In Toyota’s young tenure in NASCAR, much of the hype has centered on Joe Gibbs Racing. But there’s more power within the Toyota ranks, and it rests within Brian Vickers in the No. 83 car at Red Bull Motorsports.

In 2007, Toyota’s first year in the Cup Series, Vickers and the rest of Toyota’s crop of drivers had their tough times. In the midst of that, however, Vickers did show some bright spots, stringing together a top five and five top tens.

Steady progress came a year later with Vickers first pole at Red Bull, three top fives and six top tens.

That progress took another big step in 2009. Vickers became a regular threat on qualifying day, winning six poles. That effort carried over to race day to the tune of 14 top tens, four top fives, just five DNFs and Vickers’ first victory with Toyota at Michigan Speedway in August. Vickers season translated into a strong enough effort to earn his first berth in the Chase for the Championship.

Although Vickers’ showing in The Chase was not what he and the No. 83 team likely were hoping for, it gives Vickers an extra boost heading into 2010 and also raises the team’s expectations.