Despite Their Polarizing Welcome, Toyota Has Carved a Path in NASCAR Since Its Unwanted Debut in 2007

NASCAR has traditionally catered to American automobile manufacturers. During the inaugural season in 1948, companies such as Lincoln, Oldsmobile, and Plymouth took part in the stock car racing series, while brands such as Chevrolet, Dodge, Pontiac, and Buick joined in afterward. Even though foreign brands, particularly from the United Kingdom, such as Leyland Motors, Jaguar, and Aston Martin came in during the 50s and 60s, there was almost a 50-year gap from 1963 until 2007, when newcomer Toyota entered the stock car racing scene.

NASCAR’s three national series have largely been dominated by Chevy and Ford, but trailing closely behind them is Japanese manufacturer Toyota. Even though its entry into the sport was met with resistance, the foreign brand has made quite a name for itself since arriving in 2007, partnering with teams such as Joe Gibbs Racing and, more recently, 23XI Racing.

Toyota has helped NASCAR become more competitive

Who would have thought that the family-friendly Toyota Camry, featuring a 2.0L four-cylinder engine, will one day be a staple in the NASCAR grid? After being introduced to customers for the first time in 1983, what started as a commuter car evolved into a beast of a vehicle 24 years later, featuring a V8 engine that was capable of competing against seasoned American manufacturers such as Chevy and Toyota on the racetrack. While their reasons behind entering NASCAR remain unclear, marketing seems like the obvious motivation, even though initial results on the track left much to be desired.

Reflecting on the Japanese manufacturer’s history in the sport, Toyota Racing Development President David Wilson said, “Most of you were here 20+ years ago when you saw the polarizing reception Toyota received back in those days. We knew what we were up against. We had an immense amount of respect for the sport, and we set about a strategy to earn our way and to do it the right way, and make sure that we respected the sport and the opportunities that we had to compete. To look back on where we’ve come since then and the acceptance that is largely out there for us and the belief that I have that our sport is better for us being a part of it.”

It was less than an ideal start for Toyota in the 2007 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series. Despite eight drivers competing under their banner, the manufacturer failed to secure a single win, justifying the criticism they had received from skeptics. However, the 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series was a drastic improvement, as the company secured 10 wins, with the bulk of them coming from Joe Gibbs Racing’s Kyle Busch. Despite receiving plenty of backlash from fans, the manufacturer soldiered on, carving its path in the NASCAR world.

Even though Toyota went on to secure steady wins, it wasn’t until 2015 that the manufacturer tasted real success. Kyle Busch’s championship victory with Joe Gibbs Racing propelled them to greatness, while Martin Truex Jr.’s win in 2017 and Rowdy’s second Cup Series triumph in 2019 made them a force to be reckoned with at NASCAR’s highest level. The Toyota Supra also made its mark in the Xfinity Series, securing four manufacturer’s championships in 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2016. Given its mercurial rise in the stock car racing world, the Japanese brand quickly won over its critics by proving to be a formidable competitor.

TRD President David Wilson given a prestigious award by NASCAR

Having spent 35 years with Toyota Racing Development, David Wilson, the head of the manufacturer’s motorsport division was given the Bill France Award of Excellence by NASCAR. In August, Wilson announced that he plans to retire on December 16th, and he became only the third individual since 2020 to receive the prestigious honor from the sanctioning body. Last year, retired Goodyear CEO Rich Kramer also received the recognition while seven-time championship winner Jimmie Johnson was a recipient in 2020.

Visibly emotional when hearing the news from NASCAR CEO Jim France, David Wilson said, “I was well and truly stunned, rocked my world tonight to be called up on stage by my dear friend Jim France and to be recognized. As I said, and what I believe and what’s in my heart, is again on my very best day, I am simply a reflection of a wonderful team that’s supported me, that’s trusted me, that’s empowered me to serve and so, yeah, I’m still soaking it in.”

Over the years, David Wilson has held many positions in the Toyota motorsport division, such as Track Support and Design Engineer. After years of hard work, he was promoted to Vice President of Operations and Engineering, Production, and Strategic Planning, highlighting just how important he has been for the manufacturer. He also played an important role in the Japanese brand entering the Truck Series in 2004 and the Cup Series three years later.

Replacing him will be Tyler Gibbs, who currently serves as the team’s general manager, and will have some big boots to fill to live up to Wilson’s lofty standards.