Toyota Camry Approved For ARCA Competition

LAS VEGAS, Nev., November 1, 2006 - The Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) and Toyota officials announced today at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas that the Toyota Camry has been approved for competition in the 2007 ARCA RE/MAX Series.

The move broadens Toyota's base of stock car racing participation which began with the Goody's Dash Series in 2000. The auto manufacturer moved up to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2004 and previously announced its plans to participate in the NEXTEL Cup and Busch Series in 2007.

"We're excited to be welcomed into the ARCA RE/MAX Series," said David Wilson, TRD, U.S.A. (Toyota Racing Development) group vice president of finance, operations and planning. "ARCA has a rich history and has played a role in developing drivers through the years."

The ARCA RE/MAX Series, established in 1953, features 3400 pound, steel-bodied stock cars with corresponding auto manufacturer engine and body configuration. Drivers and teams compete for the national championship in a 22-24 race tour featuring a diverse mix of racetracks ranging in size from .4375 to 2.66 miles in length on paved, concrete and dirt surfaces. Races in the series are televised nationally (available in 68.3 million US homes) and internationally in more than 80 countries on the Speed Channel television network, in addition to average race attendance of 600,000 per season. The series has long been recognized as a top driver development series for professional stock car racing teams.

"As the ARCA RE/MAX Series has grown and evolved, we've worked hard to maintain a sense of tradition while incorporating cutting edge opportunities," said ARCA President Ron Drager. "A true measure of that balance is reflected in the range of participation of track venues, driver and team participation, marketing partnerships and on-track competition. Welcoming Toyota, a global leader in the automotive industry, will certainly make our on-track product better and stronger as we move forward."

The 2007 ARCA RE/MAX Series season kicks off at Daytona International Speedway on Saturday, February 10, with the 44th  running of the Daytona ARCA 200.