Get ready to witness a seismic shift in the world of motorsport, as Toyota’s bold entry into the V8 racing arena marks a new era of competition. Walkinshaw TWG has officially unveiled the first race liveries for the Toyota Supra, signaling a dramatic switch from Ford to the Japanese powerhouse. But here’s where it gets controversial: is this move a game-changer or a risky gamble? Let’s dive in.
The team, now acting as Toyota’s homologation squad, has decked out the Chaz Mostert and Ryan Wood-driven Supras with prominent branding. The quarter panels proudly display the GR logo, while Toyota Gazoo Racing Australia takes center stage on the windscreen banners. But this is the part most people miss: despite the new partnership, Walkinshaw has retained its base colors, thanks to extended naming rights deals with Optus and Truck Assist, ensuring continuity amidst change.
The liveries were first showcased to team partners at Toyota’s Melbourne design studio last Wednesday, before Mostert’s Supra headed to Queensland for crucial parity testing. Speaking of the cars, Mostert’s chassis is the same one spotted in grey during wind tunnel testing in the U.S., while Wood’s Supra is the all-black model that logged an impressive 5,000km of engine testing across Australian circuits.
Team CEO Bruce Stewart couldn’t hide his pride as he unveiled the Mobil 1 Optus Racing #1 and Mobil 1 Truck Assist Racing #2 Toyota GR Supras. “Toyota’s entry and these race cars are a game changer,” he declared, emphasizing the trust placed in his team. Stewart also highlighted the Herculean effort required to get the cars race-ready, calling it one of the most intense off-seasons in team history. “We’ve got two stunning GR Supras ready for Round 1, and a team hungrier than ever,” he added.
Here’s where opinions might clash: With five Toyotas set to hit the grid this season—including Brad Jones Racing’s maiden Supra—some fans are thrilled about the diversity, while others worry about the balance of power. BJR, which received its first Toyota engine last week, is expected to unveil its car soon, adding another layer of excitement.
Toyota Australia’s vice president, John Pappas, acknowledged the challenges faced during the transition. “We’ve pushed through setbacks to get here,” he said, crediting the partnership with Walkinshaw TWG. But is this just the beginning, or will Toyota struggle to keep up in a field dominated by established competitors?
As Mostert’s Supra prepares for testing at Queensland Raceway before heading to Mount Panorama, one thing is clear: this season promises to be unforgettable. What do you think? Is Toyota’s entry a welcome addition or a potential disruption? Let us know in the comments—we’re eager to hear your take!
