Toyota execs support Waltrip through crisis (cont'd)

"Depending on what [the] outcome [of NASCAR's initial investigation] is obviously we will have some further discussions with that team and decide what our relationship is going to be in the future," White said.

After NASCAR's verdict was handed down, Aust's written statement seemed like another proverbial shot fired across Waltrip's bow.

"We are very disappointed and concerned in the events that have happened over the past few days," the statement said. "These activities have been a distraction to our main goal this weekend, which is to compete in our first Daytona 500.

"Toyota certainly does not condone actions such as these by any of our NASCAR team partners. Toyota is a company that was built on integrity, and that remains one of the guiding principles of the company.

"We want to compete, we want to win races and we want to challenge for championships -- all while following the rules."

A couple hours after being informed of NASCAR's decision, Waltrip issued a statement that disassociated himself and his organization, not from personal responsibility, but from any knowledge of the act.

"This is not the action of an organization, a manufacturer or a sponsor -- this was an independent act done without consent or authorization from me or any of my executive management team," Waltrip said in the statement. "As an owner, I realize I am ultimately held responsible for the actions of my employees, therefore I accept the penalties issued [Wednesday] by NASCAR."

Aust said any appeals of the penalties or decisions to terminate employees were Michael Waltrip Racing's responsibility. Thursday morning, Waltrip said he would wait for the investigation to play out before he made that decision.

"In the past 12 months, Michael Waltrip Racing has hired more than 150 people and we currently employ more than 200," Waltrip said. "Although we have grown at an accelerated pace, it has been our mission to hire people with high moral value and character to properly represent our sponsors and our ownership.

"During preparations for the 2007 season and especially the 2007 Daytona 500, I specifically requested that our competition teams not disrespect NASCAR, our competitors or our sponsors by blatantly circumventing the rules.

"I respect NASCAR's rules, its people and the sport's integrity, which is why I am so sad and embarrassed. I am dedicated to get to the bottom of this because I will not let the independent act of an individual or individuals tarnish the incredible accomplishment my organization has made to be where we are today."

Waltrip in a Thursday morning news conference said he had considered withdrawing his No. 55 Camry from the day's Gatorade Duel qualifying race for the Daytona 500, but declined. Waltrip later raced his way into his 21st consecutive 500 by finishing ninth in his race, the first go-or-go-home driver.

He also fields Nextel Cup Camrys for Dale Jarrett, who is a guaranteed starter thanks to his past champion status, and rookie David Reutimann; a Camry in the Busch Series for Reutimann; and a Toyota Tundra in the Craftsman Truck Series for Tyler Walker.

Waltrip was extremely contrite in his morning briefing and expressed the same concern in his statement Wednesday night.

"I want to apologize to the other owners," Waltrip said, "who know how hard I've worked to get here in such a short period of time, NASCAR, Toyota, NAPA, all my sponsors, the drivers and especially the fans."