Toyota announced today that its latest hot hatch, the GR Corolla, will handle pace car duties for the 2022 National Auto Sport Association (NASA) National Championships, which take place at Laguna Seca next month.
For the event, the GR Corolla will don a special livery inspired by Toyota Gazoo Racing motorsport and endurance racing liveries. The car will lead more than 350 entrants in 25 racing classes at the iconic circuit over the course of the championship weekend, which takes place from September 15-18, 2022.
“Last year we were honored to pace all NASA Championship races at Daytona with the all-new GR86, and it’s great to be back, this time with the first-ever GR Corolla,” said Michael Tripp, Toyota’s vice president of marketing. “This is such a great event and a perfect way to give fans and NASA competitors a chance to check out the GR Corolla in its natural environment – on the track.”
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The 300 hp (224 kW/304 PS) hot hatch is powered by a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine that is mated exclusively to a manual transmission and sends its power to all four wheels. The AWD system allows drivers to select how much torque is sent to each axle, with options for a 60-40, 50-50 or 30-70 split at the front and rear wheels respectively.
Unveiled earlier this year, the new Corolla can do more than just be a pace car at NASA events. Toyota announced that owners will automatically receive a complimentary one-year membership to the association. In addition, they will also receive a complimentary track day at a NASA High Performance Driving Event that offers owners the opportunity to receive tutelage from a pro to help them get the most out of their vehicle.
The GR Corolla Pace car, meanwhile, will be at the front of the pack for every race at NASA’s championship weekend, including the winner-take-all final race on Sunday, September 18.
“It’s great to continue our relationship with Toyota, and it’s very exciting to have the GR Corolla as the official 2022 NASA Championships pace car,” said NASA Chief Operating Officer and Vice President Jeremy Croiset. “And in addition to the many who will see it on the track, fans can also tune in online and see the very best amateur racing in the country from the comfort of home.”
