Underdogs in Overdrive – The Unlikely Triumph of Toyota’s GR Tortoises at the Turbocharged Kyalami Marathon

Welcome to the world of tire squeals, racefuel fumes, and the unrelenting South African sun. It’s the 2023 Kyalami 9-Hour Endurance Race, a place where the roar of engines is as constant as the politicians’ promises during election season. Yet, amidst the thunderous symphony of bespoke GT3 race cars – think Lamborghinis, Audi, Ginettas and Aston Martins – it’s the humble Toyota GR86s of Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa (TGRSA) that have stolen the show. Yes, you heard it right! The David among the Goliaths, outperforming and outlasting in a spectacle that would make the scriptwriters of a Hollywood blockbuster green with envy.

In 2022, the TGRSA team, fresher than a student during orientation week, stormed the South African Endurance Series (SAES) with their Toyota GR Yaris entries, clinching the Index of Performance title. Fast forward to 2023, and the venue is the iconic Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit, where our valiant heroes, the GR86s, emerged fresh from their sprint racing escapades in the GR Cup.

Here’s the kicker: these GR86s aren’t exactly the Usain Bolt of the racing world. They’re more like the tortoise in the age-old fable – not the fastest, but steady and reliable. The modifications? Let’s just say they’re like giving a librarian a pair of sneakers – useful, but not exactly transformative. They’ve got Dunlop Direzza semi-slick tyres, a Powerbrake big brake kit, and a cat-back exhaust that’s more for show than go. Oh, and let’s not forget the roll cage, OMP race seat, and harnesses. But everything else, including the infotainment system and aircon, remains intact – because who doesn’t want to race with their favorite tunes and a cool breeze?

The driver lineup is as diverse as a United Nations meeting – motoring journalists, Toyota South Africa execs, all sharing the cockpit. The strategy, unlike the straightforward 2022 approach of ‘just don’t crash’, had evolved into a tactical masterclass. The goal was clear: consistent lap times and no unscheduled pit stops.

During the practice sessions, it was apparent that the GR86s were not going to be headliners in terms of speed. They were lapping a yawning 40 seconds slower than the GT3 beasts. But endurance racing isn’t just about speed; it’s about strategy, reliability, and a bit of luck.

Race day saw a strategy centered around a 2:20 lap time, with each driver taking a 2-hour 15-minute stint. The early stages were smooth, but as the race progressed, the plot thickened faster than a stew in a slow cooker. Torrential rain, safety cars, and the ensuing chaos gave our GR86s the chance to slowly claw up the leader board.

In the end, when the skies cleared and the checkered flag waved, the GR86s had not only survived but thrived. Over 210 laps and 960 km later, they stood triumphantly – car number 12 finishing 14th overall and 2nd in class, while car number 19 crossed the line in 15th overall and 3rd in class. Both cars scooped the Index of Performance title, proving that in the world of endurance racing, it’s not just the strongest or the fastest that win, but the most resilient and consistent.

So, there you have it. The 2023 Kyalami 9-Hour Endurance Race – a testament to the old adage, “to finish first, first you have to finish.” It’s a race where the underdog story isn’t just a tale for the movies, but a reality scripted on the tarmac of the Kyalami Circuit. And in this story, the Toyota GR86s, those unassuming heroes, have etched their names in the annals of endurance racing lore. Until the next race, keep your engines humming and your spirits high!

The post Underdogs in Overdrive – The Unlikely Triumph of Toyota’s GR Tortoises at the Turbocharged Kyalami Marathon first appeared on Fuelled.