Toyota GAZOO Racing, or TGR, is on an exciting journey of improvement and talent development through motorsports. Its roots go back to 2007 when Akio Toyoda, then an executive, competed in the Nürburgring 24 Hours race. At the time, Toyota didn’t officially support this endeavor, so the team went by “Team GAZOO.” Toyoda had to race under the name “Morizo” because of the lack of backing. During the race, he felt embarrassed watching other teams showcase advanced vehicles while Toyota had none, igniting a drive to change that.
This experience was pivotal. It prompted a commitment to developing better cars and nurturing talent. Sports car manufacturing requires stamina and expertise. Toyota took this challenge to heart, drawing inspiration from traditional Japanese practices, especially the “Shikinen Sengu” ritual, where Ise Shrine structures are rebuilt every 20 years. Just as these traditions are vital to preserving culture, so too is developing sports cars crucial for sustaining Toyota’s legacy.
Following this philosophy, the Lexus LFA was developed, marking Toyota’s first serious sports car in 20 years. It faced obstacles, including skepticism within the company about its profitability—only 500 units were allowed for production. Tragically, just before the LFA’s launch, Hiromu Naruse, Toyoda’s mentor and master driver, passed away, leaving a significant void in the development team.
Despite these hardships, Toyoda continued to push for more sports car development. The revival of the 86 in 2012 and the GR Supra in 2019 were significant milestones, though they relied on partnerships with Subaru and BMW.
In 2015, Toyota unified its racing brands under “GAZOO Racing.” This marked a significant shift, allowing the company to embrace its legacy fully. The return to the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) was another turning point, challenging Toyota to create competitive vehicles directly from the drawing board.
This new approach led to the GR Yaris, which debuted in 2020. It was honored in motorsports, clinching victories and setting the stage for the GR Corolla. These achievements show that Toyota is back in the sports car game, fostering homegrown talent while innovating.
In 2025, TGR returned to the Nürburgring 24 Hours race, where Toyoda felt he connected with Naruse spirit. The focus now is on creating the best sports cars possible—a true “Shikinen Sengu” for modern automotive culture. Upcoming models like the GR GT and GR GT3 signal this ongoing dedication.
Overall, TGR’s commitment to crafting better cars is a continuous journey. The original embarrassment Toyoda faced years ago has transformed into a driving passion, ensuring that Toyota remains a leader in motorsports. Exciting times are ahead as TGR aims to push boundaries and reach new heights.
For further insights into Toyota’s innovative approach and future challenges, you can check Toyota’s official website.
