Toyota Australia is set to join the Repco Supercars Championship in 2026.
The company will field a minimum of four GEN3 GR Supras. Two will be run by Toyota’s homologation team partner Walkinshaw Andretti United (WAU) with Supercars drivers Chaz Mostert and Ryan Wood behind the wheel.
The company says it has already begun initial design work on the GR Supra race car through its own in-house design team, based at Altona.
The GR Supra will use Toyota’s 2UR-GSE all-aluminium, quad-cam V8, that has featured in a range of performance production cars as well as the 2019 Dakar-winning HiLux, as its baseline engine.
Toyota is committed to racing in the Supercars Championship for five years.
Repco Supercars Championship CEO Shane Howard said he welcomed Toyota’s announcement that would bring a new level of competition to Australia’s premier motorsport category.
“This is an incredible honour, to welcome Toyota to the Repco Supercars Championship from 2026,” said Howard. “This is a landmark moment for Supercars, solidifying an iconic global automotive brand on our grid from 2026.”
Walkinshaw Andretti United (WAU) team directors Ryan Walkinshaw, Zak Brown and Michael Andretti said they were thrilled to partner with Toyota as its homologation team.
“To announce our future with Toyota Australia, as it enters the Supercars Championship from 2026, is a fantastic honour and privilege for everyone at Walkinshaw Andretti United,” said Walkinshaw, WAU Director.
“Toyota’s commitment to our team and to the sport is a historic moment, and one that shouldn’t be underestimated.
“We have developed a fantastic relationship with Toyota Australia through the Walkinshaw Group, and we are delighted to extend that partnership into Walkinshaw Andretti United – we can’t wait to share success together in 2026 and beyond.”
Further details on Toyota’s race car will be announced in due course.
Source: Motor Trader e-Magazine (October 2024)
10 October 2024