We received an invite to join Toyota at yesterday's National at Killarney. Naturally, I had to say yes…Here are my thoughts…

Out of all the manufacturers these days, this brand is doing the most for the SA racing scene, injecting freshness into the space. The Merchandise truck, Pit branding and professionalism are top-shelf stuff. But fielding an entirely new series is quite something. GR Yaris league is now in its second year, and the GR86 league is in its debut year, giving a blend of new driver opportunities. Karting champions are making the big move to main circuit, sim racing aces, media and Toyota executives, including the CEO and head honcho, Andrew Kirby. I'm a big fan of getting senior managers and staff to experience the product, and what better way to do that than to race it?!

Now, watching racing versus participating is always something that has me conflicted. I'd always prefer to be behind the wheel, but failing that, it's nice to sit back and enjoy the action, walk around, meet, and catch up with everyone. That never happens otherwise. Camera in hand, I grabbed some shots from the action, which didn't disappoint, and spent a large part of the day with the main man himself, Ernest Page.

The GR86 league racing did not disappoint, and watching Setshaba carry on with such grace and composure made me proud. An opportunity taken with both hands, respectful competition, and then winning both heats before putting the car back into the pits is the shining example and return on investment Toyota can be even more proud of. But it doesn't stop there (Verimark Advert stuff).

Racing is the best way to hone skills. It's a safe environment to test, make mistakes and learn. The skills these journalists take back into the industry will add that extra layer of understanding. Vehicle dynamics, shifts, driving techniques and learning the art of racing versus putting in a qualifying lap. These are two disciplines that often need clarification as they are so different. We learn the most when we’re doing it and Toyota has provided a platform for exactly that. Observing some impromptu driving advice from Race Driver SA's oracle, Claudio, being thrown into the mix here proved the value of coaching. Willing learners and willing teachers. That environment is potent for progression in life. 

I saw that with Brendon, who lapped the lessons and was eager to deploy them in heat two. I do, however, feel for Chad, who put so much into the weekend but could not convert the efforts into a victory. The man wears his heart on his sleeve, and it shows. But that is Motorsport. We lose more than we win. The consolation is that he walks away with a P3 for the day and was involved with some epic dicing. Not kak at all.

This effort made by Toyota is the manufacturer support we have always been talking about, and seeing it play out live in front of your eyes adds such a level of excitement to the mix and strengthens the scene for years to come.

Lastly, thank you so much to everyone at Toyota for the hospitality and the opportunity to share in the fun. 

The only downside of the day was that Setshaba did not accept my dare to do a "shoe'ey" with a black label on the podium.

As for what's next? We’re hoping that for year three, there’ll be a return and an increased support base for the Gazoo Racing Brand nationally along with another year of media participation.

Enjoy the gallery…

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