Toyota to be a Sponsor in Auto Racing's Cup Series

For the first time, when the checkered flags of the 2007 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series season are waved next February with the Daytona 500, Toyota's engines will be revving.

Racing teams Bill Davis Racing, Michael Waltrip Racing and Team Red Bull will be speeding around racetracks in the automaker's Camrys in celebration of Toyota's 50th anniversary in America.

Toyota began sponsoring NASCAR teams in the 2000 Goody's Dash Series and for the past two years has been a participant in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. In addition to the Nextel Cup Series, Toyota will enter the Busch Series next season and continue to compete in the Craftsman Truck Series.

"The response to Toyota's involvement in the Craftsman Truck Series has been very positive, and we look forward to building on that acceptance at the next levels—in both Nextel Cup and Busch racing," said Kim McCullough, a spokesperson for Toyota Motorsports, in a statement.

Bill Davis Racing has been a regular competitor in the NASCAR Cup Series since 1993, while Michael Waltrip Racing has primarily been involved in the Busch Series. Team Red Bull is new to NASCAR Nextel Cup, although the company has been heavily involved in worldwide motorsports.

"Based on our motorsports experience, we know the importance of working with experienced teams and partners," said Jim Aust, VP of Toyota Motorsports and president and CEO of Toyota Racing Development USA, in a statement.