TOYOTA MOTORSPORTS HISTORY

TOYOTA'S HISTORY IN AMERICA MOTORSPORTS

Since 1983, Toyota has worked diligently to become a strong competitor in American motorsports. To its credit, the manufacturer has amassed numerous victories in professional auto racing including winning the “greatest spectacle in racing”, in the 2003 Indianapolis 500 with Gil de Ferran. In addition to multiple victories in the Daytona 24 Hours and the 12 Hours of Sebring, the Pikes Peak Hill Climb and the Baja 500 and the Baja 1000, Toyota also has earned Manufacturer’s and Driver’s Championships in the Indy Racing League, NHRA, Grand-Am, CART, IMSA, SCORE, USAC, MTEG and CORR. To add to the list, Toyota earned its fifth consecutive NCWTS Manufacturer’s Championship and its third consecutive NNS Manufacturer’s Championship that same year with Joe Gibbs Racing this past season.

One of Toyota’s first-ever factory-backed professional programs began in 1983, when the manufacturer joined forces with racing legend Dan Gurney and All American Racers (AAR) to run Celicas in IMSA road racing competition. Toyota earned 24 victories in IMSA GTU and GTO competition from 1983 to 1998, and became the first Japanese nameplate to win the GTO Manufacturer’s and Driver’s Championships in 1987. Toyota and AAR moved up the IMSA ladder once again in 1989 to the GTP class, the elite level of American road racing. The factory-backed team captured seven wins over the 1990 and 1991 seasons, serving notice to the competition that Toyota and its American-built Eagle GTP cars were strong contenders.

The team’s success continued in the early 1990s with victories at the 12 Hours of Sebring (twice), the 24 Hours of Daytona and manufacturer titles in 1992 and 1993. The team holds the all-time record for consecutive GTP victories with 17, and won 19 of its last 21 races.

In 1983, the same year the relationship with Gurney began, Toyota also joined efforts with Precision Preparation, Inc. (PPI) and team owner Cal Wells III to build Toyota trucks for off-road and stadium competition. From 1983 to 1994, the Toyota/PPI team dominated the Mickey Thompson Off-Road Stadium Series, earning 11 Manufacturer’s Championships and nine Driver’s Championships with Ivan “Ironman” Stewart and Rod Millen accounting for three each, brother Steve Millen for two and Robby Gordon for one. Stewart also navigated the team through the desert to garner 27 wins and seven championships in the SCORE Desert Series.

Toyota’s motorsports involvement grew to new heights in 1996 when Toyota entered CART (Champ Car) competition. The manufacturer earned its first victory in 2000 at Milwaukee with Juan Montoya and went on to win five races that season, followed by six wins in 2001. The program peaked in 2002 as Toyota drivers dominated the series, finishing one-two in the championship and leading the series in every major category as Cristiano da Matta earned Toyota’s first major open-wheel Driver’s Championship. Overall, Toyota-powered Champ Cars won a series-high 21 races over their final three seasons of competition.

With the introduction of its V-6 Celica Goody’s Dash program, Toyota made its debut into the NASCAR ranks in 2000. Robert Huffman helped make Toyota a legitimate contender for the series title by its second season, while placing second in the championship in both 2001 and 2002. In 2003, Huffman broke through to win the series title and become Toyota’s first-ever NASCAR champion.

In 2003, Toyota moved its open-wheel racing program to the Indy Racing League (IRL) where Scott Dixon won Toyota’s first IndyCar race at Homestead-Miami Speedway, as well as the series Driver’s Championship that same year. The victory was one of 11 for Toyota as it captured the IRL Manufacturer’s Championship. Over three seasons, Toyota-powered entries won 17 IndyCar Series races including the 2003 Indianapolis 500 with Gil de Ferran and 22 pole positions.

Collectively, Toyota-powered cars won 38 races and 44 pole positions in open-wheel racing competition from 1999 to 2005. The drivers that campaigned with Toyota power in open-wheel competition included past champions such as Montoya, Dixon, da Matta, Scott Pruett, Helio Castroneves, Sam Hornish Jr., de Ferran and Jimmy Vasser. Another chapter in Toyota’s motorsports history ended with the 2005 season, when Toyota concluded its participation as the title sponsor and sole engine supplier for the Toyota Atlantic Championship Series. Beginning with the inception of the program in 1989, TRD, U.S.A. (Toyota Racing Development) designed the 1.6L, 4-cylinder, 16-valve, twin-cam engine for the premier open-wheel training ground for some of auto racing’s most promising young drivers. Toyota Atlantic graduates have won three Indianapolis 500s, one Formula One world championship, four IRL series championships and two CART (Champ Car) crowns. Overall, no less than 17 Toyota Atlantic drivers have gone on to win in either Champ Car or IRL competition.

With respect to NASCAR in 2004, Toyota expanded its motorsports involvement and became the first new engine manufacturer to compete full-time in one of NASCAR’s top three levels of competition in more than 50 years, when it entered the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series – formerly the Craftsman Truck Series.

Although Toyota race cars and trucks compete in several major series, Toyota’s commitment to motorsports extends to the grassroots level. Through contingency sponsorship of amateur racing, Toyota embraces the competitive spirit that propels racers from entry levels to professional ranks. To add to the list of racing accomplishments, over the past 24 years, Toyota amateur racers have garnered 52 SCCA National Championships.

