Posted: 26/09/2024
Toyota Australia is gearing up for an exhilarating chapter in motorsport history, announcing its entry into the Repco Supercars Championship in 2026 with the highly anticipated GR Supra. This marks Toyota’s first venture into Australia’s premier motorsport category, and it’s set to be a game-changer.
GR Supra: Ready to Roar
Toyota will field a minimum of four GEN3 GR Supras, with two of these power-packed vehicles run by Toyota’s homologation team partner, Walkinshaw Andretti United. Supercars drivers Chaz Mostert and Ryan Wood will be behind the wheel, showcasing the GR Supra's incredible performance on the track.
This entry represents a significant leap in Toyota’s dedication to Australian motorsport, complementing its existing TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Australia (TGRA) programs, including the Scholarship Series, GR CUP, and the TGRA Rally Team that currently dominates the Australian Rally Championship.
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A Dream Come True for Toyota Australia
Toyota Australia’s Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations, Sean Hanley, expressed the company’s excitement, saying this move is a "dream come true" and an excellent opportunity to showcase Toyota's GR performance cars. Hanley highlighted that Toyota has been considering entering Supercars for over 20 years, and now with the perfect car, team, and partnership with the Repco Supercars Championship, the timing is ideal.
“We’ve been toying with the idea of competing in Supercars for more than 20 years, and now with the right car, the right team, and a very strong partnership with the Repco Supercars Championship, the time is definitely right,” said Mr. Hanley. “This is truly a historic moment!”
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Supporting Emerging Motorsport Talent
Toyota’s participation in the Supercars Championship is more than just about competing; it’s about fostering talent and creating a career pathway for drivers and teams. The brand has long been involved in grassroots motorsport through its one-make Toyota 86 Series, which has produced top-tier drivers now racing in Supercars. By joining the Supercars Championship, Toyota reinforces its commitment to nurturing Australian motorsport talent from entry-level racing all the way to the top tier.
A New Level of Competition for Supercars
The announcement of Toyota’s entry has been welcomed by Repco Supercars Championship CEO Shane Howard, who sees it as a landmark moment that will bring a new level of excitement to the sport. “It’s a testament to the immense popularity and international appeal of our sport that a powerhouse like Toyota has chosen to join our grid,” said Howard.
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Partnership with Walkinshaw Andretti United
As Toyota’s homologation team, Walkinshaw Andretti United (WAU) is excited to partner with Toyota and build on their already strong relationship. The team brings a wealth of experience with 7 Bathurst 1000 wins, 6 Drivers Championships, and 191 Championship race wins. This collaboration promises to bring fierce competition and thrilling performances on the track.
Ryan Walkinshaw, Director of WAU, said, “Toyota’s commitment to our team and to the sport is a historic moment, and one that shouldn’t be underestimated. We are delighted to extend that partnership into Walkinshaw Andretti United – we can’t wait to share success together in 2026 and beyond.”
The GR Supra Racecar: A Technical Marvel
Toyota’s design team is already hard at work developing the GR Supra racecar, using cutting-edge CAD and VR technology to create a masterpiece. The car will be powered by the legendary 2UR-GSE all-aluminum, quad-cam V8 engine, offering the power and performance that the Supercars Championship demands.
A Five-Year Commitment to Supercars
Toyota is committed to racing in the Supercars Championship for the next five years, emphasizing its dedication to Australian motorsport. This move allows Toyota to continue its tradition of learning from motorsport to develop its GR performance road cars, such as the GR86, GR Yaris, GR Corolla, and GR Supra.
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A Legacy in Australian Motorsport
Toyota has a rich history in Australian motorsport dating back to 1957 when a Toyopet Crown competed in the Mobilgas Rally. Over the decades, Toyota has been a dominant force in various racing series, including the Australian Touring Car Championship and the Australian Rally Championship. Now, with the introduction of the GR Supra to the Supercars Championship, Toyota continues to solidify its legacy in Australian motorsport.
What’s Next?
As Toyota prepares to enter the Supercars Championship, fans can expect thrilling racing action, a commitment to fostering local talent, and a continuation of Toyota’s journey to be a driving force in Australian motorsport. The GR Supra’s entry is sure to ignite the track, and motorsport enthusiasts across the country can’t wait to see this legendary brand take on the competition in 2026.
Keep an eye out for more updates as Toyota gears up to make history once again, taking its place on the Supercars grid and racing towards victory!