Toyota announces Truck Series entry in 2004

CHICAGO -- Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. announced today at the Chicago Auto Show its historic plans to begin participation in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2004.

Toyota Tundra Trucks will make their racing debut at Daytona International Speedway in February 2004.

Toyota has assembled the full-size Toyota Tundra exclusively at its Princeton, Ind., plant since its debut in 1999.

	Credit: Courtesy of Toyota Motorsports

"Everyone at NASCAR is looking forward to Toyota's participation in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series," said Mike Helton, president of NASCAR. "We feel their integrated approach to this Series is going to provide our drivers, teams, tracks and fans many benefits.

"There are many NASCAR fans working in Toyota facilities, manufacturing plants and dealerships throughout America. We know they're thrilled at the prospect of a Toyota Tundra showing up in NASCAR Victory Lane in 2004."

Beginning with the 2004 season-opening NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Daytona, as many as six Toyota Tundra race trucks may be entered for competition.

Team affiliations will not be determined until a later date.

Toyota Racing Development (TRD), U.S.A. will design, develop, and build the Craftsman Truck Tundra V8 to NASCAR specifications in its Costa Mesa, Calif., facility.