Toyota pulls out of Formula 1... what next?
 

http://formula-one.speedtv.com...eason/
http://news.google.com/news?q=...ab=wn
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I say... let Toyota invest that into their own series... FT86 Showroom Stock series! Right down to the oem tires!

It was done in the 90s with the Neon series....


Get 40, or 50 FT86s running on track. Have 15 to 20 events spread around the country - to build the FT86 owner loyalty... and build their reputation back up

I love that idea!!!

Haha, kinda like the AE86 N2 races. I like it.

And welcome to the site Oldskewl, we need more 86 enthusiasts around here.

Just like we need more cowbell? :bellyroll:

We need A LOT more cowbell 'round here.

oh well. not like i can go and get an F1 car to drive around anyway. that is my big draw to JGTC/superGT. the celebrity races used all celicas did they not? was that just a promo or was there an actual celica series? i'd be all over an FT one. even if just watching from TV.

Toyota's JT & TG did good this year better than the BMW's and surpass the honda F1 best record

I think they should go back to rally, WTCC & SCCA or yeah relive the N2 series for the FT86 or anything to do with production cars

I see this car slowly taking most of the miata's mantle in the SCCA solo series. That is, if they can keep the weight down.

I hope so, just like the AE86 i want this car to have a strong and rich racing history not just drifting.

I would rather see Toyota branch out into other racing series instead of just creating their own. I would like to see the Camry, Lexus IS, or FT-86 in the Speed World Challenge competing with the BMW 328, Mazda 6, and Acuras. How about the Street Tuner class in Trans Am? Running with GTI's and RX-8's.

If Toyota wants to develop their own racing series they should publicize it how VW did with their TDI cup. But that's just me.

i just read an interview of chief engineer tada-san in best car plus stating that they are planning such a series while i was on lunch break at my local japanese bookstore. i'm sure they'll do something similar in the US.

Have they ever done anything similar in the US before though? I can't think of anything. Its always been events started by fans, not Toyota.

But that would be awesome! Closest track we have around here in Nashville is the infield at the Super Speedway. Its not exactly a Laguna Seca (lol) but if they brought an FT-86 Toyota backed event here, I'd be there in a heart beat.

a few more tidbits from the interview:

when asked if he enjoys his work, tada-san replied that it's every engineer's dream to design a sports car, so it doesn't even feel like going to work. it feels like playtime everyday! ceo akio toyoda also stops by to check up on their work all the time and is pretty much one of the official test drivers at this point.

the low center of gravity on the FT-86 has made the surreal affect that the car doesn't have to have firm suspension and the body still stays flat in the corners.

guys they are making this low center of gravity sound like the new crack. i can't wait to drive this car.

Already Hooked !