Wait almost over to see Toyota's GR Supra Supercar, ahead of 2026 debut
This year's Bathurst 1000 launch in the Harbour City will double as the exciting uncovering of the GR Supra Supercar.
The Supercars faithful won't have to wait long to see it in the flesh either, with the GR Supra to make its trackside debut at this year's Bathurst 1000 from October 9-12.
For loyal Toyota supporters – who have ingrained memories of the Corolla winning its class at Bathurst for eight straight years from 1985-1992 – the return of the popular brand to Superstars is a special moment.
Sneak peak at the Toyota GR Supra Supercar design ahead of official reveal in September. Picture: Supplied
Supercars CEO James Warburton agrees, saying the unveiling of Toyota's weapon of choice marks a seismic moment for the Superstars as a sport.
'This is absolutely huge for Supercars,' Warburton said.
'Toyota joining the grid with the legendary GR Supra is a complete game-changer. This motorsport giant has incredible global pedigree and passionate Australian fans who are going to go wild seeing the Supra battle the Mustang and Camaro.'
James Warburton, when Seven West Media CEO, in 2024. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman
Brad Jones Racing (BJR) will be one of Toyota's two team partners for its entry into the 2026 Repco Supercars Championship. BJR will race four V8-powered GR Supra GEN3 Supercars from the upcoming 2026 season under a multi-year deal.
The road to Supercars has been a long and calculated one for Toyota, whose factory-backed Toyota Gazoo Racing Australia (TGRA) program has built a reputation for success in grassroots motorsport, off-road rallying and circuit racing.
Now, the company is ready to step onto the biggest stage in Australian racing with a car that's iconic across generations.
'The debut of the GR Supra Supercar at the upcoming Bathurst 1000 launch in Sydney marks a truly historic milestone for Toyota in Australian motorsport,' Toyota Australia Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations Sean Hanley said.
'GR Supra is a car synonymous with performance, passion and power, and as a race car, it makes an electrifying statement. This isn't just an arrival — it's our next bold step as we prepare to join the Supercars grid alongside the Mustang and Camaro in 2026.
'This moment is sure to ignite excitement among fans of Supercars, Toyota and Toyota Gazoo Racing across the nation. And the excitement will only build from here, with the GR Supra Supercar heading to this year's Bathurst 1000, where fans will have their first opportunity to get up close and personal with this absolute beast of a race car.'
Warburton believes Toyota's unveiling at this year's Bathurst 1000 launch in Sydney couldn't be better.
'Launching in Sydney while kicking off the Bathurst 1000 countdown is absolutely perfect,' he said.
'It's going to be an incredible night — a triumphant celebration of everything that makes Supercars so spectacular.'
Matt Logue
Sports reporter
Matt Logue is an award-winning sports journalist and author who brings more than 20 years' experience to NCA NewsWire and CODE Sports. Starting out in regional newspapers in Dubbo and Bathurst, he moved to Sydney in 2006 and spent eight years at Rugby League Week magazine. He has also worked at the Newcastle Knights as a senior reporter under seven-time premiership-winning coach Wayne Bennett, Big League magazine and the Daily and Sunday Telegraphs. Matt is passionate about all sports, but has particular loves for rugby league and basketball.
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