Toyota Expands Daytona Prototype Engine Availability

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (July 25, 2002) -- With an announcement today by Toyota Racing Development (TRD), the list of engines being made available to power Daytona Prototypes next year now extends to manufacturers from around the globe.

According to a press release issued earlier today, Toyota Racing Development (TRD), U.S.A. will submit a 4.3-liter V8 engine for approval to compete in the Daytona Prototype class of the Rolex Sports Car Series beginning in 2003. The Toyota Daytona Prototype V8 engine will be based on the 4.3-liter, four-cam, 32-valve powerplant that is currently utilized in production models sold in North America.

"We have already approved engines from Ford, BMW and Porsche," Grand American Road Racing President Roger Edmondson commented. "We are working closely with suppliers of other engines including Chrysler, GM and Maserati on approval of those motors. With Toyota's racing history and heritage, we are very pleased to hear they will be participating in this program," he added.

"We believe that Grand-Am has created a unique vision for an American-based sports prototype series," said Jim Aust, president and CEO of TRD, U.S.A. "TRD is always interested in potential business opportunities that expand its presence in U.S. motorsports. Our goal will be to offer Daytona Prototype teams a competitive engine at a competitive price."

More information on the Daytona Prototypes and the Rolex Sports Car Series is available online at www.grandamerican.com.