The end of an era as Toyota Motorsport is privatised

The end of an era as Toyota Motorsport is privatised

As 2009 draws to a close, Toyota will mark the end of an era for Toyota Motorsport as it transitions from a division of South Africa’s largest motor manufacturer to a privately controlled entity backed by Toyota South Africa.

While this opens up new horizons and challenges for Toyota Motorsport it also sees the end of what has been an exceptionally successful period spanning close to 20 years.

During this time, under the management of Wammy Haddad, Toyota South Africa emerged as the dominant force in local motorsport, especially in national championship rallying. It is this highly competitive team that will form the foundation of the new privately managed organisation to be run by Glyn Hall.

Up until the time that Wammy joined Toyota the company had won just 17 national championship rallies in 22 years. During his 19 year spell 74 national championship wins were added to the total, a total that falls just four victories shy of eclipsing the total number of wins scored by all other manufacturers together during this time.

It is this success that has made Toyota the dominant manufacturer in the 49-year history of the South African rally championship. Two seasons in particular underlined that dominance – the 1995 and 1996 championships where Serge Damseaux won seven of the eight events in each of those two years.

Fundamental to the success in the manufacturers’ championship has been the role played by privateers with significant support provided with Wammy always available to provide guidance and assistance together with a clear path to progression through the classes.

Aside from the success of Toyota Motorsport in rallying, Wammy has overseen a wide-ranging motorsport programme in circuit racing and off-road racing as well.

Another feature of Wammy Haddad’s term at Toyota Motorsport has been the relationship with title sponsor Castrol. This relationship has proved to be one of the most enduring and successful in South African motorsport. Strategic decisions within Toyota South Africa have dictated change within the organisation of Toyota South Africa’s motorsport operations.

After a competitive bid process the company has awarded Glyn Hall a contract to take the team forward. Glyn faces new challenges, but with a solid foundation to build on.