Get ready for an exciting twist in the world of racing! Toyota's bold move into the V8 battleground has just gotten a whole lot more colorful.
Walkinshaw TWG, formerly known for their Ford prowess, has now embraced the Japanese marque, Toyota, as their new racing partner. And boy, have they made a statement with their first race liveries for the iconic Toyota Supra!
But here's where it gets controversial... While the base colors of the cars remain true to Walkinshaw's recent seasons, with Optus and Truck Assist retaining their naming rights, the real stars of the show are the bold Toyota branding and the team's new identity as Toyota Gazoo Racing Australia.
The GR badge proudly adorns the quarter panels, a testament to Toyota's commitment to this venture. And let's not forget the windscreen banners, boldly declaring 'Toyota Gazoo Racing Australia' - a name that rolls off the tongue and leaves a lasting impression.
Now, let's talk about the cars themselves. Chaz Mostert's chassis, previously seen in a stealthy grey during wind tunnel testing, has now been transformed into a stunning Supra, ready to hit the track. Meanwhile, Ryan Wood's all-black Supra, which has already clocked an impressive 5000km of engine testing, is a sleek and menacing presence on the grid.
Team CEO Bruce Stewart couldn't be prouder of his squad's efforts, especially with the last-minute rush to get these Supras race-ready. He exclaimed, "We are absolutely honored to unveil our Mobil 1 Optus Racing #1 Toyota GR Supra and Mobil 1 Truck Assist Racing #2 Toyota GR Supra to the public. Toyota's entry is a game-changer, and we are thrilled to have been trusted with such an important role.
The entire Walkinshaw TWG Racing team has worked tirelessly to bring these cars to life. Every department and staff member has played a crucial role in making this a reality. It's been an intense off-season, but the level of dedication and delivery is nothing short of remarkable.
We've got two stunning GR Supras ready for round 1, and a team that's hungrier than ever. We know the challenges ahead, but we're ready to take them on!"
And this is the part most people miss... There will be a total of five Toyotas gracing the grid this season, with Brad Jones Racing joining Walkinshaw in this exciting venture. BJR has finally received their first Toyota engine and is set to reveal and test their maiden Supra in the coming days.
Toyota Australia's vice president, John Pappas, emphasized the manufacturer's resilience in pushing through setbacks to make this grid presence a reality. He said, "Toyota Australia is incredibly proud to join Supercars in 2026. This achievement is a testament to our partnership with Walkinshaw TWG Racing as our homologation team. Together, we've taken this car from the road to the racetrack, breaking new ground and overcoming challenges.
We're excited to finally be here and ready to see what we can achieve. This is just the beginning of an incredible journey!"
Mostert's machine will hit the track on Monday for testing at QR, and then it's off to Mount Panorama for some dedicated test sessions during the 12 Hour weekend. Get ready for some thrilling action!
So, what do you think of Toyota's bold move and Walkinshaw TWG's new race liveries? Are you excited to see these Supras in action? Let's discuss in the comments and share your thoughts on this game-changing moment in racing!
