Toyota Gazoo Racing is ushering in a brand-new era of global motorsports collaboration this month in Japan, as several drivers from the United States will travel to participate in the Super Taikyu Series as part of a landmark exhibition event at Fuji Speedway on November 16.
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The event will feature a demonstration of six different NASCAR stock cars, as well as the debut of the new “ST-USA” class in the Super Taikyu Series. To introduce the class, Toyota has brought some real star power to the table.
On Thursday, videos surfaced of Johnson, Nemechek, and Kobayashi making laps around Fuji Speedway.
Jimmie Johnson, a seven-time champion at NASCAR’s highest level and the co-owner of Toyota-backed NASCAR Cup Series operation LEGACY MOTOR CLUB, will be driving the Garage 56 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, owned by Rick Hendrick. The vehicle was created in collaboration with NASCAR, Hendrick Motorsports, and Goodyear to compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2023.
Joining the NASCAR legend at Fuji Speedway for this weekend’s exhibition is John Hunter Nemechek, who competes full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series for LEGACY MOTOR CLUB. Nemechek, the son of O’Reilly Auto Parts Series champion Joe Nemechek, will be driving his No. 42 Toyota Camry XSE.
Kamui Kobayashi, who has made a pair of one-off starts in the NASCAR Cup Series over the last three years, will get behind the wheel of the No. 67 Toyota Camry XSE prepared by 23XI Racing. Kobayashi previously competed in Formula 1, but later in his career has gone on to run in endurance racing, where he’s won two FIA WEC championships, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and the 24 Hours of Daytona, among several other achievements.
Fast Track Racing, an organization owned by Andy Hillenburg that competes in the ARCA Menards Series, will be fielding three ARCA-style race cars in the exhibition event for Oyu Toshiki, Kotaka Kazuto, and ARCA Menards Series driver Takuma Koga.
The “ST-USA” class will officially welcome American sports cars like the Callaway Corvette C7 GT3-R and the Ford Mustang Dark Horse R, which will enhance the series’ diversity and international appeal. Akio Toyoda, Chairman of both Toyota and the Super Taikyu Mirai Organization, supports the global motorsports collaboration aimed at fostering innovation and culture exchange between Japan and the United States.
Founded in 1991, the Super Taikyi Series is Japan’s premier endurance racing championship and serves as a platform for production-based vehicles and new technologies, including Toyota’s hydrogen-powered GR Corolla H2 Concept.
Fans worldwide can watch the NASCAR demonstration and Super Taikyu finale via official broadcasts and digital platforms, which marks a historic moment in uniting Japanese and American racing cultures.
