Hall of Fame Racing will run Toyota next season

AVONDALE, Ariz. -- Hall of Fame Racing officials on Friday announced that the team will partner with Toyota and Toyota Racing Development in the 2008 Sprint Cup Series.

J.J. Yeley will drive the No. 96 Toyota, and the team will continue its alliance with Joe Gibbs Racing -- leasing engines and receiving manufacturing support from JGR.

"I've had the good fortune of working with Toyota in the past. Toyota is an industry leading company and an exceptional partner who is committed to winning," said Tom Garfinkel, owner of Hall of Fame Racing. "We're also thrilled to continue our relationship with Joe Gibbs Racing -- a first-class organization who has been supportive of us from day one."

"Toyota has had great success in all forms of motorsports and we look forward to building a long-term partnership with them," team owner Jeff Moorad said. "We also want to thank General Motors for their tremendous support throughout the last two years. Without GM's help, Hall of Fame Racing would not be where it is today. They have been a great partner."

"Hall of Fame Racing has a great platform for success with Jeff and Tom as owners and J.J. behind the wheel," said Lee White, Senior Vice President of TRD. "They're committed to building a great organization and are allocating resources in the right areas to achieve that goal."

Yeley's first appearance in a Toyota in Sprint Cup competition will come in the Feb. 9 Budweiser Shootout at Daytona. Yeley earned his way into the non-points paying event via his first career Cup pole on June 15, 2007, at Michigan.