Over Two Decades of Success in Drag Racing to Conclude
Toyota has announced that it will end its participation in NHRA Drag Racing following the conclusion of the 2025 season, closing the chapter on a storied 23-year run in one of motorsport’s most thrilling arenas. The move marks the end of Toyota’s highly successful partnership with the NHRA, during which it amassed over 200 race victories, 12 world championships, and its first manufacturers’ cup this season.
“Part of the Toyota Family”
Toyota’s motorsports leadership expressed immense pride in the brand’s NHRA legacy.
“Our NHRA Drag Racing involvement has brought much success and pride across our entire organization,” said Paul Doleshal, group manager for motorsports at Toyota Motor North America. “Our NHRA drivers and teams have truly become part of our Toyota family. We look forward to competing for more wins and championships with our supported teams in the upcoming season.”
Doleshal emphasized that Toyota will continue to provide the necessary tools and resources to its partner teams through the 2025 season, ensuring they remain competitive on the track.
A Legacy of Dominance
Toyota entered NHRA Drag Racing in 2002, securing its first win in March 2004. Over the next two decades, the manufacturer became a powerhouse in the sport, highlighted by:
- 200+ race victories
- 12 world championships, including Top Fuel champion Antron Brown, who clinched his fourth title this season.
- Its first-ever manufacturers’ cup, won in 2023.
Toyota’s success extended beyond its teams, as it also served as the official car of the NHRA since 2014, strengthening its ties to the drag racing community.
Team Partners to Carry the Banner in Final Years
Toyota’s NHRA efforts fall under its Toyota Gazoo Racing umbrella, which supports several high-profile teams and drivers:
- AB Motorsports: Led by four-time Top Fuel champion Antron Brown, who also owns the team.
- DC Motorsports: Competing in Funny Car with Alexis DeJoria.
- Kalitta Motorsports: Featuring Top Fuel drivers Doug Kalitta and Shawn Langdon, as well as Funny Car’s J.R. Todd.
- Ron Capps Motorsports: Represented by two-time Funny Car champion Ron Capps.
- Torrence Racing: Showcasing Top Fuel drivers Steve Torrence and Billy Torrence.
- SCAG Racing: With Top Fuel standout Justin Ashley.
Toyota has provided these teams with trackside engineering support, advanced technology, and tow vehicles, solidifying its role as a cornerstone of their success.
The Road Ahead for Toyota and NHRA
While Toyota has not disclosed specific reasons for its NHRA exit, the move likely aligns with broader shifts in the company’s motorsport and branding strategies. Under its Toyota Gazoo Racing banner, the manufacturer has increasingly focused on disciplines like endurance racing, rally, and NASCAR, which offer global exposure and align with its push toward hybrid and electric vehicle technologies.
For the NHRA, Toyota’s departure represents a significant loss, but it also opens opportunities for other manufacturers to step into the spotlight.
A Fond Farewell
Toyota’s exit from NHRA Drag Racing will undoubtedly leave a void in the sport, but the brand’s commitment to finishing on a high note underscores its enduring respect for the drag racing community. As its partner teams gear up for two final seasons, fans can expect Toyota to deliver memorable moments on the strip before the curtain falls on this chapter of its motorsports legacy.