SPONSORSHIPS

Amidst the changing economic situation, sponsorships continue to be a vital component of auto racing and showcasing a diverse line-up of a manufacturer’s product. For Toyota, that means finding ways to continue to activate its sponsorships, while keeping spending in check.

“The current economic climate continues to force us to work with fewer dollars than in the past,” said Les Unger, Toyota national motorsports manager. “We’ll continue to selectively invest in sponsorships that provide us the opportunity to increase exposure for the Toyota brand. Nonetheless, we have to find effective ways to re-allocate our resources, while working closely with our dealers.”

For 2009, Toyota has added two new sponsorships as the “official vehicle” at both Chicagoland Speedway and the Martinsville Speedway. Both of those entitlements will run through 2011.

Toyota’s list of motorsports sponsorships will remain status quo for the 2011 season.ough no new sponsorships were added for 2010, Toyota added three new sponsorships in 2009 as the “official vehicle” at Chicagoland Speedway, Martinsville Speedway and New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

“Our sponsorships are made up of a balance between showcasing our events in major markets in Los Angeles, Chicago and San Francisco, as well as involvement at tracks that provide both great history and a fervent fan-base,” said Unger.

Toyota is the title sponsor for the fan-favored open-wheel signature event in Long Beach, Calif. (the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach), the NASCAR event in Sonoma (the Toyota/Save Mart 350), and the Toyota NASCAR All-Star Showdown in Irwindale, Calif. The manufacturer also serves as the Official Vehicle of Charlotte Motor Speedway in N.C.; Chicagoland Speedway, Martinsville Speedway in Martinsville, Va., New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Road America, in Elkhart Lake, Wis.; Watkins Glen International Raceway in Watkins Glen, N.Y.; Willow Springs Raceway in Rosamond, Calif.; and Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif.

“Official vehicle sponsorships provide us with a cost-effective opportunity to work hand-in-hand with our local dealerships to provide product displays at highly attended sports venues,” says Unger. “While we predominantly use Camrys, Rav4s and Highlanders as the track vehicles and Tundras for driver introduction parade laps, our “at-track” displays allow us to highlight our entire product line-up featuring the Camry Hybrid Pace Car.”

Of course in terms of sponsorship, it all starts right in Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A.’s own backyard with “The Roar On The Shore” — the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, where the company will celebrate its 37th year of involvement in 2011 and feature the third Southern California appearance of the “unified” IndyCar Series.

Dating back to the event’s inaugural running in 1975, where Toyota served as the pace car at the first event, the automaker’s presence in Long Beach has grown to include the event’s title sponsorship since 1980 and the popular 33rd annual Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race.

Also referred to as “the American Monaco,” the Toyota Grand Prix offers something for everyone — from the hard-core race enthusiast to the casual fan or people-watcher. Unique, though, is the glitz and glamour of Hollywood with the signature Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race that regularly attracts some of the biggest names in film, television, music, fashion and sports. The race also has raised over $1.5 million for local children’s hospitals throughout Southern California.

In 2005, Toyota and the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach reached an agreement to further extend the manufacturer’s title sponsorship through 2010.

While many think of sponsorships solely as an avenue to reach customers, Toyota has also taken the opportunity to use its sponsorships internally.

Toyota also continues a successful tradition of its annual “Motorsports Day,” featuring driver appearances both at Toyota headquarters in Torrance, Calif., as well as providing similar opportunities at its manufacturing facilities throughout the country.

“Racing is a great way to further business and bolster associate morale and teamwork,” said Unger. “We never want to forget that it’s our 35,000+ associates across the nation and more than 115,000 employees at our Toyota, Lexus and Scion dealerships that are integral to our success.”

SPONSORSHIP HISTORY

Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach 1975-2011
Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race 1977–2011
Toyota U.S. Grand Prix (N.Y.) 1978-1982
Toyota Grand Prix of Monterey 1989-1997
Toyota Atlantic Championship (Series) 1989-2005
Toyota Grand Prix of Miami 1992-1995

IMSA (INTERNATIONAL MOTOR SPORTS ASSOCIATION)
GTU (2.0L silhouette sedan) 1982-1985
GTO (2.1L turbo, silhouette sedan) 1986-1988
GTP (2.1L turbo prototype class) 1989-1993

OFF ROAD RACING
MTEG (Stadium Racing) 1983-1994
SCORE Desert Racing 1983-2000
CORR (Championship Off Road Racing) 1997-2008
WSORR (World Series of Off Road Racing) 2007
TORC (The Off-Road Championship Series) 2009-2011

PIKES PEAK INTERNATIONAL HILL CLIMB
Pikes Peak (2.1L turbo unlimited class) 1994-2000

CART (CHAMPIONSHIP AUTO RACING TEAMS)
Champ Car (2.65L turbo, open wheel) 1996-2002
Homestead-Miami Speedway Presenting Sponsorship 1996-2000
Nazareth Speedway Presenting Sponsorship 1997-2001
Michigan International Speedway Presenting Sponsorship 1997-2001
Auto Club Speedway Presenting Sponsorship 1997-2002

INDY RACING LEAGUE (IRL) INDYCAR SERIES
Toyota Indy 300 (Homestead-Miami Speedway) 2003-2006
Toyota Indy 400 (California Speedway) 2003-2005

