Get ready for a thrilling ride as we dive into the world of racing and unveil the first Toyota Supra race liveries!
The Battle of Brands: Toyota's Bold Move
Toyota has made a significant splash in the racing world, switching from Ford to become the homologation team for the Japanese marque's entry into the V8 battleground. This move has sparked excitement and curiosity among racing enthusiasts.
Toyota's Branding on the Track
The Chaz Mostert and Ryan Wood-driven machines proudly display the GR branding on their quarter panels, while the windscreen banners boldly proclaim "Toyota Gazoo Racing Australia." It's a powerful statement of Toyota's commitment to this new racing venture.
A Familiar Palette
Despite the brand change, Walkinshaw's team colors remain consistent with the recent seasons. Optus and Truck Assist have extended their naming rights deals, ensuring a familiar look for fans.
Unveiling the Livery
The team's new liveries were revealed in style at Toyota's design studio in Melbourne. Mostert's Supra, previously seen in grey during wind tunnel testing, is now a stunning sight, while Wood's all-black Supra has undergone extensive engine testing, clocking an impressive 5000km across Australian circuits.
A Rush to the Grid
Team CEO Bruce Stewart praised his squad's efforts in getting the Supras ready for the grid in Sydney. It's been a last-minute scramble, but the team's dedication is evident.
"We are thrilled to finally showcase our Mobil 1 Optus Racing #1 Toyota GR Supra and Mobil 1 Truck Assist Racing #2 Toyota GR Supra," Stewart said. "Toyota's entry is a game-changer, and we are honored to be trusted with this responsibility."
A New Era for Supercars
This season, five Toyotas will grace the grid, with Brad Jones Racing joining Walkinshaw in this exciting venture. BJR received its first Toyota engine last week and is set to reveal and test its maiden Supra soon.
John Pappas, Vice President of Sales, Marketing, and Franchise Operations at Toyota Australia, highlighted the manufacturer's resilience in pushing through setbacks to reach the grid.
"Toyota Australia is proud to join Supercars in 2026. Our partnership with Walkinshaw TWG Racing has made this possible, and we're excited to see what we can achieve," Pappas said.
Testing and Track Time
Mostert's machine will hit the track on Monday at QR, followed by a trip to Mount Panorama for dedicated test sessions during the 12-Hour weekend.
And Here's the Controversial Part...
Some may argue that Toyota's entry into this racing arena is a bold move, especially considering the brand's history with Ford. Will this decision pay off, or is it a risky venture? What do you think?
Feel free to share your thoughts and predictions in the comments! We'd love to hear your take on this exciting development in the world of racing.
