5 Things You Probably Didn't Know about Lexus Motorsport
So you think you know everything about Lexus Motorsport? Here a 5 things that you may not know about the automaker's professional racing division.
1. Lexus Is a Bit of an Underdog in Sports Racing
Formula One racing garners all the headlines, but sports car racing is arguably more intriguing. That's because it features cars that are based on production models—ones that fans can actually go out and buy. It's also extremely competitive. Lexus is getting involved in GT3 racing with the RC F GT3, which will be battling with cars like the McLaren 650s and Ferrari 458—cars that cost up to ten times what the RC F will run. That alone makes it a bit of an underdog, but don't be surprised when they are standing on the podium next to those pricey supercars.
2. Lexus Has Been Racing Professionally for a While Now
It may not seem like it, but Lexus has been involved in racing for quite some time. After its inception in 1989, the brand waited only a decade before entering the motorsports arena. In 1999, they entered two GS 400 race cars in Motorola Cup North American Street Stock Championship touring car series, taking their first victory in only their 6th race of the season.
3. The SC 430 Was a Winner From the Start
Hot on the heels of the SC 430's Japanese release in 2005, Lexus entered four of the cars in the Super GT series of the All Japan Grand Touring Car Championship in 2006. One of those four cars took the win in its first race, and Lexus would go on to win the championship in its inaugural year.
4. Lexus Raced a Hybrid Way Back in 2006
While we are just starting to see hybrid performance cars as a wave of the future, Lexus actually first raced one way back in 2006. They entered the 24 Hours of Tokachi race in Hokkaido, Japan using a car that they jointly developed with Sigma Advanced Racing Development: a GS 450h sedan.
5. Lexus Has Historically Dominated the Rolex Sports Car Series
Lexus first entered the Rolex Sports Car Series in 2004, and proceeded to rack up 15 wins in the series. It was runner up in 2005 before winning its first championship in 2006, and Lexus proceeded to win the crown in 2007 and 2008 as well. Lexus then bowed out of the series in 2010, so who really knows how many trophies they could have taken home by now.
For information on maintenance and repairs for your Lexus, head on over to our How-To section here in ClubLexus.com!