Toyota shows off Etios Motor Racing cars at Mumbai dealerships

Following the success of Volkswagen’s Polo Cup here in India over the last couple of years, Toyota is about to run its very own one-make racing series called the Etios Motor Racing. In a bid to promote this upcoming event, the Japanese carmaker is exhibiting the race-prepped Etios and Etios Liva at the Toyota dealerships in Mumbai – Lakozy Toyota and Shinrai Toyota. 

The Etios Motor Racing (EMR) series was introduced for the first time at the 2012 Auto Expo followed by a number of promotional events in New Delhi, Bangalore, Pune and now in Mumbai. The brand wherein introduced its global philosophy of ‘WAKU DOKI’, which in Japanese means ‘excitement, joy and fun’.

As for the racing series, well-established names like Toyota Racing Development, MRF and Denso autoparts maker will provide support all through the season. Toyota says that the championship will start in the middle of 2013 with a total of six races planned all through the season. The registration and entry fee costs about Rs 1.5 lakh, which, compared to Rs 7 lakh for the Polo cup, is peanuts money. The driver selection process is currently in progress at MMSC’s race track in Chennai. Until then, Toyota plans to improve on the brand and promote it with a number of exhibition races, events and road shows all over India.  

Mr. R K Ramesh, General Manager, Conversion & Accessories, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, “Motorsports is gaining popularity in India, commanding a growing audience among the young, educated and dynamic. We would like to take this opportunity to promote motorsports in India through EMR and capitalise on our global motorsport heritage. The response we have received so far has been good and we are amazed at the fantastic young talent that has appeared for the driver auditions from across the country” 

The start of the Toyota Etios Motor Racing series will only reinforce the existing field of Indian racing championships that involve the Volkswagen Polo Cup, Indian National Road Racing Championship and the MRF F-1600s. For motorsport enthusiasts, good times are indeed in store.