Al-Futtaim Motors, exclusive distributor of Toyota in the UAE, and Yas Marina Circuit, the home of the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, announced the launch of the TRD 86 Cup, the first single make championship in the UAE, with the first round set to take place between December 11-13, 2014.

Blending the purity of the classic sports car experience with the thrill and reward of competitive racing, the TRD 86 Cup will consist of six race weekends and will include two classes - a master’s class for experienced drivers and a rookie class for new racers. All drivers will compete to win a range of cash prizes at the finish line.

Toyota Racing Development (TRD) started life as a humble aftermarket parts distributor in 1979, growing to become one of the most celebrated engineering companies in motorsports, producing various tuning products and performance components for Toyota vehicles around the world.

The TRD 86 Cup offers a cost-effective entry into the high-adrenaline world of circuit racing, combining exhilarating performance, exciting race kit and livery in a low-maintenance package of AED 150,000.

Jon Williams, ‎Managing Director at Al-Futtaim Motors, said: “This announcement comes in the true spirit of Toyota’s Waku Doki promise– Japanese for “adrenaline rush”. The rear wheel drive Toyota 86 has proven itself as the perfect, thoroughbred motorsport vehicle, winning the V3 class Nürburgring 24 Hours in 2012. TRD has built a reputation for creating spirited race and sports cars, successfully participating in the All-Japan Formula Three Championship Series, Super GT grand touring series, and of course the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans. Now, with the launch of the TRD 86 Cup, we are offering motorsports fans the chance to enter a single make championship at a very competitive and affordable price.”

Commenting on the occasion, Faisal al Sahlawi, racing school manager at Yas Marina Circuit, said: “The launch of the TRD 86 Cup is extremely exciting for us here at Yas Marina Circuit. We’re very eager to partner with Al-Futtaim Motors again, having worked with them previously to launch the Yas Drift School, which consists of a fleet of Toyota 86 vehicles that we actively use at the Drift School. We’re looking forward to an exciting TRD 86 Cup season ahead, having received very positive feedback from the racing community across the country. With professional expertise available at the circuit to support all competitors, the TRD 86 Cup is an easily-accessible, cost-effective way for motorsports enthusiasts to enjoy the thrill of competition in a unique environment.”

The announcement foreshadows the arrival of TRD racing and performance components in the UAE market. Al-Futtaim Motors will soon be the first authorized dealer in the region to offer the TRD brand to customers, offering performance enhancements across a wide range of Toyota vehicles.

Drivers interested in competing in the inaugural TRD 86 Cup season can find out more details online at http://www.yasmarinacircuit.com/en/motorsport/yas-motor-racing-club/86-cup

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