$311B worth Japanese automobile giant set for NHRA exit after 2025 season albeit with continued involvement in ‘supported teams’

Toyota Motor will end its participation in the NHRA Series after the 2025 season. The brand first took part in the championship back in 2002 and has collected over 200 race wins since then.

The Japanese automobile giant worth $311B (according to Forbes) supports six partners in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series under the Toyota Gazoo Racing tag. Since 2014, Toyota has also been NHRA's official car, and this contract was extended for multiple seasons in 2023.

"Our NHRA Drag Racing involvement has brought much success and pride across our entire organization," Paul Doleshal said, motorsports group manager, Toyota Motor North America. "Our 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, and we will work diligently along the way to make sure each team and driver have the tools necessary to compete at the highest level for the years to come."

Participating in the championship for the last two decades, Toyota has gathered more than 200 race wins since winning its first in 2004. They also have 12 World Championships and won their first Manufacturers' Cup this season.

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Toyota won the NHRA Manufacturer's Cup in 2024

Earlier in November, the Japanese automobile brand won the Manufacturer's Cup for the first time since its debut in the sport. NHRA had included the Top Fuel category in the Cup distinction for the first time this season.

Having had a history of winning in that category with their resounding success in Funny Car, Toyota managed to win the Cup this season.

"The 2024 season has been storybook for Toyota and to complete it with our first NHRA Manufacturers Cup is icing on the cake," Paul Doleshal said. None of this would’ve been possible without the incredible efforts of our partner teams, drivers, our engineers at TRD and so many others this season, and we’re proud to celebrate with all involved. This championship is another tremendous accomplishment in Toyota’s motorsports history and one we’ll be sure to cherish for a long time."

The brand supports six teams in the Top Fuel and Funny Car categories. These include Kalitta Motorsports, SCAG Racing’s Top Fuel program, AB Motorsports, Ron Capps Motorsports, DC Motorsports. and Torrence Racing.

However, Toyota Gazoo Racing's focus is likely to shift away from the sport. After their resounding success over the years, they are seemingly spreading their support to other wings in motorsport as well. This year, they entered a technical partnership with the Haas Formula 1 Team. This is the first time the manufacturing automobile giant has entered F1 since 2009, having spent eight seasons as an engine manufacturer.