TMG GT86 cup launched for VLN series

TOYOTA Motorsport GmbH (TMG) is excited to announce a new motorsport competition for 2013 based on the TMG GT86 CS-V3 race car.

Running within the popular Nürburgring-based VLN series, the TMG GT86 Cup is exclusively for GT86 CS-V3 entrants and offers attractive prize money as well as the thrill of competition on the legendary Nordschleife.

The GT86 CS-V3 is already a proven class-winner in VLN events and this year's prototype completed more than 7,000km of running in race conditions, with a perfect reliability record and minimal spare parts.

VLN races regularly attract over 200 entrants and the TMG GT86 Cup will run as a category within the existing championship structure, benefiting from a well-established organisation.

Together with its partner IKmedia, TMG will provide an on-site spare parts service, with special conditions for participants, as well as a dedicated TMG GT86 Cup organisation service at the Nürburgring.

Attractive prize money for race and season results combine with the GT86 CS-V3 car, which is available for &euro38,500 excluding tax (&euro45,815 inc. German VAT), for a cost-effective way to participate in one of Europe's leading series.

Although not part of the TMG GT86 Cup calendar, the car is eligible to compete in the Nürburgring 24 Hours in the V3 class, which was won by the prototype GT86 CS-V3 in 2012.

Yoshiaki Kinoshita, TMG President: "This is exciting news for TMG and fans of endurance racing. Thanks to the VLN organisation, Toyota Motor Europe and IK Media for their support and assistance in establishing this new TMG GT86 Cup. It will be fantastic to watch several GT86 CS-V3 race cars competing against each other in such an established series and on a race track like the Nürburgring. We are proud of the GT86 CS-V3 as a reliable and fast entry-level race car so I am expecting close competition and plenty of real racing next season."

The 2013 VLN calendar is yet to be announced, although traditionally the series features 10 races and runs from March to October.

For details on how to order a race-ready GT86 CS-V3, email motorsport@toyota-motorsport.com. Detailed specifications are available at www.toyota-motorsport.com/motorsport.

For specific queries regarding the TMG GT86 Cup, email TMG-GT86cup@ikmedia.de.

Photos are offered for media use only here http://corporatemedia.toyota.eu. Other use of these photos is forbidden without prior written permission from TMG.

About TOYOTA Motorsport GmbH:

TOYOTA Motorsport GmbH (TMG) has been based in Cologne, Germany since 1979 and built its reputation in the World Rally Championship, winning four drivers' and three manufacturers' title during a long participation which ended in 1999. TMG was also the home of TOYOTA's works Le Mans 24 Hours (1998-1999) and Formula 1 (2002-2009) teams, both of whom achieved pole and podium positions, and a tuning and sports conversion subsidiary (established in 1994). Since 2009, TMG is a leading engineering services supplier, offering its cutting-edge development facilities and know-how to a range of industries. It is also a pioneer in electric vehicle development and set new EV records at the Nürburgring Nordschleife and Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in 2012. TMG returned to works motorsport in 2012 as the home of the TOYOTA Racing team in the FIA World Endurance Championship, competing with a hybrid car designed and built at TMG. Of six races entered, the TMG-designed TS030 HYBRID won three times and claimed three pole positions. www.toyota-motorsport.com / www.toyotahybridracing.com