Toyota, one of the leading automotive manufacturers in the world, has made a groundbreaking announcement that is set to shake up the Supercars racing scene. The company revealed on Wednesday that it will be entering the Supercars grid in 2026, partnering with Walkinshaw Andretti United to race the GR Supra in the series. This move marks a significant shift in the landscape of Australian motorsport, as Toyota makes its long-awaited debut in the prestigious championship.
The Partnership with Walkinshaw Andretti United
Toyota’s decision to team up with Walkinshaw Andretti United, a powerhouse in the Supercars arena, demonstrates their commitment to success in the series. The partnership will see four GR Supras on the grid, with two cars racing under the banner of WAU. Currently running a pair of Ford Mustangs for drivers Chaz Mostert and Ryan Wood, WAU is a well-established team with a proven track record of success in the Supercars Championship.
The collaboration between Toyota and WAU is a strategic move that showcases the strength of both entities. The WAU team, led by director Ryan Walkinshaw, expressed their excitement about the partnership, highlighting the shared commitment to excellence and success on the racetrack. The alignment of values between Toyota and WAU sets the stage for a formidable partnership that is sure to make waves in the Supercars community.
Toyota’s Commitment to Supercars
As the long-time market leader in Australia, Toyota has made a bold five-year commitment to the Supercars category. This means that fans can expect to see the GR Supra competing against a grid of Mustangs and Chevrolet Camaros until at least 2030. This long-term commitment underscores Toyota’s dedication to the sport and their confidence in the potential for success in the Supercars Championship.
Development of the new GR Supra race car is already underway at Toyota Australia’s Melbourne base. The vehicle will feature an engine based on the 2UR-GSE, an all-aluminum, quad-cam V8, setting it apart from the in-line six-cylinder motor found in the road-going Supra models. This engine upgrade signifies Toyota’s commitment to performance and innovation, as they aim to deliver a competitive and powerful race car for the Supercars grid.
Toyota Australia Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Sean Hanley, expressed the company’s enthusiasm for entering the Supercars Championship. Hanley highlighted the significance of this momentous occasion, noting that Toyota’s participation in the series will provide a platform to showcase the brand’s performance and excitement to a wide audience of passionate fans. The entry of Toyota into the Supercars Championship marks a historic milestone for the company and the motorsport community as a whole.
Expanding the Supercars Grid
The addition of Toyota to the Supercars grid will bring a fresh dynamic to the championship, as the series welcomes a new manufacturer for the first time in several years. With the inclusion of the GR Supra, Supercars will see more diversity in the lineup, adding to the excitement and competition on the racetrack. This move aligns with Supercars CEO Shane Howard’s vision for the championship, as he expressed his admiration for Toyota’s decision to join the series, calling it “an incredible honour.”
In the past, Supercars has seen various manufacturers enter the grid, including Volvo, Nissan, and Mercedes-Benz. These partnerships have added to the richness and diversity of the championship, showcasing a wide range of car brands and models on the racetrack. Toyota’s entry into the series further solidifies Supercars as a premier motorsport competition, attracting top-tier manufacturers and teams to compete at the highest level.
The introduction of Toyota to the Supercars Championship also reflects the company’s existing involvement in Australian motorsport. Toyota currently participates in the Toyota GR Cup Australia one-make series, featuring large grids of 86 sportscars. Additionally, Toyota competes in the Australian Rally Championship with Neal Bates Motorsport, further demonstrating their commitment to motorsport excellence and performance.
In conclusion, Toyota’s announcement of its entry into the Supercars Championship in 2026 marks a significant milestone in the world of Australian motorsport. The partnership with Walkinshaw Andretti United, the development of the GR Supra race car, and the company’s long-term commitment to the series all point to an exciting future for Toyota in the Supercars arena. As fans eagerly await the debut of the GR Supra on the grid, the stage is set for an exhilarating new chapter in the world of Supercars racing.