NASCAR GOODY'S DASH SERIES
Celica (4.1L) 2000-2004

NASCAR
Toyota All-Star Showdown (Irwindale Speedway) 2003-2011
Toyota Tundra 200 (NCT - Nashville Superspeedway) 2004-2009
Toyota Tundra 200 (NCTS - Milwaukee Mile) 2006-2007
Toyota/Save Mart 350 (NNC - Infineon Raceway) 2007-2011

GRAND AMERICAN ROLEX SPORTS CAR
Lexus Daytona Prototype (4.35L) 2003-2009

NHRA DRAG RACING
Celica/Solara Funny Car 2002-2009
NHRA Top Fuel Dragsters 2009–2011

SPORT COMPACT (IMPORT) DRAG RACING
Celica/Solara (Pro FWD) 2002-2005 Celica (All Motor, Pro FWD) 2002-2005
Corolla (All Motor) 2005-2011
Scion (All Motor, Pro FWD, Pro RWD, Hot Rod) 2006-2011

USAC
Toyota Challenge 2006–2008
National Midget Series 2006-2011
National Sprint Car Series 2008-2010
Silver Crown Series 2008-2011
Western Midgets 2008-2011

OFFICIAL VEHICLE
Willow Springs 1982-2011
SCORE (International) 1983-1994
Road America 1996-2011
Nashville Superspeedway 2004-2009
Watkins Glen 2005-2011
Lowe's Motor Speedway 2006-2011
Infineon Raceway 2007-2011
Chicagoland Speedway 2008-2011
Martinsville Speedway 2009-2011

2010 EXECUTIVE BIOS

BOB CARTER
Group vice president and general manager of Toyota Division at Toyota Motor Sales, (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. Carter joined the organization in 1981 and has held numerous Toyota and Lexus positions. He currently oversees all sales, logistics and marketing activities for Toyota, Scion and Central Atlantic Toyota Distributors.

ED LAUKES
Corporate motorsports marketing manager for Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., since 2007, Laukes began his career with Toyota in 1989. Currently responsible for managing the motorsports marketing operations for the Toyota Division, including motorsports strategy, research and advertising. Laukes also oversees regional and at-track activation, public relations, mobile marketing programs, sponsorships, licensed merchandise and the NASCAR racing web site.

LES UNGER
National motorsports manager for Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., and an integral part of the motorsports department since 1984. Unger is responsible for all U.S. motorsports public relations and select sponsorship activities, including oversight of the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race. He also oversees the Motorsports Technical Group, as well as Fast Lane Racing School.

DONALD W. BROWN
National motorsports operations manager for Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. Brown oversees the business and financial elements of all Toyota motorsports programs and all non-NASCAR racing series evaluation including off-road, NHRA, and USAC.

ISAKA KANAZAWA
Senior executive coordinator for Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. and primary interface with Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) on various motorsports related programs and projects. Kanazawa joined Toyota in 1991 and currently oversees engineering and planning with TMC and Japanese vendors.

LEE WHITE
President and general manager of TRD, U.S.A., (Toyota Racing Development) White joined the organization in 1997. Currently oversees all day-to-day operations for TRD’s engine and chassis related responsibilities for USAC National Midget Silver Crown and Sprint Car Series, off-road, and the NASCAR Sprint Cup, NASCAR Nationwide and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series programs.

DAVID WILSON
Senior vice president of TRD, U.S.A., Wilson has been with the company since 1989 and is responsible for all of TRD’s day-to-day operations and activities. Also oversees TRD’s administration, engineering and manufacturing groups. Additionally, Wilson is responsible for the development of TRD’s strategic business plans, as well as coordination of strategy and budget with TMS motorsports marketing.

PETE SPENCE
Group vice president and technical director for TRD, U.S.A. who rejoined TRD in 2007 (previously with TRD from 1996–2004). Spence is responsible for establishing the technical direction for all of TRD’s engine and chassis development activities. Also oversees strategic support of TRD-sponsored race teams, as well as coordination of TRD interface with Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC).

ANDY GRAVES
Vice president of chassis engineering and Toyota NASCAR Sprint Cup Series program manager, Graves joined TRD, U.S.A., in September 2006. Primary responsibilities include all on-track chassis support relating to the Cup program including technical support, engine and chassis supply, and testing.

LAERTE ZATTA
Toyota’s NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and Nationwide Series senior program manager, Zatta joined TRD, U.S.A., in 2001 and is the primary contact for TRD-supported teams involved in both series. Also responsible for on-track engine and technical support, as well as testing and chassis coordination relating to both programs.

GARY REED
Vice president of Special Racing Projects (SRP) group for TRD, U.S.A., Reed has been with Toyota since 1986. Since moving to TRD in 1995, Reed currently oversees most non-NASCAR racing programs including off-road racing, SCCA, USAC Midget, Sprint Car and Silver Crown series, in addition to various special project assignments.

KEVIN KUCHTA
Joined TRD, U.S.A., in 1997 and is the current program and track support manager of Special Racing Projects group. Oversees various Toyota racing programs including off-road racing, USAC Midget, Silver Crown and Sprint Car Series.

TRD, U.S.A. (TOYOTA RACING DEVELOPMENT) HISTORY

From its humble beginnings as an aftermarket parts distributor and ‘speed shop’ in 1979, to one of the most accomplished and acclaimed engineering companies in motorsports, it’s been a meteoric and championship-filled story for TRD, U.S.A.

