blaney.

Whenever a brand new manufacturer enters into the sport of NASCAR, struggles are expected. Five years after Daimler Chrysler brought Dodge back into NASCAR, they have yet to really catch up with Chevrolet and Ford.

With incredibly deep pockets, Toyota may not have to undergo the same growing pains as Dodge.

Here's a quick look at Toyota's five drivers that are locked in for 2007.

1. Dale Jarrett: What can you say? Jarrett is a NASCAR champion, so naturally he is expected to carry the Toyota banner. If any Toyota driver is going to grace victory lane in 2007, it will likely be Jarrett. Jarrett will drive Toyota Camry's fielded by Michael Waltrip Racing.

2. Jeremy Mayfield: After his bitter divorce from Evernham Motorsports, Mayfield will embark on a new venture with Bill Davis Racing and Toyota. Mayfield has won two races since 2004, and qualified for the NASCAR Nextel Cup Chase for the Championship in both 2004 and 2005. Mayfield will become the #1 guy at Bill Davis Racing, and with factory support, the organization will improve as a whole.

3. Brian Vickers: While Jarrett and Mayfield become the veteran faces of Toyota, Vickers will be the future of Toyota. After an unsuccessful stint with Hendrick Motorsports, Vickers' move to the newly formed Red Bull Racing is a risk. This is new team with a new manufacturer.

4. Michael Waltrip: Waltrip will tackle the role as driver/owner, which will observably be an arduous task. And just because your name is plastered on the building doesn't mean you'll be the top dog, just ask Kyle Petty. Waltrip may have some solid runs, but if I was to bet on any Toyota driver in 2007, it would be Jarrett or Mayfield.

5. Dave Blaney: Blaney could be the darkhorse of the Toyota camp. Remember in 2001, no one expected Sterling Marlin to carry the Dodge banner. He won twice that season, and twice more a year later.

Michael Waltrip Racing and Red Bull Racing still have a seat to fill, and it's possible that Bill Davis Racing could add another driver, at least part-time.

Bill Elliott?

Ricky Rudd?

Ward Burton?

David Reutimann?

Bill Lester?

email the author: autoracing@suite101.com