TMG GT86 Cup ready for green light

TOYOTA Motorsport GmbH (TMG) writes a new chapter in its rich history with the launch of the entry-level TMG GT86 Cup this weekend, which will see six cars competing for glory at the Nürburgring.

The one-make competition, based on the cost-effective TMG GT86 CS-V3 race car, runs within the popular VLN series, guaranteeing excitement and plenty of fan interest during the 10-race season.

A total of six cars from three teams will enter the first race of the TMG GT86 Cup, competing for race-by-race prizes as well as annual prize money totalling &euro50,000 (1st: &euro20,000 2nd: &euro14,000 3rd: &euro10,000 4th: &euro6,000).

Entry remains open and, with participants selecting their best eight results for the final standings, late entries can still fight for the TMG GT86 Cup title so further participants are expected in the coming weeks.

As well as offering an exclusive discounted price of &euro250 per tyre for Cup participants, official partner Pirelli will reward the winners of each Cup event with a free set of high-performance racing slicks.

Cup participants receive additional benefits, including an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of TMG, while the owner of the winning car in the annual standings will receive an incredible driving simulator experience on a track of their choice.

Support infrastructure at the track, including a full spare parts service, dedicated Pirelli tyre support and Cup organisation office, ensure competitors have every chance to get the most out of their GT86 CS-V3.

The Nürburgring 24 Hours is not part of the Cup calendar, but the support infrastructure will nevertheless be provided in order to give participants a chance to fight for V3 class glory in one of Europe's biggest races.

Nico Ehlert, Senior Engineer Customer Motorsport: "To have six cars already on the grid for the first race in the TMG GT86 Cup is a solid start for us. This is TMG's first step into one-make racing and it is significant to confirm an entry list of such quality and diversity. We remain hopeful that more cars will join the Cup in the next weeks, particularly as our points system means a driver can miss the first two races and still have an equal chance to fight for the title. I am looking forward to watching the competition unfold and with such a strong roster of teams, I am sure we will have a close battle."

For the latest news and results from the TMG GT86 Cup, as well as technical information, visit www.gt86-cup.com and www.facebook.com/ToyotaMotorsport.

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

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