Major Manufacturer Confirms Surprising NHRA Exit After Two Decades In Sport

Toyota Motor North America has announced its decision to withdraw from the NHRA Drag Racing series after the 2025 season, ending a partnership that has spanned more than two decades.

Toyota’s withdrawal marks the end of an era that began in 2002 when the company first entered the NHRA Drag Racing scene. Over the years, Toyota has become a vital component of the drag racing circuit, contributing significantly through partnerships with leading teams and drivers.

Among its many achievements, Toyota has secured over 200 race wins and 12 world championships, underlining its influential role in the sport. The manufacturer’s commitment and accomplishments have left an indelible mark on NHRA history, particularly through alliances with teams such as AB Motorsports, DC Motorsports, Kalitta Motorsports, Ron Capps Motorsports, SCAG Racing’s Top Fuel program, and Torrence Racing.

Group manager of motorsports at Toyota Motor North America Paul Doleshal commented on the upcoming exit:

“Our NHRA Drag Racing involvement has brought much success and pride across our entire organization.

“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, 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.”

After its NHRA entry in 2002, Toyota achieved its first victory at the Winternationals in March 2004. This marked the start of a streak of impressive achievements, including consecutive Top Fuel titles with drivers Doug Kalitta and Antron Brown, and a 43-race final round consecutive streak that continues to stand out in the league’s history. As the official car of the NHRA since 2014, Toyota has woven its identity into the sport.

Toyota’s contributions extend beyond recognition on the track. The manufacturer has diligently supported teams with tow vehicles, engineering expertise, technology, and real-time trackside assistance through TRD U.S.A.

However, despite Toyota’s storied involvement and accomplishments in NHRA, the decision to exit seems to center around business considerations, particularly the return on investment from motorsports sponsorships.

This reflects broader trends in the automotive industry, where companies critically evaluate the direct sales impact of their investments in sporting partnerships. The returns from Toyota’s NHRA involvement may not have matched their expectations, particularly in terms of boosting production vehicle sales.

The decision leaves the future of the teams Toyota supported uncertain. Without Toyota’s backing, prominent teams such as Kalitta Motorsports and Torrence Racing will face new challenges in maintaining their usual level of performance, pushing them to seek alternative sponsorships or support to sustain this.