Since its inception in 1979, TRD has developed cutting-edge race engine technology for a wide range of motorsports activities. The unique in-house operation includes complete engine design, development and assembly, as well as production and development of engine component manufacturing. Additionally, with its entry into the sport of NASCAR, TRD has grown its vehicle engineering capabilities in its new North Carolina-based facility.

TRD engines contributed to five consecutive Manufacturer’s Championships (2006 – 2010) in the Camping World Truck Series and Driver’s Titles with Todd Bodine (2006 and 2010) and Johnny Benson (2008). Additional Driver’s titles won in 2008 attributable to TRD-built engines included Scott Pruett and Memo Rojas in the Grand-Am Daytona Prototype Championship, Jerry Coons, Jr. in the USAC Silver Crown Series and Nic Faas in the USAC Western Midget Series – the latter two becoming the first Toyota-powered drivers ever to win USAC championships.

TRD-designed engines were crucial in not only Busch’s record run, but also in securing the Manufacturer’s Championships with the Toyota Camry in the NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS) with 20 wins, and the Toyota Tundra in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) with 13 triumphs. In addition, Toyota Camrys earned 10 Sprint Cup wins in just its second full season of competition in NASCAR’s top series.

A TRD-built Lexus engine also made history in 2008 by winning its third consecutive Rolex 24 at Daytona with Chip Ganassi Racing. Scott Pruett, Juan Montoya, Memo Rojas and Dario Franchitti piloted the Daytona Prototype to victory. With the win, Ganassi became the first team to win three consecutive Rolex 24 races, while Lexus became just the second manufacturer in history to win three straight titles in the twice-around-the-clock endurance classic.

Within its state-of-the-art facility based in Costa Mesa, Calif., TRD engineers design, develop and produce the V8-powered Toyota Camry engines for the NASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series, as well as the V8-powered Toyota Tundra engines for the NCWTS. TRD also provides engines for most Toyota factory-backed U.S. racing efforts including the United States Auto Club (USAC) Silver Crown, and Midget Car Racing Series. Additionally, TRD formerly prepared the Lexus engines used in the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series, including the engines that earned six Daytona Prototype championships since Toyota originally entered the series in 2004.

No longer just an engine “engineering company”, TRD opened its chassis engineering facility in Salisbury, North Carolina in 2008. Over 40 TRD engineers, technicians, equipment operators, fabricators and administrators support Toyota’s NASCAR teams out of the new facility. Numerous high-tech chassis development tools and equipment, operated by TRD technicians and engineers, are utilized by Toyota’s NASCAR teams.

Established as a subsidiary of Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., TRD earned its place in motorsports history in 1992 and 1993 as TRD engines powered Dan Gurney’s All-American Racers to an IMSA GTP record 17 consecutive victories, back-to-back Manufacturer’s and Drivers Titles (Juan Manuel Fangio II) and victories in both the 1993 Rolex 24 at Daytona and the 1992 and 1993 Sebring 12 Hours.

After conquering the sports car world, TRD U.S.A., then tackled the challenges of open-wheel racing with Juan Montoya registering Toyota’s first Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART) victory behind the wheel of a TRD-powered Indy car at the Milwaukee Mile in June 2000. This significant win was the first by an American-designed and built engine in 20 years and contributed to the growth and reputation of TRD as a world-class race engine development facility.

After winning CART and IRL Manufacturer’s Titles in 2002 and 2003, TRD’s open-wheel reign culminated in Gil de Ferran’s win in the 2003 Indianapolis 500.

In partnership, TMS and TRD have earned other illustrious accomplishments in American racing history, including four Rolex 24 at Daytona victories, numerous Baja 500 and 1000 wins and Manufacturer’s Championships in NNS and NCWTS, as well as IRL, CART, IMSA, Grand-Am, MTEG, SCORE, CORR, WSORR and TORC competition.

From its original assignment in the U.S. to serve as an aftermarket performance parts distributor for TRD Japan, TRD, U.S.A., has since established itself as a world-class race engineering organization and grown to employ more than 200 highly skilled designers, engineers, engine builders, technicians, executives and administrative professionals.

TOYOTA MOTORSPORTS IN AMERICA - TIMELINE

1967
Toyota joins forces with Carroll Shelby to develop a race-modified Toyota 2000 GT for competition in the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) C-Production class.

1968
Scooter Patrick finishes second and Davey Jordan registers a fourth-place finish driving Toyota 2000 GTs in their U.S. racing debut at the Stardust International Raceway temporary street circuit in Las Vegas.

A Toyota 2000 GT from Shelby Racing records a victory in the Grand Prairie Grand Prix in Arkansas.

1974
Contingency awards are established for Toyota drivers in the SCCA and International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) road races, rallies and off road events.

1975
A Toyota Celica becomes the pace car at Riverside International Raceway.

The Toyota Celica GT Liftback becomes the “Official Pace Car” of the Long Beach Grand Prix, the inaugural Grand Prix event in Long Beach, Calif.

1977
Toyota begins sponsorship of the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race at the Long Beach Grand Prix, which pits professional drivers against celebrities.

1979
TRD, U.S.A. (Toyota Racing Development) is established in Southern California.

1980
Toyota becomes title sponsor of the Grand Prix in Long beach and the name of the open-wheel event changes to the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach.

1983
Toyota joins forces with Dan Gurney and All-American Racers (AAR) to field Celicas in professional road-racing competition. Gurney and AAR compete in the IMSA GTU “under-three-liter” category, winning 10 races in three years.

