A Strategy Built on Teamwork
Brad Keselowski, co‑owner of RFK Racing, recently told reporters that Toyota’s early dominance in the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series is rooted in its organizational philosophy rather than raw horsepower or aerodynamic tweaks.
Through the first 18 races, Toyota teams have captured 11 victories, with Joe Gibbs Racing and 23XI Racing at the forefront of that surge.
Keselowski says the secret lies in the way Toyota encourages its leading teams to share information and develop solutions together, a stark contrast to the more isolated approaches of Ford and Chevrolet.
Denny Hamlin, driver for 23XI Racing, explained that his team pays Joe Gibbs Racing for technical support, describing the relationship as a business partnership that fuels on‑track performance.
The veteran driver then issued a direct challenge to Ford and its leadership, urging them to match the collaborative model that Toyota has cultivated across its championship‑contending outfits.