1987 Toyota Celica Turbo IMSA GTO
Toyota's involvement in endurance racing also extended to the USA, where Toyota Racing Development (TRD) was set up in 1979 to oversee sporting activities, including entry in the North American IMSA Championship.
Toyota's involvement in IMSA began in 1983 when Dan Gurney's All American Racers team in California developed the rear-wheel drive Celica for the series' GTU class for cars powered by engines of less than three-litre capacity.
The positive results of this project, with 10 victories and 17 pole positions, helped inspire a move to the higher GTO class for vehicles above three litres in 1986. Although less powerful than the competition, the Celica's excellent downforce, high-speed stability and effective use of advanced construction technology helped make it the class of the field.
After a development year, the Celica Turbo went on to claim 15 wins, seven pole positions and a further 21 podium finishes in 1987, delivering both the manufacturers' championship for Toyota and the drivers' championship for Chris Cord.