Toyota begins a partnership with Precision Preparation, Inc. (PPI) and team owner Cal Wells III to build Toyota trucks for desert and stadium off-road racing events.

Ivan “Ironman” Stewart and Steve Millen begin driving for Toyota in the Mickey Thompson Stadium Off Road Series (MTEG). In Toyota’s first season, Stewart captures the Driver’s Championship and helps Toyota win its first Manufacturer’s Championship.

1983-1994
Toyota and PPI dominate the Mickey Thompson Stadium Off Road series, earning 11 Manufacturer’s Championships and nine Driver’s Titles with Ivan “Ironman” Stewart (3), Rod Millen (3), Steve Millen (2) and a 19-year-old Robby Gordon (1). Stewart also scores 27 wins and seven championships in the SCORE International Off Road Desert Series, including 11 Baja 500 victories and one Baja 1000 win.

1984
Toyota and PPI debut two specially designed Toyota trucks for desert racing in the San Felipe 250.

1986
Toyota, Dan Gurney and All-American Racers (AAR) move to the IMSA GTO “over-three-liter” category with turbo-charged Celicas. The GTO Celicas capture 15 race wins between 1986 and 1988 with drivers Dennis Aase, Chris Cord and Willy T. Ribbs.

1986-2010
Toyota wins 52 SCCA National Championships in Club Racing (GT-2 = 8, GT-3 = 11, GT-4 = 3, GT-Lite = 1, G-Production = 1, C Sports Racing = 6, Showroom Stock B = 1, Showroom Stock C = 3, FA = 18).

1987
Toyota wins the IMSA GTO manufacturer’s and Driver’s Championships (Chris Cord).

1989
Toyota and AAR move up the IMSA ladder to the Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) class, the elite level of American road racing.

Toyota begins a successful relationship with the Atlantic Championship series by becoming the title sponsor of the Toyota Atlantic Championship. Toyota becomes the “official” engine supplier in this open-wheel training ground for promising young drivers. Toyota Atlantic alumni include Jimmy Vasser, Jacques Villeneuve, Sam Hornish Jr., Dan Wheldon and AJ Allmendinger.

Toyota becomes the official automotive sponsor of the sixth annual “One Lap of America” — a 10,000-mile, non-stop road rally around the United States.

1990
The Toyota/AAR GTP team wins four races and establishes four track-qualifying marks, using the American-built Eagle GTP chassis. The team’s success continues in the early 1990s, with victories in the 1992 and 1993 12 Hours of Sebring and the 1993 24 Hours of Daytona.

1992
Toyota wins the IMSA GTP Manufacturer’s Title and Driver’s Championship with Juan Manuel Fangio II.

1993
Toyota again wins the IMSA GTP Manufacturer’s Title and Driver’s Championship (Juan Manuel Fangio II). Toyota’s participation in the GTP series ends with the manufacturer holding records for the most overall GTP victories (26) and the most consecutive GTP wins (17).

1994
Toyota driver Rod Millen wins the “Unlimited” and “Overall” classes of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in a Celica Turbo GT. Millen goes on to claim four “Unlimited” class championships from 1996 to 2000 in a Celica Turbo GT and a Toyota Tacoma Race Truck.

1996
Toyota moves into open-wheel racing’s Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART) series with Dan Gurney’s All-American Racers (AAR) team and the Arciero Wells Racing team of Cal Wells III.

1997-2006
Toyota participates in the Championship Off Road Racing (CORR) series. Toyota Tacomas dominate the Pro-Lite class, winning seven consecutive Manufacturer’s Titles and Driver’s Championships. Teammates Johnny Greaves (Pro-Lite and Pro 4 class) and Jeff Kincaid (Pro-Lite class) from Greaves/Kincaid Motorsports claim six and five titles, respectively, over that time: eight in Pro-Lite (1997–2003, 2005) and three in Pro 4 (2002, 2005, 2006).

1999
Toyota reaches an agreement to provide engines to the Target/Chip Ganassi Racing team for the 2000 CART season.

2000
Toyota scores its first CART victory at the Milwaukee Mile with driver Juan Pablo Montoya and Target/Chip Ganassi Racing.

Toyota supports its first NASCAR entry in the Goody’s Dash Series with Eric Van Cleef (Van Cleef Racing) driving the No. 82 Toyota Celica.

2001
Toyota reaches an agreement with Robert Huffman, three-time defending series champion, to drive a Toyota Celica in the 2001 NASCAR Goody’s Dash Series. Huffman scores Toyota’s first NASCAR victory in the Goody’s Dash Series race at Kentucky Speedway and guides his Celica to a second win at Daytona.

2002
Toyota-powered cars record 10 victories and 12 pole positions in 19 CART races to win the manufacturer's championship. Toyota-powered Champ Car driver Cristiano da Matta wins seven races and seven pole positions en route to the CART driver's title.

2002
Toyota-powered cars record 10 victories and 12 pole positions in 19 CART races to win the Manufacturer’s Championship. Toyota-powered Champ Car driver Cristiano da Matta wins seven races and seven pole positions en route to the CART Driver’s Title.

Toyota enters the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) with a Celica-bodied Funny Car, driven by Bruce Sarver and fielded by Alan Johnson Racing.

The Toyota Indy V8 engine completes its first official test at Kentucky Speedway in preparation for entry into the IRL in 2003.

