The Toyota GR Supra has been making headlines since its introduction around three years ago. It may not be as quick as other cars in drag races, but this Toyota sports car could compete when properly equipped. In fact, the GR Supra will be the new car of choice for the carmaker's global motorsports division in its campaign in the Funny Car Class of the NHRA.

Toyota Gazoo Racing Launches North American Arm

TGRNA Hauler
Via Toyota

Starting this 2022 racing season, Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) will be more active in various motorsports in North America via its new arm, Toyota Gazoo Racing North America (TGRNA). This new arm will be fielding cars and drivers alike in the NHRA, Formula DRIFT and GT4 series competitions. TGRNA will also focus on providing U.S. customers with performance sports cars, built by enthusiasts and for enthusiasts.

RELATED: Toyota GR Supra GT4 Ready To Race In Europe

With TGR now getting involved in motorsports in the US, GR badge-vehicles such as the GR Supra and its GR Supra GT4 derivative as well as the GR86 are getting involved. The GR Supra and the GR86 will compete in the Formula DRIFT, while the GR Supra GT4 will contest the IMSA and SRO. Meanwhile, the GR Supra will replace the Camry in the Funny Car class of the NHRA.

GR Supra Funny Car Resembles Production Vehicle

GR Supra Funny Car and GR Supra
Via Toyota

Toyota’s most recent car in the NHRA’s Funny Car contest was the Camry (until 2012). It followed the Toyota Celica and Toyota Solara. Since Toyota has a commitment to race vehicles that closely resemble its production vehicles, the GR Supra Funny Car bears significant styling characteristics as the base car.

RELATED: 11,000 HP Dodge Charger Hellcat Funny Car In Focus

Nevertheless, Toyota has ensured during development that the new GR Supra Funny Car offers a high level of safety for its drivers. For instance, the GR Supra Funny Car offers better visibility for the driver and features additional safety foam in the cockpit. Toyota engineers completed the development of the GR Supra Funny Car in two years, working with Toyota Champion Funny Car driver, J.R. Todd, in the process.

GR Supra Funny Car Starts Racing On February 20

GR Supra Funny Car quarter front
Via Toyota

The 2022 season will be Toyota’s 21st official year in NHRA, fielding cars in both Top Fuel and Funny Car classes. The season will begin on February 20 at Auto Club Raceway in Pomona, California. The IMSA schedule will commence on January 29 at Daytona International Speedway while in SRO competition will kick off on February 25 in St. Petersburg, Florida. The Formula DRIFT season will start on April 2 in Long Beach, California.

Source: Toyota