TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Thailand celebrates 40 years of success by unveiling its 2026 racing team plan, aiming to win all championships with the GR Supra GT4 leading the charge and adding new young drivers to the lineup.
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Thailand, a leading racing team in Thailand, has revealed its full team plan for the 2026 season while celebrating 40 years of motorsport success since 1986. The team has grown into a top-tier outfit, consistently achieving championships nationally and internationally under the core philosophy “MAKING EVER-BETTER MOTORSPORTS-BRED CARS.” They develop vehicles from the racetrack into improved production cars by collaborating with TOYOTA MOTOR ASIA (TMA) and Thai engineers, using data from every race to enhance technologies and performance of vehicles sold domestically. This season also offers a chance for new talent, with Mario-Sittichai Khangnimit, the reigning Corolla Altis GR Sport one-make race champion, stepping up to the main team.
40 years of success built on “continuous development.”
Suthipong Samitchat, team director and driver of TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Thailand, stated, “Over four decades, we have grown from a factory team into a globally recognized racing outfit. Our key strength lies in continuous development—of cars, technology, and drivers—especially nurturing one-make race champions into core team members. Our proudest achievements include winning the 24 Hours Nürburgring in Germany four consecutive years and securing Thailand’s Royal Cup championship five years in a row.”
2026 plan to compete comprehensively in both circuit and off-road events.
In the 2026 season, the team will fully compete across both circuit and off-road disciplines, participating in two major circuit racing series.
• TSS The Super Series by B-Quik will feature four classes: TSS Supercar GT4 with the GR Supra GT4; TSS Supercar GTC with the GR Supra GTC and Corolla Altis GTC; Super Touring with Yaris ATIV and Yaris ATIV HEV; and Super Pickup with the Hilux Champ.
• RAAT Thailand Endurance Championship 2026 will include the TC 2 class with Corolla Altis, TC 3 with Yaris ATIV, and TC N+ with Yaris ATIV HEV.
Three thrilling off-road racing events.
• RAAT Thailand Rally Championship 2026 featuring the TOYOTA Yaris Cross HEV in the RC2.1 class.
• Thailand Rally Raid Championship 2026 with the Hilux TRAVO in the T1D class, which secured the championship in the opening race to start the season strongly.
• ASIA CROSS COUNTRY RALLY 2026 (AXCR2026) with the Hilux TRAVO competing.
Unveiling the “2026 driver lineup” blending experience and fresh talent.
For 2026, the team combines seasoned drivers and newcomers, led by Suthipong Samitchat, Nattawut Charoensukhawatana, Natthapong Hotongkham, Manat Kulapalanont, Kan Supapong, Akkrapong Akneeroth, Krit Wasurat, Na Don Watthatham, Narrat Apiwat, Aitan Atsadathorn, Songsak Kornsirisubsakul, alongside new talent Mario-Sittichai Khangnimit. They join forces with off-road drivers Jup-Nattapol Angritthanon and co-driver Itthipol Simarak, Thanayapat Meenil, and Manat Pornsiricherd with co-driver Kittisak Klinjan, all key contenders for championship titles this season.
“GR Supra GT4” as a new weapon strengthening the team.
A major highlight this year is deploying the new GR Supra GT4 race car, developed continuously using data and experience from last season’s races. The GR Supra GT4 will bolster the team’s strength in speed and vehicle completeness. Through collaboration among drivers, engineers, and the team, they aim to extract the car’s maximum performance at every race.
Developing rising star “Mario-Sittichai” into the main team through the driver development system.
Mario-Sittichai Khangnimit, the current Corolla Altis GR Sport one-make race champion, has earned a place on the main team for 2026. This reflects the team’s systematic approach to driver development, where one-make race champions continue to compete and hone their skills for one to two more years before advancing to the main squad if they show potential. This stepwise system ensures a continuous supply of quality drivers, with six drivers already promoted through this process.
Advancing the philosophy of “Motorsport-Bred Cars” from racing to real-world vehicles.
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Thailand remains committed to the “MAKING EVER-BETTER MOTORSPORT-BRED CARS” philosophy, applying race experience and data to improve production vehicles. In 2026, this will be especially evident through advancements in hybrid technology tested in diverse circuit and off-road environments to push performance limits.
2026 goals: maintain leadership while adapting to global regulations.
The team aims to uphold its leadership standards and win championships in every event entered. Suthipong added, “A key future factor is the ever-changing race regulations. Motorsport’s future depends on the rules of each series, so we must adapt quickly in vehicle types and technology. The team is always seeking new challenges and opportunities domestically and abroad. If a racing category fits Toyota’s vehicle lineup, we are ready to participate immediately.”
Entering its 40th year, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Thailand not only reflects past achievements but also marks a key step forward in motorsport development through competition, technology, and continuous cultivation of new drivers. Follow the team’s news and updates on Facebook and Instagram: TOYOTAGAZOORacingTeamThailand.