NASCAR welcomes Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., to compete in the Camping World Truck Series with Toyota beginning development on a Tundra to compete in the series.

2003
Toyota announces plans to partner with five teams for the 2003 IRL season — AJ Foyt Enterprises, Kelly Racing, Mo Nunn Racing, Target/Chip Ganassi and Team Penske.

Scott Dixon (Target/Chip Ganassi Racing) wins Toyota’s first IRL race at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

Gil de Ferran (Penske Racing) drives a Toyota-powered Indy car to the checkered flag in the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing” — the Indianapolis 500.

Toyota completes its first season in the IRL by winning the Manufacturer’s Title and the Driver’s Championship (Scott Dixon).

Jeff Kincaid, along with five other Tacoma racers, helps Toyota clinch a seventh straight Manufacturer’s Championship in the CORR Pro-Lite division.

Toyota announces plans to begin participating in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series in 2004 with four teams — Bang Racing, Bill Davis Racing, Innovative Motorsports and Darrell Waltrip Motorsports.

Robert Huffman wins the NASCAR Goody’s Dash Driver’s Championship in a Celica.

2004
The Toyota Tundra makes its NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race debut at Daytona International Speedway. Travis Kvapil finishes second (2/13).

Toyota earns its first NASCAR Camping World Truck Series victory when Travis Kvapil captures the checkered flag at Michigan International Speedway (7/31).

Toyota completes its first season in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series with Tundra drivers winning four races and five pole positions as David Reutimann earns Rookie-of-the-Year honors.

Lexus debuts a 4.35L, V8 engine in the Daytona Prototype class of the Grand American Sports Car Series at the 24 Hours of Daytona. Drivers Scott Pruett and Max Papis would go on to win the Team and Driver’s Championships in Lexus’ first season in the series.

Jerry Toliver earns Toyota’s first-ever NHRA Funny Car victory in the season-opening Winternationals at Pomona, Calif.

2005
Toyota completes its second season in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series with Tundra drivers winning nine races and 13 pole positions.

Toyota enters into a partnership with 9 Racing and Ed Pink Racing Engines to develop midget engines for the 2006 United States Auto Club (USAC) race season.

Toyota announces its withdrawal from both major open-wheel racing series, as well as the end of its title sponsorship in the Toyota Atlantic Championship.

2006
Toyota announces it will enter the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and Nationwide Series as a competitor in 2007 using the Camry with Sprint Cup teams Bill Davis Racing (BDR), Red Bull Racing Team (RBRT) and Michael Waltrip Racing (MWR).

The Scion tC sports coupe replaces the Celica as the official vehicle of the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race at the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach.

The Lexus-powered Chip Ganassi Racing sports prototype wins the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona.

Lexus wins the Manufacturer’s Championship in the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series and Chip Ganassi Racing wins the Team Championship.

Toyota announces its 2007 NASCAR Nationwide Series teams: Braun Racing and Michael Waltrip Racing.

Toyota wins first-ever NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Manufacturer’s Championship and Driver’s Championship with Todd Bodine from Germain Racing. Overall, Toyota Tundras win 12 races and 14 pole positions.

The Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) and Toyota officials announce that the Toyota Camry has been approved for competition in the 2007 ARCA RE/MAX Series.

Toyota wins the championship in CORR PRO-4 Series with Johnny Greaves.

2007
The Lexus-powered Chip Ganassi Racing sports prototype wins the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona for second consecutive year.

The Toyota Camry makes its NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race debut at Daytona International Speedway (2/18).

Toyota driver Dave Blaney starts from the pole position in the NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Calif. It marks the inaugural pole position for the Camry in NASCAR competition (2/24).

Toyota earns its first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series pole position with Dave Blaney at New Hampshire Motor Speedway (6/29).

Toyota earns its first NASCAR Nationwide Series victory when Jason Leffler of Braun Racing captures the checkered flag at O’Reilly Raceway Park at Indianapolis (7/28).

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., and Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) announce that the three-time championship-winning team will campaign Camrys for drivers Tony Stewart, Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch in the 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. JGR’s NASCAR Nationwide Series teams will also utilize Camrys (9/3).

Toyota-powered racers Pete Peterson and Jay Marlowe each win National Championships in their respective classes at the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Runoffs®, while Hans Peter captures two championship titles.

Toyota earns its first ARCA RE/MAX Series victory when Michael Annett crosses the finish line first at Talladega Superspeedway driving for Bill Davis Racing (10/5).

Toyota wins its second straight NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Manufacturer’s Championship, and Tundra drivers register 13 wins and 17 pole positions (10/20).

Camrys record two poles, two top-five finishes and 11 top-10 finishes in the 2007 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, as well as two wins and four pole positions in the Nationwide Series.

2008
The Lexus-powered Chip Ganassi Racing sports prototype wins the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona for third consecutive year. The team goes on to win the Daytona Prototype championship with drivers Scott Pruett and Memo Rojas as Rojas becomes the first Mexican driver to win a major U.S. (road racing) Driver’s Championship.

The Toyota Camry registers its first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series victory at Daytona International Speedway, when Denny Hamlin wins one of the Gatorade Duels, a non-points race (2/14).

Tony Stewart captures the checkered flag in the NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Daytona International Speedway, earning the Camry its first victory in a points-race at the ‘World Center of Racing’ (2/16).

Toyota earns its inaugural NASCAR Sprint Cup Series victory when Kyle Busch captures the checkered flag at Atlanta Motor Speedway in the manufacturer’s 40th race (3/9).

