In a move that has sent ripples through the motorsports world, Toyota has announced it will end its extensive involvement in National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) drag racing after the 2025 season. This decision, communicated via a concise email last week, marks the conclusion of a partnership spanning over two decades, leaving teams and fans alike pondering the future landscape of NHRA. While Toyota has remained tight-lipped about the precise reasons behind this withdrawal, financial considerations are widely speculated to be the primary driving force. The automaker has been a significant investor in NHRA, not only through team sponsorships but also as the Official Vehicle of the NHRA since 2014, providing Toyota trucks and enjoying substantial on-air visibility.
Toyota’s entry into the high-octane world of NHRA drag racing in 2002 initially raised eyebrows. The sport, deeply rooted in American automotive culture, seemed an unconventional fit for a Japanese manufacturer. Similar to their NASCAR entry in 2004, there were murmurs of skepticism regarding the welcome of a foreign entity in such traditionally American motorsports. However, Toyota effectively navigated these initial reservations, establishing itself as a respected and integral part of both NASCAR and NHRA circuits. Their commitment to NHRA began by backing Funny Car driver Gary Scelzi, and the first Toyota victory materialized at the Winternationals in 2004, setting the stage for a remarkable run of success.
Over the years, Toyota’s presence in NHRA has been marked by significant achievements. Accumulating over 200 race wins and securing 12 world championships, including consecutive Top Fuel titles with Doug Kalitta and Antron Brown, Toyota has firmly cemented its place in NHRA history. This year marked another milestone with the company clinching its first Manufacturers Cup championship, underscoring their comprehensive contribution to the sport. Toyota, like domestic manufacturers Ford and Dodge/Mopar, legitimately claims these NHRA victories, providing crucial “engineering, technology and trackside support” to its partnered teams.
“Our NHRA drag racing involvement has brought much success and pride across our entire organization,” stated Paul Doleshal, group manager, motorsports, for Toyota Motor North America, acknowledging the impact of their program. “Our NHRA drivers and teams have truly become part of our Toyota family. We look forward to competing for more wins and championships with our supported teams in the upcoming season, and we will work diligently along the way to make sure each team and driver have the tools necessary to compete at the highest level for the years to come.” This statement, while looking towards the immediate future, precedes the looming exit, adding a layer of poignancy to their final season.
Toyota boasts the most extensive manufacturer-supported driver lineup in NHRA, featuring prominent names such as current Top Fuel champion and Toyota’s most victorious driver, Antron Brown, alongside Justin Ashley, Doug Kalitta, Shawn Langdon, and Steve and Billy Torrence in Top Fuel. Their Funny Car roster includes seasoned competitors like Ron Capps, Alexis DeJoria, and J.R. Todd. The departure of such a significant supporter will undoubtedly create a void within the NHRA landscape.
In comparison, Ford’s NHRA involvement is centered around Top Fuel driver Clay Millican and Funny Car racer Bob Tasca III, reflecting Tasca’s family’s long-standing Ford dealership legacy. Chevrolet stepped in to support John Force Racing after Ford’s previous exit, ensuring the Chevy bowtie is represented by Brittany Force’s Top Fuel car and the Funny Cars of John Force and Austin Prock. Dodge and Mopar back Tony Stewart Racing, with Tony Stewart himself in Top Fuel and Matt Hagan in Funny Car, along with Cruz Pedregon in Funny Car receiving Dodge/Mopar support.
Beyond direct financial aid to teams, Toyota’s exit poses a significant loss to NHRA in terms of television exposure. Toyota’s extensive TV advertising campaigns frequently feature their motorsports endeavors, with drag racing playing a prominent role. Furthermore, Toyota has actively sponsored NHRA events, including this year’s U.S. Nationals, which was rebranded as the Toyota NHRA U.S. Nationals. Ford also held title sponsorship of the Ford Performance NHRA Nationals in Las Vegas, highlighting the value manufacturers bring through both team support and event promotion.
Looking ahead, the NHRA and Toyota-backed teams will actively seek a new manufacturer to fill the void. However, attracting a new major manufacturer in the current climate presents a considerable challenge. A more plausible scenario might involve existing manufacturers like Ford or Dodge and Mopar expanding their NHRA presence, potentially absorbing some of Toyota’s top-tier teams such as Kalitta Motorsports, Antron Brown’s AB Motorsports, or Ron Capps Racing. Crucially, many of Toyota’s teams, like Capps’ NAPA Auto Parts-sponsored car, have independent business sponsors, which should provide a degree of stability during this transition.
The NHRA and its teams now face a year-long window to secure new automotive partnerships before Toyota officially departs. While this timeframe offers an opportunity for strategic realignment, the task of replacing a manufacturer of Toyota’s stature will undoubtedly be a difficult race to win. The future of manufacturer involvement in NHRA drag racing hangs in the balance as the sport navigates this significant shift.
