“It’s Not Our Responsibility” – Toyota Boss Explains Refusal to “Become Puppeteers” in Kyle Busch NASCAR Saga

Toyota and Kyle Busch have been good friends. Busch has been driving their cars for 15 years in Joe Gibbs Racing, and had also reached out to them for his truck series team. So, it made the fans wonder- why isn’t Toyota Racing Development financing the driver of the #18 car? It’s only logical, considering TRD’s role in his and his Truck Series team, Kyle Busch Motorsports’ career.

However, Toyota dropped a bombshell, declaring their unwillingness to sponsor Busch.

In a recent interview, Toyota Racing Development’s president and general manager, David Wilson, opened up about sponsoring Busch.

“We have a role to play in this sport, from the time we started racing here in 2007 in the Cup Series, we have respected this sport and the position and responsibility we have in this sport,” Wilson said. “And it’s not our responsibility to become puppeteers and own drivers or race teams.”

Clearly, TRD has no intention of sponsoring him. In fact, Wilson ever said that it’s not their responsibility.

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Wilson added, “Joe Gibbs Racing offers contracts to drivers. We do have personal services agreements with our drivers and that’s because they are our ambassadors but it’s not our role to backstop. That’s not what we do.”

It’s fascinating coming from the president of Toyota Racing Developing. Considering the fact that Kyle has been a part of that family for over 15 years makes it more interesting.

Fortunately, Wilson recognizes the bond the driver has with the company and wants to keep him. But for a completely different reason.

Here is why Toyota Racing Development doesn’t want to let Kyle Busch go

David Wilson said that they are trying their best to keep Busch as their driver. However, the reason for keeping him on the team might surprise you.

The TRD president added,  “This is not just an offensive consideration. I don’t want to race against a pissed off Kyle Busch. Wherever he lands, he is going to do some damage. As I’ve said before, it’s been a lot of heavy lifting and that hasn’t changed.”

It seems Wilson is more worried about making Kyle angry if they let him go, and having him race against the other TRD drivers.

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But what will happen next? Will Toyota eventually have to sponsor Busch? Or, he will go to another team?