Although Toyota Racing Development originated in Japan, it owes its successful introduction to America. Specifically, the development and expansion of TRD were significantly influenced by certain unsung heroes and an iconic figure in off-road racing.
Continue scrolling down, yet make sure to check out the video featuring a special guest spot from Ivan "Ironman" Stewart. He takes control of the steering wheel and recounts his journey.
Let's begin at the start.
Toyota’s foray into motorsports dates back to 1957. In that same year, Toyota made history as the inaugural Japanese car manufacturer to venture into the American market with the Toyopet Crown Eager to capitalize on their growing success, they ventured into the realm of auto racing by establishing a dedicated unit known as Toyota Sports Corner, also referred to as TOSCO. Their inaugural test came at the demanding Round Australia Rally where they developed a specially designed race variant of the Toyopet Crown Deluxe for competition purposes. Although up against significant challenges, Toyota succeeded in securing the 47th position among 86 participants.
Instead of viewing this as a defeat, Toyota used it as inspiration. Consequently, TOSCO kept advancing in racing car technology throughout the 1960s and joined Japan’s inaugural Grand Prix in 1963 with three models—the Crown, Corona, and Publica. Each vehicle emerged victorious within their individual categories.
Toyota's initial racing triumphs encouraged them to look past the racecourse. Collaborating with Yamaha, they created their maiden genuine sports car: the 2000GT. Introduced in 1967, this model swiftly transformed into an emblematic vehicle for Japan and was featured in the James Bond movie. You Only Live Twice.
The collaboration between TOSCO and Yamaha persisted through the development of the Toyota 7, achieving a commendable eighth-place result at the 1968 Japanese Grand Prix. Subsequently, they introduced the 7 Turbo, thought to be pioneering as one of the earliest twin-turbo vehicles used for racing purposes. However, stricter emission standards along with modifications in Formula One specifications put these initiatives on hold. Despite this setback, Toyota remained committed, launching the turbocharged Celica model in 1973 amidst global fuel crises. This particular Celica claimed victory in the Fuji 1000 km event, thereby cementing Toyota’s reputation as a formidable competitor within motor sports circles.
The Birth of TRD
In 1976, TOSCO was rebranded as Toyota Racing Development, commonly known as TRD. This division started providing components directly to customers in Japan before gradually extending its reach into various Southeast Asian countries, notably the Philippines, which held a significant affinity for Toyota vehicles. Nonetheless, because of stringent emission and safety standards enforced within the United States, those parts were not easily accessible in this market.
When Joel and Joji Luz entered the scene, they spotted a chance and started bringing in TRD components from the Philippines through their venture named TRD USA. This enterprise soon caught attention. Ultimately, Toyota Motor Sales acknowledged its worth and purchased the firm during the start of the '80s, setting up the official TRD USA site in Costa Mesa, California. The operations at this location have been focused on crafting Toyota’s race car engines as well as producing TRD parts aimed at consumers within the American market ever since.
In 1981, Toyota made its formal debut in American auto-racing by entering the GTU category using a Celica model, collaborating with legendary racer Dan Gurney. Fast forward to 1987, Toyota claimed victory in the GTO division thanks to driver Chris Cord.
The Ironman Legacy Begins
However, the individual most emblematic of TRD in America is Ivan "Ironman" Stewart. Stewart played a crucial role in shaping TRD’s off-road heritage, and his name continues to be intricately linked with the brand’s persona.
Initially, he was not convinced about becoming part of Toyota. However, after signing up, things transformed dramatically. In 1983, his inaugural victory with Toyota happened at Pomona. By 1993, he had reached the pinnacle of his career. Renowned for tackling the Baja 1000 alone without modern technological aids, he emerged as an icon in the realm of off-roading.
Stewart went on to secure victories in 47 races with Toyota, frequently driving the PPI015 #11 Tundra race truck. He retired in 1999, which left an enduring impact solidifying the TRD brand in the hearts and minds of both off-road enthusiasts and casual racers.
TRD Hits the Racetrack
TRD's achievements weren't confined to off-road competitions. They also excelled significantly in endurance races, achieving impressive placements such as sixth position in the 1990 24 Hours of Le Mans and second positions in both 1994 and 1999. Following a hiatus, Toyota came back strong, dominating the event between 2018 and 2022.
In the IMSA championship, TRD introduced the Eagle MkIII, featuring a 2.1-liter four-cylinder engine capable of generating 800 horsepower. This vehicle claimed victory in 21 out of its 27 competitions.
Ultimately, A TRD That You Can Purchase
In 1998, Toyota introduced the initial TRD-marked consumer car, the TRD 2000GT—an enhanced version of the MR2 featuring both performance and aesthetic modifications. Also in that year, the first TRD Off-Road Tacoma became available for purchase.
Starting from there, TRD extended its reach across virtually all forms of motorsport, encompassing series such as the World Rally Championship (WRC), IndyCar, and even Formula 1. By 2004, the Toyota Tundra made history as the inaugural Toyota model to compete in NASCAR races, with vehicles engineered by TRD sustaining their strong performance over time.
From the customer perspective, the brand continued to expand. In 2012, Toyota launched the Tacoma TRD TX Baja limited edition model. This was succeeded in 2015 with the comprehensive TRD Pro series, featuring models like the Tundra and 4Runner. Over time, TRD versions also became available for the RAV4, Camry, Avalon, and Sequoia; notably, the Sequoia got an upgraded TRD Pro version in 2020.
2025 Toyota Tundra TRD Rally Edition Pack
This leads us to the present day—the 2025 Toyota Tundra TRD Rally Package. This vehicle draws inspiration from countless years of victorious off-road competitions and stands as a homage to the essence of TRD. As the Costa Mesa location keeps pushing boundaries, the next chapter for Toyota Racing Development appears just as robust and promising as its history.