Toyota C-HR Racing to enter 24 Hours of Nurburgring

Toyota Gazoo Racing has announced that the Toyota C-HR Racing will be participating in the 2016 24 Hours of Nurburgring. A more production-ready race-specced version of the C-HR Concept will make its debut. Apart from the C-HR, the Lexus RC and RC F will be the division’s other entries partaking in the 44th edition of the endurance race, to be held in Germany from May 26 to 29, 2016.

While specific details of the production Honda HR-V-rivalling B-segment crossover isn’t particularly clear, the brand explains, “we decided to take on the new challenge of creating ever-better cars using a crossover rather than a pure sports car.” Akihori Osaka of Toyota Motor Corp, will be chief mechanic of the Toyota C-HR Racing vehicle, while drivers comprise of Masahiko Kageyama and Kumi Sato.

As for the Lexus RC, it will be the second year that the coupe will partake in the race. “In addition to improving on last year’s results, we want to achieve even more success in building ever-better people and vehicles through the adoption of new technologies in this year’s car,” the brand states. Chief mechanic will be Minoru Takagi, while drivers will be Takayuki Kinoshita and Naoya Gamou.

Interestingly, although the Lexus RC F will race under the Toyota Gazoo Racing team, it’s actually tuned by Tom’s. “In addition to helping to develop dedicated cars for motorsports, Tom’s is also on the front line in race management,” the brand notes. It also adds that with this entry, it will boost the development of human resources in Toyota. Drivers will be Takeshi Tsuchiya, Kazuya Oshima, Takuto Iguchi and Takamitsu Matsui.

The year 2016 is the 10th year that Toyota has participated in the endurance race under the Gazoo racing banner. “Toyota, under the banner of Toyota Gazoo Racing, will continue to take part in motorsports, to build ever-better cars, boost the number of vehicle enthusiasts, and bring a smile to the faces of our customers around the world,” said Toyota Motor Corp president and team representative Akio Toyoda.

With the yet-to-be-launched Toyota C-HR already going racing, when will it be the turn of rivals like the Honda HR-V and Mazda CX-3 to hit the track?

GALLERY: Toyota C-HR Concept

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