Participation of Non-U.S. Manufacturers
NASCAR's early history included several foreign manufacturers, such as Aston Martin, Austin-Healey, Citroën, Jaguar, MG, Morgan, Porsche, Renault, and Volkswagen. At a 1954 road race in Linden, New Jersey, Jaguar cars finished first, fourth, fifth and sixth.
As a matter of policy, NASCAR restricted entry to American car makers from the 1960s until 2004, when Toyota was allowed to enter the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series with the Toyota Tundra. The restriction was relaxed in recognition of the fact that the Tundra, while Japanese in origin, is built in the United States. Commentators have also noted that the "American" cars are often built or assembled in Canada and Mexico. As of the 2013 season, only the Toyota Camry is assembled in the United States, with the Ford Fusion being produced in Mexico, and the Chevrolet SS in Australia. Some fans have complained about the entry of a foreign manufacturer into what is perceived as an American sport, while drivers and owners have expressed concern that Toyota's deep pockets, and stated willingness to spend, may increase costs for other teams as well. Also, since NASCAR vehicles are only painted to look like production cars and are team-built, the "American-built" regulation can be considered obsolete.
NASCAR announced in 2006 the addition of Toyota to both the Busch Series and NEXTEL Cup Series for the 2007 season. Toyota supported three Cup teams in a total of seven cars in 2007. As of the 2012 season, drivers that compete in the Toyota Camry include the Joe Gibbs Racing trio of Kyle Busch, Denny Hamlin, and Joey Logano, as well as Mark Martin, David Reutimann, Martin Truex Jr., Bobby Labonte, and Michael Waltrip.
Four Camrys qualified for and ran in the 2007 Daytona 500, becoming the first foreign make to compete in a Sprint Cup race since the British-made MG in 1962. However, Toyota's debut was marred by a cheating scandal involving owner/driver Michael Waltrip.
It should also be noted Dodge, and its parent company Chrysler, were owned by Daimler-Benz, a German company, during the period in question when Toyota entered the fray, and is currently held by Fiat, an Italian company. Chrysler Corporation is now majority owned by Fiat at 52% ownership. Additionally, China has partial ownership in General Motors who derives a great deal of profit from selling cars made in China to local nationals and to other countries like India. It is estimated the Chinese government owns as much as 16% of General Motors stock.
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