There's been plenty of discussion in the comment sections, and a few of you have written in to inquire more about, so I'd figure I'd try to paint a clear picture in the muddied waters of NASCAR engines.So is Toyota really at an advantage this season?
Well, yeah.
They've got Kyle Busch. What more do you need to know?
In all seriousness, though, sources across the garage area are saying that Toyota's Nationwide Series package -- no word on the Sprint Cup package -- has given the manufacturer at least a 20 horsepower advantage.
20 doesn't sound like a bunch, but when you consider the rule changes that the Nationwide Series received in 2008 that robbed the cars of horsepower, it becomes a bigger influence. I'm not smart enough to know what kind of speed difference that results in, but I do know that it makes a difference and can give teams more play in how they make the downforce package work on their car.
This whole "Toyota Has More Than Thou" sentiment hasn't just bubbled up, either. Back in March, Kevin Harvick and Jack Roush -- both owners in the Nationwide Series -- stated the same thing that we're hearing now from Clint Bowyer's crew chief: Toyota has at least 20 more ponies under the hood than everyone else.
