The Pace Car For The NASA Championship Races Is The New 2022 Toyota GR 86

The 2022 Toyota GR 86 has been announced as the official pace car of the National Auto Sport Association Championship Races in Daytona. Not yet available in showrooms, the GR 86 will be seen on-track from Thursday, September the 16th–19th.

We’ve already got our hands on a U.S-spec GR 86, and found that it’s a greatly improved follow-up to the much-loved original. It has more power, and is more enjoyable for it. The Subaru-co-developed coupe will be priced starting from under $30,000 when it goes on sale in November.

The GR 86 is undoubtedly a car for enthusiasts, and will likely do well on track for those who want to do the occasional track day or maybe more. So, while it’s no Indy 500, it makes sense that Toyota is using the NASA Championships to promote their new star, as it leads the field of competitors taking part in what is described as “the highest level of amateur motorsports.”

Read: The 2022 Toyota GR 86 Is Faster Than The Old Car, Hitting 60 MPH In 5.9 Seconds

Pictures of the new car in the metal haven’t yet been revealed, but these pretty basic renders preview what the pace car livery will look like as it leads over 25 classes and nearly 400 competitors over the four days.

It’s not the first time Toyota and the NASA Championship has teamed up. In 2019 all GR Supra owners were given a complimentary one-year NASA membership as well as a free day of on-track instruction. The offer was extended to include all GR sports cars from 2021.

“It’s really an honor to have Toyota step up with the GR 86 as the pace car of our marquee championship event,” said Jeremey Croiset, vice president of NASA. “I can’t think of a more perfect car for this, and I know a ton of our competitors will be eyeing it for their next street or track car!”