In the current playoff format, success at Phoenix demands either victory or strong performance coupled with leading laps, a criterion where Toyota had previously struggled.
Over the past two years encompassing four races, Toyota drivers managed a mere 15 laps led, while Chevrolet and Ford drivers claimed victory in the last two Phoenix races, respectively.
However, Sunday marked a significant turnaround as Toyota not only secured victory with a commanding performance from Bell and the No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing team but also collectively led all but 14 of the 312 laps in the race.
David Wilson, President of Toyota Racing Development, emphasized the significance of this victory for Toyota, attributing it to the collaborative efforts of the Joe Gibbs organization, TRD USA, and Calty Design in developing the new Camry body. Wilson remarked, “For Toyota, this was a momentous win.
This was the first win with our new Camry body.” He underscored the importance of maintaining composure despite success, emphasizing the need to stay grounded in the face of future challenges.
The debut of NASCAR’s new short track/road course aero package and Phoenix’s hosting of the championship race in November added weight to Toyota’s triumph.
With Toyota drivers securing five of the top 10 finishing positions and dominating nearly every lap, Sunday’s outcome augurs well for the manufacturer in the upcoming championship race and with the new aero package.
Bell’s victory secured his spot in the 2024 playoffs, further highlighting Toyota’s competitive edge. With five other Toyota drivers in the top 16 series standings, the manufacturer’s strong performance underscores its potential for continued success.
Reflecting on the collaborative effort behind the new Camry body, Wilson emphasized the importance of talent behind the steering wheel and effective teamwork in translating theoretical advantages into on-track success.
While optimistic about Toyota’s performance thus far, Wilson remained cautious, acknowledging the need for further evaluation across different track types to accurately gauge Toyota’s competitive standing in the season ahead.
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