HOF Racing switching to Toyota

UPDATE This rumor is upgraded to 'fact' today. Hall of Fame Racing (HoFR) officials announced today at Phoenix International Raceway that the team will partner with Toyota and Toyota Racing Development (TRD) in the 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. J.J. Yeley will drive the #96 DLP HDTV Toyota Camry in 2008 for HoFR, and the team will continue their strategic alliance with Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) – leasing engines and receiving manufacturing support from JGR. "I've had the good fortune of working with Toyota in the past. Toyota is an industry leading company and an exceptional partner who is committed to winning," said Tom Garfinkel, owner of HoFR. "We're also thrilled to continue our relationship with Joe Gibbs Racing – a first-class organization who has been supportive of us from day one." Yeley's first appearance in a Toyota in Sprint Cup competition will come in the Feb. 9 Budweiser Shootout at Daytona International Speedway. Yeley earned his way into the non-points paying event via his first career Cup pole on June 15, 2007 at Michigan International Speedway. Hall of Fame Racing PR

11/03/07 Expect an announcement from Hall of Fame Racing in the next seven to 10 days that it is switching to Toyota for 2008, sources said. HOF is a satellite outfit to Joe Gibbs Racing, which already has confirmed that it will move next year. The team will add a second full-time Spring Cup car in 2009 for 19-year-old phenom Blake Coleman. J.J. Yeley will drive for HOF next season, with Coleman doing as many as seven Cup races in 2008. Ford Racing