Ford, Chevrolet react to Toyota Supercars news

Ford and Chevrolet have welcomed news of Toyota joining the Repco Supercars Championship, setting the tone for a new era for the sport.

Toyota confirmed Wednesday that it will join Supercars in 2026, with Walkinshaw Andretti United selected as the brand’s homologation team.

For the first time since 2019, three manufacturers will go head-to-head in Supercars, with GR Supras, Mustangs and Camaros to fight for glory.

Ford may be losing WAU to the Toyota camp in 2026, but Ford Performance Motorsport global boss Mark Rushbrook was looking forward to taking on the Japanese brand.

“While we’re disappointed to lose such a strong competitor in Walkinshaw Andretti United, we welcome the additional competition that comes with the addition of a third manufacturer to the Supercars Championship,” Rushbrook said.

“Ford Performance always welcomes competition, and we race against Toyota in many series across the world including Dakar, NASCAR and sports car racing.

“We look forward to competing against them in the Supercars Championship from 2026.”

A Chevrolet statement added: "Chevrolet Racing welcomes the news today that Toyota will be joining the Supercars Championship from 2026.

"Toyota is a formidable competitor to GM in many race series around the world. Their involvement in Supercars will elevate the profile of our fantastic racing series both here and internationally.

"The Chevrolet Racing teams, and the Camaro ZL1 Supercar will be ready for the competition.”

Ford and General Motors have been the two key players in Australian touring car racing since the early 1990s, with the rivalry underpinning the success of the V8 Supercars brand.

Nissan (Kelly Racing) and Mercedes-AMG (Erebus Motorsport) joined in 2013 with the debut of the Car of the Future ruleset, with Volvo arriving via Garry Rogers Motorsport in 2014.

Mercedes and Volvo moved on in 2015 and 2016 respectively, with Nissan withdrawing factory support in 2018 before Altimas dropped off the grid after 2019.

The arrival of Toyota returns a the three-pronged rivalry to the Australian stage, and adds another chapter to the battle between the three brands, given Camrys, Mustangs and Camaros compete in the NASCAR Cup Series.

A full scale model of the Toyota GR Supra will be on display at the upcoming Repco Bathurst 1000 on October 10-13. Tickets are on sale now.