GR Supra To Compete In 2026 Repco Supercars Championship With Toyota

Published: Friday, September 20, 2024, 15:00 [IST]

Toyota Australia is set to join the 2026 Repco Supercars Championship with its GR Supra, marking a notable expansion in its motorsport ventures both locally and globally. The company has committed to participating for five years, joining Ford and Chevrolet in the Gen3 era of Supercars. This move is an extension of Toyota's dedication to Australian motorsport, which includes grassroots series like the Toyota GAZOO Racing Australia (TGRA) Scholarship Series and GR Cup.

Development of the GR Supra Supercar

The GR Supra Supercar is being developed by Toyota Australia's design team at Altona using CAD and VR technology. A scale clay model has been unveiled, showcasing the progress in its design. The car will be powered by the 2UR-GSE all-aluminium, quad-cam V8 engine, known from performance production cars and the 2019 Dakar-winning HiLux. This aligns with Toyota's GR (Gazoo Racing) performance division, which includes models like the GR86, GR Yaris, GR Corolla, and GR Supra.

Toyota's involvement in motorsports extends worldwide, with achievements in the World Endurance Championship, World Rally Championship, and NASCAR. In Australia, Toyota sponsors various sports teams and events, strengthening its presence in the country's sporting scene. Sean Hanley, Vice President Sales, Marketing, and Franchise Operations at Toyota Australia, described this entry into Supercars as an "historic moment" for the brand.

Partnership with Walkinshaw Andretti United

Walkinshaw Andretti United (WAU) has been chosen as Toyota's homologation team for this initiative. This partnership marks a significant milestone for WAU, which boasts a rich history in Australian motorsport as a former Holden factory team. Team Director Ryan Walkinshaw expressed excitement about collaborating with Toyota and highlighted the historic importance of this commitment to their team and the sport.

Supercars CEO Shane Howard welcomed Toyota to the championship. He noted that this move underscores the sport's immense popularity and international appeal. Howard emphasized that Toyota's entry adds a global automotive giant to the championship's lineup. This collaboration is expected to enhance competition within the Supercars Championship.

Toyota's participation in Supercars serves as a continuation of its support for Australian motorsport at all levels—from grassroots initiatives to professional racing circuits. Hanley highlighted how this venture allows Gazoo Racing to reach a broader audience while maintaining synergy between Toyota's GR brand and its motorsport activities.

This strategic move by Toyota not only strengthens its commitment to Australian motorsport but also reinforces its global presence in competitive racing events. By joining forces with established entities like WAU and entering prestigious championships like Supercars, Toyota aims to showcase its engineering prowess on an international stage while engaging fans across different regions effectively.