JTG Daugherty considering manufacturer change

A less pressing dilemma, but with greater ramifications, is which manufacturer #47-JTG Daugherty Racing will align with in 2014. When the company shared a technical alliance with Michael Waltrip Racing the first two seasons with Marcos Ambrose behind the wheel and Toyota Racing Development engines, the team finished 18th in 2009 and 26th in 2010. Labonte was 29th in the standings the following year and 23rd in 2012. But this year, the JTGD is 30th in the owner standings. As a single-car operation, JTGD has struggled to be a top-20 competitor.

Co-owner Brad Daugherty said that, for now, the organization is "working to get the most that we can out of our Toyota relationship" but has not decided whether to stay the course with that brand and the Triad engines or become a technical partner of Richard Childress Racing and Chevy. Furniture Row Racing, another single-car operation that also shares a similar association with RCR, is enjoying its best season since the team began running full time in 2008.

"We'd like nothing more than to have a relationship opportunity with Toyota," Daugherty said. "But as we look at our entire program, we're looking at every aspect of it and trying to see what will benefit us. We're going to be selfish with that as we get into next year to see what gives us the best opportunity to be competitive. We haven't decided that 100 percent. Right now we're committed to Toyota to get through this season and give them our best effort. Hopefully, they will as well. We expect them to and they have." Fox Sports