David Wilson, the group vice president and president of TRD USA, has been a driving force behind Toyota's racing success in the United States for over three decades. From humble beginnings in a "rinky-dink" speed shop to leading the charge in IndyCar, NASCAR, and IMSA, Wilson's journey is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

Forging a Legacy: How One Man Transformed Toyota's Racing Fortunes in America

From Feminine Hygiene to Racing Engines: An Unlikely Transition

Wilson's path to the pinnacle of Toyota's racing operations was anything but conventional. Starting his career at Johnson & Johnson, he was tasked with managing a plant that specialized in feminine hygiene products. However, a fateful call from his brother, who had found a job at a small racing shop called TRD, would set Wilson on a course that would forever change the landscape of American motorsports.Leaving the stability and security of a Fortune 500 company, Wilson made the "irresponsible" decision to venture into the unknown, packing his belongings and embarking on a cross-country journey to California. This leap of faith would ultimately shape the future of Toyota's racing endeavors in the United States.

Battling Legends and Building Legacies: The Early Days of TRD USA

In the late 1980s, TRD USA was not yet associated with Toyota. It was merely a distribution center for TRD Japan, focused on importing parts for Celicas and Supras. However, as Toyota sought to establish a presence in American motorsports, the company began to partner with existing racing operations, including the legendary Dan Gurney and his All American Racers (AAR) team.Wilson's first assignment with TRD was to provide engineering support to these racing outfits, a task that proved to be both challenging and rewarding. Navigating the strong-willed personalities of racing icons like Gurney, Wilson and his team worked tirelessly to develop the Toyota 503E engine, a 2.1-liter, four-cylinder turbocharged powerhouse that would eventually power AAR's GTP cars to victory in the Rolex 24 at Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring.

Conquering the Indy 500 and Dominating NASCAR: Toyota's Expansion into American Racing

As TRD USA's success in sports car racing grew, Toyota's American arm began to take a more active role in the company, eventually acquiring full ownership of the operation. This expansion allowed TRD to set its sights on new frontiers, including the prestigious IndyCar series and the rapidly growing NASCAR.The journey to the Indianapolis 500 victory was not without its challenges, as TRD initially struggled to build a competitive engine. However, Wilson and his team persevered, eventually partnering with Roger Penske and securing a historic win in 2003 with Gil de Ferran and Team Penske.Meanwhile, TRD's foray into NASCAR was equally ambitious, as the team navigated the complexities of the sport, from building relationships with new teams to navigating the unique rules and regulations. Despite initial setbacks, TRD's commitment to developing its own engines and working closely with its partners ultimately paid dividends, as the company established a strong presence in the series and became a formidable force to be reckoned with.

Lexus Enters the Fray: TRD's Return to Sports Car Racing

The story of TRD's success would not be complete without its recent venture into sports car racing with the Lexus brand. When the decision was made to race the Lexus RC F, it was a bold move that required overcoming significant challenges. The initial team struggled to transform the production car into a competitive racer, but with TRD's intervention and the partnership with Jimmy Vasser and James "Sulli" Sullivan, the program found its footing.The 2023 IMSA GTD Pro Championship title, won with the No. 14 Vasser Sullivan Racing Lexus, stands as a testament to the team's resilience and Wilson's unwavering commitment to the brand. Overcoming the inherent limitations of a production-based car, the team's triumph is a testament to the power of innovation, teamwork, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

The Legacy of David Wilson and TRD USA

As David Wilson prepares to retire, he leaves behind a remarkable legacy that has transformed Toyota's racing presence in the United States. From humble beginnings in a small speed shop to building a world-class racing operation, Wilson's vision, leadership, and unwavering dedication have been instrumental in Toyota's motorsports success.Under Wilson's guidance, TRD USA has conquered the pinnacles of American racing, winning championships in every series it has touched, from sports car racing and off-roading to the prestigious Indianapolis 500 and the ever-popular NASCAR. The impact of TRD's work can be seen not only in the trophies and accolades, but also in the way the brand has become synonymous with performance and innovation in the eyes of American motorsports fans.As Wilson steps away, he can take pride in the fact that he has left TRD USA in a strong position, poised to continue its legacy of excellence and push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of racing. His story is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of greatness, inspiring a new generation of racing enthusiasts and engineers to follow in his footsteps.