Sign in
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing (TGR) achieved second place at the Lone Star Le Mans, the sixth round of the 2024 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.
Using a smart tire strategy, precise driving, swift pit stops, and strong teamwork, Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi, and Nyck de Vries excelled in the No. 7 Toyota GR010 Hybrid Electric Hypercar. This performance has propelled Toyota to the lead in the manufacturers' World Championship with an 11-point lead.
Toyota's Victory Elevates Manufacturer Championship Lead
Nobuyuki Takemura, Chief Representative of the Middle East & Central Asia Representative Office at Toyota Motor Corporation, remarked: “Congratulations to Conway, Kobayashi, De Vries, and TGR on this well-earned podium finish at the Lone Star Le Mans.”
He added: “Toyota’s involvement in motorsports, exemplified by vehicles like the Toyota GR010 Hybrid Electric Hypercar, continues to push the boundaries of our electrified vehicle technology. This effort supports the development of ‘ever-better cars’ for Toyota’s global customers and contributes to a more sustainable future. A heartfelt thank you to every member of TGR for their role in this achievement and to all Toyota fans who fuel our passion for this remarkable sport.”
Remarkable Brilliance and Unmatched Racing Performance
Conway started from ninth in the No.7 Toyota GR010 Hybrid Electric Hypercar and made a skillful advance despite early contact, executing a notable double overtake on lap eight to move up to sixth. His strong pace elevated him to third place by the first pit stops.
De Vries took over and continued to push, improving their position as the hot weather conditions affected some Hypercar rivals. By the third hour, Conway was back behind the wheel, and the No.7 Toyota GR010 Hybrid Electric Hypercar was in second, thanks to De Vries' impressive stint. Conway increased the pace, setting a new fastest lap.
Strategic Mastery Propels Team to the Pinnacle
An aggressive strategy led to an early pit stop at the end of the fourth hour, giving Kobayashi clear air to take the lead, which he did after their main rival pitted a lap later, emerging two seconds behind.
However, a race-deciding drive-through penalty with 40 minutes remaining, due to a yellow flag infraction, dropped Kobayashi to second, nine seconds behind the leader. Kobayashi pushed hard to recover and finished a close second, crossing the line just 1.780 seconds behind the winner.
Race Excellence and Prestigious Results
Three drivers participated in the race: Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi, and Nyck de Vries. Each drove the No. 7 Toyota GR010 Hybrid Electric Hypercar, leading the team to achieve:
- Position: 2nd
- No. of Laps: 183
- Best lap: 1:52.564
- Elapsed time: 6:00:25.535
Toyota’s Racing Prowess Embodies Future Ambitions
Over the years, Toyota has competed in various motorsports, including Formula One, the World Endurance Championship (WEC), and the Nürburgring 24 Hours endurance race.
Until April 2015, Toyota’s motorsports activities were managed by separate entities within the company. However, Toyota then established TGR to unify all its motorsport efforts under a single brand.
Representing Toyota’s belief that ‘the roads build the people, and the people build the cars,’ TGR underscores motorsports as a key pillar in Toyota’s pursuit of creating ‘ever-better’ cars.
Leveraging years of experience from extreme motorsport conditions, TGR is dedicated to developing new technologies and solutions that enhance the freedom, adventure, and joy of driving for everyone. The seventh round of the FIA WEC will be held on home turf during the 6 Hours of Fuji on September 15. Set at the famous Fuji Speedway, this race will test drivers with its high-speed corners and tight technical turns. Read more local and global news click on Motory Car News.
