Toyota Named Official Vehicle of SRO America

Toyota and SRO Motorsports America are forming a tight bond in 2023, with the manufacturer introducing the Toyota GR Cup Series in North America and becoming the Official Vehicle of SRO America.

The iconic Toyota GR Supra will serve as the safety car and the Highlander Hybrid will act as the official medical vehicle.

Fans will get their fill once the GR86 Cup car hits Sonoma Raceway in late March alongside the GR Supra safety car, which debuted during last weekend’s GT America powered by AWS round on the streets of St. Pete.

The GR Supra was the first Toyota production vehicle to earn the GR badge in the U.S., made for enthusiasts by the enthusiasts that engineer the championship race cars.

“Toyota is proud to not only enter this new form of single-make racing with the GR Cup Series but also become the official vehicle of SRO,” said Paul Doleshal, group manager, Toyota.

“We’ve already seen excitement through the series on the iRacing platform and know that the buzz will certainly ramp up when our GR86 Cup cars take to Sonoma Raceway in March.”

Toyota Racing Development President David Wilson added: “The new GR Cup Series within the SRO sanctioning body is really something special and exciting for Toyota and TRD.

“The GR Cup Series allows Toyota’s engineers to take on-track learnings back to the Toyota GR production vehicles. And we’re already seeing those learnings at our new TRD facility in Mooresville, N.C., the GR Garage.”

The GR Cup Series in North America will compete under the Toyota Gazoo Racing North America banner.

Racing customers can expect the North American group to provide performance sports cars that are backed by a unique brand experience, fans of both cars and motorsport and well-produced engagement activities for fans and teams to enjoy.

“We’re thrilled to watch this relationship develop into something much larger,” said  SRO America President and CEO Greg Gill.

“The partnership between Toyota and SRO America is not only something drivers and fans will enjoy through the new GR Cup series and GR Supra safety car, but it is now ingrained as part of the safety culture in our paddock as part of the safety team.

“I look forward to seeing how Toyota and SRO fans alike interact with these new experiences. I believe they’re really going to enjoy it.”

SRO America General Manager Staci Langham added: “TRD has always been a great partner. We couldn’t be more excited to expand our relationship with Toyota becoming the official vehicle of SRO America and the addition of the GR Cup Series.

“We are looking forward to an exciting inaugural season with the GR Cup Series. Not only will our fans enjoy the racing this series will bring, but it is also a great addition as another ladder series in the SRO America paddock.”