Toyota behind UPS move to Waltrip team

Rumor in the NASCAR paddock says that Toyota made some business promises to UPS, which is what lured them away from the Ford team of Robert Yates to Michael Waltrip's new Toyota Cup team. If true, this is another example of how the Japanese use financial deals to dominate the racing scene, whether it be by hiring the best engineers, best drivers or the best teams.

Yates admits his team's performance didn't help keep UPS. A UPS official, though, said it was more than performance that led the world's largest package delivery company to sign a two-year deal with Waltrip that could be extended beyond that.

Patrick Guilbert, vice president of sponsorships and events for UPS, says that business relationships swayed the decision to follow Jarrett. Guilbert says this move gives UPS the best opportunity to grow. Guilbert spoke more about business opportunities than performance issues during Friday's announcement.

Either way, the sponsor will leave after next season and Yates must find an additional $15 million per year.