Toyota leads the manufacturer’s point standings in all three NASCAR divisions — Sprint Cup Series, Nationwide Series and Camping World Truck Series — at the same time (5/12).

Toyota sweeps all three NASCAR races at Delaware’s Dover International Speedway — just the seventh time a manufacturer has accomplished the feat. Kyle Busch (NSCS), Denny Hamlin (NNS) and Scott Speed (NCWTS) are the Toyota race-winners at Dover (6/1).

Joey Logano becomes the youngest race-winner — at 18 years and 21 days — in NASCAR Nationwide Series history when he captures the checkered flag at Kentucky Speedway (6/14).

Toyota clinches its first Nationwide Series Manufacturer’s Championship when Denny Hamlin crosses the finish line first at Kansas Speedway (9/27).

Toyota-powered racers Pete Peterson (GT-3) and David Grant (FA) each win National Championships in their respective classes at the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Runoffs®.

Cruz Pedregon earns his second NHRA Funny Car World Championship Title, and first in 16 years, racing a Toyota Camry Solara-bodied Funny Car.

Toyota-powered USAC drivers Jerry Coons Jr. wins the Silver Crown Driver’s Championship and Nic Faas wins the Western Midget Series Championship.

Tundra driver Johnny Benson wins the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Driver’s Championship in the season-finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway (11/14).

Toyota clinches its third consecutive Manufacturer’s Championship in the Camping World Truck Series.

In the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, Camry drivers win 10 races, five pole positions and record 44 top-five finishes. In the NASCAR Nationwide Series, Camry drivers capture the checkered flag 20 times and earned 14 pole positions. Tundra drivers register 13 wins and 11 pole positions during the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season.

2009
Toyota driver Kyle Busch sets a record by becoming the first driver to win two NASCAR National Touring Series races on the same day at a single track when he wins the Camping World Truck Series and Nationwide Series races at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Calif. (2/21).

Camry driver David Reutimann records his first career Sprint Cup Series victory at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The win also marks the inaugural Sprint Cup Series victory for Michael Waltrip Racing and for a TRD-built engine (5/25).

Tundra racer Todd Bodine becomes the first driver in Camping World Truck Series history to win five races at the same track when he visits victory lane at Texas Motor Speedway (6/5).

Camry driver Joey Logano becomes the youngest driver, at 19 years of age, to win a NSCS race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway (6/28).

Camry driver Brian Vickers records the inaugural Sprint Cup Series victory for the Red Bull Racing Team at Michigan International Speedway (8/16).

Kyle Busch’s victory at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in the Camping World Truck Series race is the fifth straight win for a Tundra – the first time Toyota has won five consecutive events since joining the series in 2004 (9/19).

Toyota clinches its second consecutive Nationwide Series Manufacturer’s Championship when Kyle Busch crosses the finish line second at Memphis Motorsports Park (10/24).

Toyota clinches its fourth consecutive Camping World Truck Series Manufacturer’s Championship when Kyle Busch crosses the finish line first at Talladega Superspeedway (10/31).

Kyle Busch wins the NASCAR Nationwide Series season-finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway and captures the Nationwide Series Driver’s Championship. It marks the first time that a Camry racer has earned Driver’s Championship (11/21).

Toyota driver Justin Lofton wins the ARCA RE/MAX Series Driver’s Championship in an Eddie Sharp Racing Camry.

Camry driver Ryan Truex wins the NASCAR Camping World Series East Driver’s Championship for Michael Waltrip Racing.

Camry drivers win 11 races, 10 pole positions and record 42 top-five finishes in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. In the NASCAR Nationwide Series, Camry drivers capture the checkered flag 15 times and earn 13 pole positions. Tundra drivers register a season high 14 wins and eight pole positions in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.

Tacoma driver Jeff Kincaid captures the Pro-Lite Division Driver’s Championship in the TORC Off-Road Series.

Tundra driver Rick Huseman wins the Pro-4 Division Driver’s Championship in the TORC Off-Road Series.

Toyota-powered racer Mirl Swan wins the National Championship in the Formula Atlantic (FA) class in the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Runoffs®.

2010
Toyota driver Kyle Busch wins 24 races in NASCAR’s top three series with three in NSCS, 13 in NNS and eight in the NCWTS.

Tundra racer Todd Bodine wins four races and records 17 top-five finishes in winning his second NCWTS Driver’s Championship.

Denny Hamlin wins eight races and registers 14 top-five finishes in placing second in the overall Sprint Cup Series standings – the highest points finish ever by a Toyota Camry driver in the series.

Toyota clinches its third consecutive Nationwide Series Manufacturer’s Championship.

Toyota clinches its fifth consecutive Camping World Truck Series Manufacturer’s Championship.

Toyota-sponsored Larry Dixon won 12 races on the way to the NHRA Top Fuel championship. For the season, Toyota-sponsored drivers won 15 NHRA Nitro events including two by Cruz Pedregon and one by Antron Brown.

Toyota Camry driver Patrick Sheltra wins the ARCA RE/MAX Series Driver’s Championship

Camry driver Ryan Truex wins his second consecutive NASCAR Camping World Series East Driver’s Championship for Michael Waltrip Racing at the age of 18.

