Toyota Racing’s David Wilson reflects on NASCAR’s highest honor as he bids farewell to TRD

Former president of Toyota Racing Development (TRD), David Wilson recently discussed receiving the prestigious Bill France Award for Excellence at the 2024 NASCAR Awards ceremony.

Wilson joined TRD 35 years ago and played an important role in Toyota’s entry into NASCAR, which faced initial skepticism. With a mechanical engineering degree from Virginia Tech, he started as a design engineer at the company and was promoted to president in 2014. Wilson also worked at Johnson & Johnson and served in the U.S. Army.

During a recent interview with Epartrade, Wilson shared his surprise during the live event and said:

"I don't think it honestly has sunk in because I'm still trying to wrap my head around the significance of it...awards that are presented live on television that are, in fact, surprises. Because I was joking earlier in that evening that, well, I might as well have a cold drink or two, because I know I'm not going to be getting up on stage." (01:50 onwards)

Wilson, who worked in many roles at TRD, added that the award was not just for him but also for the team he built.

The Bill France Award is one of NASCAR's highest honors, given only 29 times. It recognizes individuals who have made a big impact on the sport.

---

"I don't think you define your own legacy" - David Wilson on his 35 years at TRD

David Wilson’s tenure at TRD was marked with championships and victories in NASCAR, IndyCar, IMSA, and iconic races like the Daytona 500 and Indianapolis 500. During the same interview, he talked about being proud of his work.

"I don't think you define your own legacy. I think it's defined for you. But, but, but if I had to pick, you know, kind of one of the things that I'm most proud of, it was being a part of the team that brought this company into the sport of NASCAR," David Wilson said (03:40).

Toyota is the only foreign car manufacturer to race in NASCAR. The Japanese manufacturer joined the stock car racing series (Cup and Xfinity) in 2007.

"Fans certainly were polarized, but even inside our own industry, I think it was a bit polarizing as to whether or not Toyota belonged...Having a hand in building it was one of the biggest building business cases that I've ever put together, sold it all the way back to Japan."

"Because, because we all knew just how significant this was going to be culturally for our company. And if not done the right way, it could actually do more damage than good," David Wilson added (04:23).

The company started competing in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck series in 2004.