Toyota on Bathurst win dream: We need to earn respect
Toyota "want to win, but we want to earn the right to win"
Japanese brand enters Supercars in 2026 with WAU, BJR
Toyota eyes dream of Repco Bathurst 1000 victory
Toyota are under no illusions that their entry into the Repco Supercars Championship with the GR Supra will guarantee an immediate right to success.
The Japanese automotive giant will enter the Supercars Championship in 2026, bringing with them an impressive global motorsport resume from categories such as NASCAR, the World Endurance Championship, and the World Rally Championship.
However, after several decades of rumours and near misses, Toyota will now take on the might of GM and Ford in Supercars, with an initial five-year commitment to the sport starting in 2026.
Toyota Australia Vice President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations Sean Hanley has stated that Toyota must earn the respect of their rivals in the early stages of next year.
"Whenever you enter a team sport, of course you want win something. We are no different," Hanley said at a media conference.
"Of course, we want to win, but we want to earn the right to win. We want to be respected winners, so therefore we understand that this is a championship that has many good racing people involved, many good teams.
"So therefore, our request of both of these teams is very simple; be respectful. It's not win at any cost, and when it's right, we'll win this race.
"And if that's right year one, then that's right year one. But if you look at Toyota's history, we got many football clubs that haven't won the Grand Final for many years.
"We're still with them. And that's the way we work. It's about more than just winning. Of course, we want to win and I know Walkinshaw Andretti United and Brad Jones Racing, that's their goal."
Hanley further reiterated that immediate success isn't an expectation for Toyota GAZOO Racing as they enter Supercars, with both Chevrolet and Ford having had three years to come to terms with their packages.
However, that doesn't mean that Toyota will just be making up the numbers, with Hanley reaffirming the brand's ultimate desire to claim top honours at the Repco Bathurst 1000 for the first ever time.
"When it comes to the actual race days, we don't actually get that involved in that, we sit back and watch and we put our faith into these two teams, and they have values similar to Toyota.
"So yeah, we want to win. But we are patient people. It's not the end of the world if we don't, but it's better if we do."
This year's Repco Bathurst 1000 will be held on October 9-12, following the AirTouch 500 at The Bend on September 12-14. The new Supra is set to feature on track and in the paddock at Mount Panorama.