Camry drivers win 12 races and record 42 top-five finishes in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. In the NASCAR Nationwide Series, Camry drivers capture the checkered flag 15 times and earn 63 top-five finishes. Tundra drivers register a season high 15 wins and 52 top-fives in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.

Tundra driver Johnny Greaves wins the Pro-4 Division Driver’s Championship in the TORC Off-Road Series.

Toyota-powered drivers Mark McCaughey (Showroom Stock C), Dave Wilcox (Formula Atlantic) and Steve Forrer (C Sports Racing) win national championships in the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Runoffs®.

Toyota-powered USAC drivers sweep the prestigious Turkey Night Grand Prix events with Bryan Clauson winning the National Midget Car series event and Kody Swanson winning in Sprint Cars. With the win, Swanson became the first Toyota driver to win in Midget Cars, Silver Crown and Sprint Cars in the same season.

TOYOTA IN NASCAR TIMELINE 2002 - PRESENT

JANUARY 2002
NASCAR welcomes Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., to compete in the Craftsman Truck Series.

MARCH 2002
Design begins on the Toyota Tundra body for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.

MAY 2002
Design begins on the Toyota Tundra NASCAR V8 engine.

FEBRUARY 12, 2003
Toyota formally announces participation in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series beginning in 2004.

NOVEMBER 14, 2003
Toyota announces partnerships with four teams - Bang Racing, Bill Davis Racing, Innovative Motorsports and Darrell Waltrip Motorsports - to race Toyota Tundras in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2004.

FEBRUARY 13, 2004
The Toyota Tundra makes its NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race debut at Daytona International Speedway. Travis Kvapil finishes second.

MARCH 12, 2004
Toyota earns its first NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series pole position with rookie David Reutimann at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

JULY 31, 2004
Toyota earns its first NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series victory when Travis Kvapil captures the checkered flag at Michigan International Speedway.

OCTOBER 16, 2004
Toyota earns its fourth NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series win of its inaugural season with Todd Bodine at Texas Motor Speedway.

2005 SEASON
Toyota Tundras registers 9 wins and 13 pole positions in the 2005 Season.

JANUARY 24, 2006
Toyota announces its three 2007 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Teams: Bill Davis Racing (BDR), Team Red Bull (TRD) and Michael Waltrip Racing (MWR).

NOVEMBER 3, 2006
Toyota clinches its first NCTS manufacturer's title at Texas Motor Speedway with Mike Skinner's third-place finish.

NOVEMBER 4, 2006
Toyota announces its 2007 NASCAR Busch Series Teams: Braun Racing (BR) and Michael Waltrip Racing (MWR).

NOVEMBER 17, 2006
Toyota clinches its first NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series driver's championship with Todd Bodine of Germain Racing. Toyota finishes the season with 12 wins and 14 pole positions.

FEBRUARY 16, 2007
Toyota wins its first NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Daytona International Speedway when Jack Sprague crosses the finish line first after starting from the pole.

FEBRUARY 18, 2007
The Toyota Camry makes its NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race debut at Daytona International Speedway. Four Camry drivers - Dave Blaney, Dale Jarrett, David Reutimann and Michael Waltrip - take the green flag in the Daytona 500.

FEBRUARY 24, 2007
Toyota driver Dave Blaney starts from the pole position in the NASCAR Busch Series race at California Speedway. It marks the inaugural pole position for the Camry in NASCAR competition.

MARCH 31, 2007
Tundra driver Mike Skinner wins his third consecutive NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Virginia's Martinsville Speedway, following wins in the two previous events at Atlanta Motor Speedway and California Speedway.

MAY 27, 2007
Camry driver Brian Vickers finishes fifth in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race at Lowe's Motor Speedway - the first top-five finish for a Toyota.

JUNE 29, 2007
Toyota earns its first NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series pole position with Dave Blaney at New Hampshire International Speedway.

JULY 28, 2007
Toyota earns its first NASCAR Busch Series victory when Jason Leffler captures the checkered flag at O'Reilly Raceway Park at Indianapolis.

SEPTEMBER 3, 2007
Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., and Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) announce that the three-time championship-winning team will campaign Camrys for drivers Tony Stewart, Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch in the 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. JGR's NASCAR Nationwide Series teams will also utilize Camrys.

OCTOBER 5, 2007
Michael Waltrip earns the second pole position for a Toyota Camry in NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series competition at Talladega Superspeedway. Camry drivers earn four of the top-five starting positions for the race, including both spots on the front row.

OCTOBER 7, 2007
Dave Blaney records the best result for a Camry in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series with a third-place finish at Talladega Superspeedway.

OCTOBER 20, 2007
Toyota clinches its second consecutive NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series manufacturer's title at Virginia's Martinsville Speedway.

OCTOBER 27, 2007
Toyota earns its second NASCAR Busch Series win when David Reutimann captures the checkered flag at Memphis Motorsports Park.

NOVEMBER 9, 2007
Hall of Fame Racing announces they will field a Toyota Camry full-time in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series for driver J.J. Yeley.

NOVEMBER 16, 2007
The Toyota Tundra makes its 100th start in the Craftsman Truck Series season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Mike Skinner is the only Tundra driver to start all 100 races since Toyota entered the NCTS in 2004.

2007 SEASON
Tundras register 13 wins and 17 pole positions in the 2007 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season. Camrys record two poles, two top-five finishes and 11 top-10 finishes in the 2007 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series, as well as two wins and four pole positions in the 2007 NASCAR Busch Series season.