Both Michael Waltrip Racing and Joe Gibbs Racing have addressed the engine problems that the teams are experiencing this season. On June 21, they admitted that there was a concern with the Toyota engines, but the car manufacturer has responded with a statement of being surprised about the issues. As teams prepare for the next races, I think that Toyota Racing Development (TRD), the company responsible for the engines, needs to focus on finding the problems instead of shifting the blame.
The Engines
Michael Waltrip Racing and Joe Gibbs Racing are using Toyota engines built by TRD for the 2012 NASCAR season. At the Quicken Loans 400 on June 17, Joe Gibbs Racing experienced their most recent engine problems with Kyle Busch and Denny Hamlin affected during the race. Hamlin's car was engulfed in flames, but fortunately no one was hurt. Michael Waltrip Racing's Mark Martin has also experienced engine problems this season.
The engine issues seem to be an ongoing dilemma for the teams. Kyle Busch has been forced into the garage during the last three races because of his engine. Mark Martin has also experienced three separate issues with his engine in 2012. The teams have not revealed the specific details of the ongoing engine failures, and Toyota Racing Development is also keeping quiet.
Finally Addressing the Problems
After multiple engine problems, Michael Waltrip Racing and Joe Gibbs Racing are finally admitting that there are issues with the Toyota engines and are actively working on resolving them. Toyota Racing Development has also made a statement about the engines. TRD has mentioned that the problems are a "surprise" and that multiple tests were performed prior to the start of the 2012 season.
The most disturbing part of TRD's recent statement seems to imply that the company is just starting to make adjustments. A representative from the company stated, "Now we'll make some adjustments to get things under control." The cars of Busch and Martin have exhibited engine problems throughout this season, but TRD may not have been actively searching for a solution. It seems that Denny Hamlin's incident may have provided the impetus for change.
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Growing up in Indiana, Lana developed a love for motorsports at an early age. She follows NASCAR, IndyCar and Formula One. Follow @Lana_Bandoim on Twitter.
