- After its tenth season this year, Toyota will formally end the Lexus Racing program
- Resources and development will now transition to the Gazoo Racing brand
- Lexus Racing accumulated roughly 52 podium finishes and 17 wins over its full IMSA run from 2017 through 2025
Lexus Racing’s 10 Year Run
When Lexus rolled into Daytona International Speedway in 2017, it was making a statement. Sharing the grid with Porsche and Ferrari — two of motorsport’s most storied names — the brand had arrived at the highest level of North American sports car racing with something to prove. Over the years that followed, Lexus did exactly that… but If you’ve been tracking Toyota’s management of Lexus over the last few years, you won’t be surprised to learn that the Lexus Racing program ends this year.
Toyota’s decision to spin Gazoo Racing off as its own brand means the Lexus Racing chapter will officially close after the 2026 season. Beginning in 2027, GR USA will carry the torch with Toyota looking to leverage its motorsport platform to put a spotlight on an expanding performance lineup anchored by the highly anticipated GR GT.
By most measures, Lexus got what it came for. The brand used racing as a vehicle — pun intended — to reach new audiences and put its performance credentials on full display. A walk through the paddock at the 2026 Rolex 24 at Daytona told the story well: fans brimming with Lexus Racing merchandise, curious shoppers at the product displays, and loyal dealers and enthusiasts returning year after year alongside company executives.
Nearly a decade of racing, and a job well done with 52 podium finishes and 17 wins while the 2026 season is still ongoing. Congratulations to the Lexus Racing team on what they built and achieved.
Lexus Racing Transitions to Gazoo Racing
After a two week period of account name changes on Facebook and Instagram – from Lexus Racing to Gazoo Racing, back to Lexus Racing, ending with Gazoo Racing USA – the following note was posted for Lexus Racing fans:
Why the change?
The shift to Gazoo Racing USA marks the beginning of a truly exciting time for ourselves, our teams, our drivers, and most importantly you the fans, who have supported us from the beginning.
To our Lexus enthusiasts, know that everything you loved about the Lexus racing community is still here and the Lexus RC F GT3 will be on full display as we cheer on our Vasser Sullivan teammates in the 2026 IMSA GTD Pro and GTD Championship. While our family has grown, the Lexus racing community remains at the heart of everything we do. You have always been part of this team, and that will never change.
To our GR family that has been following along or is just now joining us, welcome to a place where speed takes center stage. If you like things that go fast, you are in the right place. Whether it’s GT3, GT4, Formula Drift, production vehicles or more there is something here for you to enjoy.
We’re excited for this next chapter and to share it with our racing family makes it even better. We hope you will follow along and stay tuned as we drive full speed into the future with Gazoo Racing USA!
The Gazoo Racing USA Team
Like so many other great parts of Lexus’ legacy, may Lexus Racing RIP.
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