Setting aside historical differences to unite in motorsports - 1st ever Hyundai N x Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival sold out in Korea
CY Foong · Oct 28, 2024 11:00 AM
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Toyota and Hyundai are the biggest carmakers in their respective home markets but due to historical reasons, Japanese brands aren’t highly favourable in Korea and vice versa. However, for one weekend, Hyundai and Toyota united together to form a motorsports festival unlike any other in South Korea.
The first-ever Hyundai N x Toyota Gazoo Racing (GR) Festival at Yongin Speedway in Korea was a sold-out event that highlighted both brands’ shared commitment to boosting the country’s motorsport culture and enhancing customer engagement.
The two Emperors of the biggest Asian automotive dynasties
The event saw active participation from the leaders of both Asian automotive giants, Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair, Chung Euisun and Toyota Motor Corporation Chairman, Akio Toyoda.
Chung rode shotgun as Toyoda under his Morizo alter ego piloted a Yaris WRC through intense performance driving including doing donuts amidst a roar of applause from spectators. After the run, the two men walked up on stage together thanking fans, shook hands, and shared their thoughts.
“With our high-performance N brand, we’re committed to delivering excitement and satisfying all car enthusiasts. We’ll continue to push forward in motorsport alongside Toyota so that more people can enjoy the thrill of driving,” said Chung.
“When I met with Chairman Akio Toyoda earlier this year, we discovered our mutual passion for racing, and I was delighted that we could hold this event. Chairman Toyoda is someone in the automotive industry that I respect deeply, and it’s an honour to be here with him today,” he added.
Toyoda began with a warm "Saranghaeyo!" ("I love you" in Korean) and continued, "Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of meeting with Executive Chair Chung in Japan, where this wonderful idea took shape. And here we are, just 10 months later, making this incredible event a reality!”
He continued, “I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who helped bring this event to life. Together, Toyota and Hyundai are joining hands to create a better society and shape the future of mobility."
Besides exhibiting thrilling performances from both Hyundai N and Toyota GR WRC teams, the festival also included a variety of participatory programs from a track day gathering uniting Hyundai N owners and Toyota GR owners to a gymkhana competition pitting Hyundai Avante Ns and Toyota GR86s.
Other attractions include a display of performance cars from both brands and a WRC Circuit Taxi ride where fans get to be on a high-speed tour of Yongin Speedway by drivers from both companies – including master driver Morizo himself.
The event culminated in a parade lap featuring 66 Hyundai N and Toyota GR vehicles driven by customers led by both Toyoda and Chung.
Traded advertising for a career that fits his passion for cars. Enjoys spotting cars during his free time and has a soft spot for Japanese Kei cars but drives a thirsty manual sedan.
