Toyota Corolla Returns to Rally Racing in 2026
Toyota returns to Rally Racing in 2026 - Life in Classic
Corolla Heads Back to the Stages
After more than 25 years away from top-level national rallying, the Toyota Corolla will roar back to competition in 2026. Toyota Gazoo Racing has confirmed a factory effort built around a new GR Corolla RC2 rally car. The program will target the American Rally Association National Championship, where it will meet Subaru on familiar ground. Fans have long hoped for this rivalry to return in full view on U.S. stages.
Moreover, the move aligns with Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda’s push to use motorsport as a laboratory. He has often said that racing builds better cars and better people. Therefore, the ARA campaign aims to sharpen engineers, develop drivers, and energize the brand’s most passionate supporters. It also signals Toyota’s intent to link its showroom performance to real-world competition once again.
Rally Heritage and a Modern Mission
The Corolla badge carries a proud rally legacy. Toyota captured the World Rally Championship manufacturer’s title in 1999, capping an era that cemented the model’s reputation in the dirt. Then, the company stepped back from that program. Now, the brand returns to a national series with a clear goal: transform lessons from the stages into better road cars.
In North America, the timing feels right. The GR Corolla street car already channels rally thinking with its compact footprint and all-wheel drive traction. Furthermore, the new effort will draw on expertise from Toyota’s World Rally Team in Europe. As a result, knowledge should flow quickly between testing, competition, and product development. This loop has served the brand well before, and it could do so again.
Inside the GR Corolla RC2
The GR Corolla RC2 is based on Toyota’s turbocharged hot hatch. It will compete in the RC2 class, a category roughly aligned with Rally2 regulations internationally. The approach is simple: start with a robust production platform and adapt it for the punishing realities of stage rally. That balance should help manage costs while keeping the focus on performance and reliability.
Under the hood sits the G16E-GTS 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine. In road trim, it produces 300 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. While rally specs have not been detailed, the proven hardware gives Toyota a strong foundation. In addition, the car features the GR-FOUR all-wheel drive system with selectable torque splits. Drivers can choose 60/40 for everyday balance, 50/50 for gravel, or 30/70 for a more aggressive track feel. Consequently, the setup allows quick adaptation to surface changes and weather.
Debut Plan and Driver Lineup
Toyota will roll out a single-car entry at the second round of the 2026 ARA season. The 100 Acre Wood Rally in Missouri is targeted for March. That event features fast, flowing roads and unpredictable grip, which makes it a fitting test for a new car and crew. Early rally miles will focus on clean execution and steady development. Then, as confidence grows, the team can chase stage wins.
American rally and raid talent Seth Quintero will drive the GR Corolla RC2. He has made a name in desert competition, including the Dakar Rally. Finn Topi Luhtinen will call the notes as co-driver. Together, they bring speed, discipline, and international perspective. Moreover, their feedback will be vital as Toyota refines the car through a full season of U.S. events.
What the Return Means for U.S. Rally
Toyota’s arrival adds star power to the American Rally Association. Subaru, partnered with Vermont SportsCar, has long been the primary manufacturer presence. However, a renewed Toyota versus Subaru battle should raise the stakes at every round. That kind of competition often drives innovation and attracts new fans. It can also encourage other brands to take a closer look at the series.
For enthusiasts, the payoff comes both at the stages and in the showroom. The ARA gains more national attention, stronger fields, and deeper storylines. Meanwhile, Toyota can showcase the GR Corolla’s rally-inspired DNA where it matters most: on gravel, mud, and snow. Ultimately, the 2026 campaign promises a fresh chapter for a famous name. And with it, American rallying stands to grow louder, faster, and more exciting.
