GAZOO RACING PRESS RELEASE:
Toyota City, Japan, April 6, 2012—Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) today announced its 2012 GAZOO activity plans, which are aimed at broadening the appeal of car racing and fostering more car enthusiasts. To successfully reach and support a new generation of car enthusiasts around the world, TMC is striving to make ever-better cars that satisfy drivers and promote the joy of cars in ways that transcend the role of a typical car manufacturer.
As part of initiatives to develop ever-better cars, the GAZOO Racing team has been competing in the 24 Hours Nürburgring endurance race since 2007 and has launched “GAZOO Racing tuned by MN”1 (GRMN), “G Sports”2(G’s) and other models to give car enthusiasts a taste of the thrill of racing and to help develop human resources capable of “automotive seasoning”.
To promote the enjoyment of cars, TMC has hosted various events across Japan, such as GAZOO Racing “Waku Doki” circuit events, which give drivers with no racing experience an easy opportunity to safely drive their car on a racetrack.
This year, TMC will use its “86″ sports car to promote the allure of cars and foster new ranks of car enthusiasts by entering the vehicle together with the Lexus “LFA” in the 24 Hours Nürburgring endurance race held in Germany from May 17 to 20. Scenes from the race will also be webcast. To promote grass-roots motor sports in Japan, TMC will also sponsor teams competing with the 86 in the Super Taikyu Endurance Series and All-Japan Rally Championship, both of which serve as goals for amateur drivers aspiring to the next level of racing.
For 2012, the slogan “I Love Cars!” will be used for GAZOO activities to encourage car enthusiasts to connect with each other through motor sports and at various events.