Toyota’s GR Customer Racing operation has launched a Young Driver Academy for its GT racing programmes.
Ahead of the global rollout of Toyota’s new GR GT3 next year, the Young Driver Academy will provide a potential pathway for drivers to join Toyota’s GT3 roster.
In its first year, the Academy will feature a multi-stage selection process, with drivers already confirmed to be racing a Toyota GT car, such as its GR Supra GT4 EVO2, in 2026 automatically given an initial evaluation. Drivers between the ages of 17 to 27 are also eligible to apply to join them, provided they meet FIA GT3 eligibility requirements.
Candidates will participate in simulator sessions at Toyota Racing’s Cologne facility next month, with select drivers then invited to test a GT3 car at Motorland Aragón, Spain during the summer. Drivers who impress here might then be recommended for GR Customer Racing’s GT3 efforts in 2027.
Beyond 2026, the Young Driver Academy will evolve to provide drivers with a structured, seamless pathway through the GT ranks with GR Customer Racing, across its existing GT4 and upcoming GT3 products.
The new Young Driver Academy is an extension of Toyota’s young driver development programmes in various regions. For over 20 years, the Toyota Gazoo Racing Driver Challenge (TGR-DC) programme has developed dozens of future stars of the FIA World Endurance Championship’s top class, the FIA World Rally Championship, SUPER GT, and Super Formula – as well as various GT3 and GT4 customer racing efforts.
In North America, the Toyota Driver Development (TD2) programme has developed the talents of stock car racing and sports car racing hopefuls including Tyler Gonzalez and Westin Workman, who have each progressed through the Toyota GR Cup North America series to a programme in SRO Pirelli GT4 America.
Applications will be accepted through 27 March 2026 to youngdriveracademy@toyota-racing.com, along with further information regarding the Young Driver Academy.
Feature image © IMSA
