How Toyota’s Humble Pickup Became a Motorsport Contender

Toyota’s most basic pickup truck has found its way onto the racetrack. The Hilux Champ, Toyota’s entry-level workhorse known for its bare-bones simplicity, has been transformed into a full-fledged race car competing in Thailand’s prestigious Super Series.

This isn’t some amateur racing event – it’s a serious motorsport endeavor developed by Toyota Gazoo Racing Thailand, the same outfit responsible for the acclaimed GR Corolla.

The sight of this modified utility vehicle thundering around professional racing circuits represents a fascinating evolution in Asian motorsport culture, where pickup trucks have become an integral part of the racing landscape.

From Workhorse to Race Horse

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The standard Hilux Champ epitomizes utilitarian design in its regular form. It comes equipped with a 2.4-liter turbodiesel engine producing a modest 164 horsepower, tasked with moving a substantial 6,000-pound body-on-frame truck. (ref)

The vehicle is primarily designed for utility, with a focus on reliability and functionality rather than performance or style. Toyota Gazoo Racing Thailand’s transformation of this humble pickup began with the long-wheelbase variant, chosen specifically for enhanced stability on the track.

Technical Transformation

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The racing version of the Hilux Champ maintains its 2.4-liter turbodiesel engine, but it’s been extensively modified with a sophisticated intercooling system and advanced performance enhancements.

The truck features a comprehensive aerodynamic package, including a custom-designed front splitter, a massive cooling intake, and a prominent rear wing mounted on the tailgate.

The interior has been stripped down to racing specifications, featuring a Sparco bucket seat, racing-spec switchgear, and a full roll cage integrated directly into the ladder-frame chassis.

Racing in Good Company

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The Hilux Champ competes in Thailand’s Super Pickup Series, which is part of the larger Thailand Super Series (TSS) – a FIA-sanctioned championship established in 2013. (ref) The series has gained international recognition, attracting professional drivers with Platinum and Gold licenses. 

The Champ faces fierce competition from modified versions of other regional favorites, including the Ford Ranger, Mitsubishi L200, and Isuzu D-Max, all specially prepared for the rigors of professional racing.

A Testament to Toyota’s Racing Spirit

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This unusual racing program exemplifies Toyota’s broader commitment to motorsport development across all vehicle categories. Toyota Gazoo Racing Thailand’s portfolio extends beyond the Hilux Champ, encompassing race-prepared versions of the Yaris, Yaris Cross, Corolla sedan, and GR Supra, each competing in different motorsport disciplines. 

The team has even participated in international events, including the challenging Nürburgring 24 Hours with a Corolla Altis Hybrid.

Looking Ahead

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The final race of the 2024 Super Series season is scheduled for December at the Chang International Circuit, where the Hilux Champ will have another opportunity to prove its racing prowess. 

The success of this program has led Toyota Gazoo Racing to announce plans for a one-make racing series featuring the Hilux Champ in Thailand next year, further expanding the vehicle’s racing presence.

The transformation of this basic utility vehicle into a competitive race truck demonstrates the innovative spirit of Asian motorsport. The Hilux Champ race truck challenges conventional wisdom about what makes a successful racing vehicle, proving that with proper engineering and determination, even the most utilitarian vehicle can be transformed into a formidable track competitor.

This unique project not only showcases Toyota’s engineering capabilities but also highlights the diverse and evolving nature of modern motorsport, where success can come from the most unexpected sources.

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Nancy Maffia » nancy
Nancy Maffia
Author & Editor | + posts

Nancy received a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.