Toyota has revealed its new Funny Car that will be used in the NHRA drag racing series. For the 2022 NHRA season, Toyota will race a Funny Car with a body based on the GR Supra. The Supra racing car is replacing the previous Camry racing car.
Having the Supra as Toyota’s Funny Car makes much more sense than having the Camry since the Camry is a four-door family car and the Supra is a sports car. The first race where we will see the GR Supra will be the season opener in Pomona set for February. Toyota has spent several years racing in Funny Car going back to 2012.
The Evolution of Toyota’s NHRA Involvement
Previously, the racing car has been based on the Camry, Celica, and Solara. The 2021 season marked the 20th anniversary of Toyota being involved with NHRA racing. Over the years, Toyota has made significant strides in the sport, continually pushing the boundaries of performance and innovation. The switch to the GR Supra is a testament to Toyota’s commitment to aligning their racing efforts with their most iconic sports car models.
The GR Supra, known for its sleek design and high-performance capabilities, is a natural fit for the high-octane world of NHRA drag racing. The Supra’s heritage as a sports car with a strong fan base adds an element of excitement and anticipation for the upcoming season. Fans and racers alike are eager to see how the GR Supra will perform on the drag strip.
Technical Specifications and Performance
While the body is all-new, presumably, the mechanicals underneath are essentially the same as last year’s Camry race car. That could mean up to 11,000 horsepower. This immense power is necessary to compete in the NHRA, where races are won and lost in fractions of a second. The Funny Car class is known for its extreme speeds and explosive power, and the GR Supra is expected to be a formidable contender.
The GR Supra Funny Car will feature a carbon-fiber body to reduce weight and improve aerodynamics. The engine, a supercharged V8, is designed to deliver maximum power and torque, propelling the car down the quarter-mile track in under four seconds. The car’s chassis and suspension have been fine-tuned to handle the immense forces generated during a drag race, ensuring stability and control at high speeds.
Toyota’s involvement in NHRA is not just about winning races; it’s also about showcasing their engineering prowess and commitment to performance. The lessons learned on the drag strip often translate to improvements in their production vehicles, benefiting consumers who drive Toyota cars every day.
Looking Ahead to the 2022 Season
The 2022 NHRA season promises to be an exciting one for Toyota and its fans. The debut of the GR Supra Funny Car is highly anticipated, and there is a lot of buzz surrounding its performance. The season opener in Pomona will be the first opportunity to see the new car in action, and expectations are high.
Toyota’s drivers, including seasoned veterans and rising stars, are eager to get behind the wheel of the GR Supra and push it to its limits. The combination of a proven powertrain and a new, aerodynamic body design could give Toyota a competitive edge in the Funny Car class.
In conclusion, Toyota’s decision to switch from the Camry to the GR Supra for their NHRA Funny Car is a strategic move that aligns their racing efforts with their sports car heritage. With a powerful engine, advanced aerodynamics, and a rich history in NHRA racing, the GR Supra Funny Car is poised to make a significant impact in the 2022 season. Fans of both Toyota and NHRA drag racing have a lot to look forward to as the new season unfolds.
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