History

The two companies have enjoyed a long, proud and prosperous association with various racing formulas across the country, notching up individual victories and championship titles that extend over several decades of motorsport.

The current rally and off-road racing programs continue this legacy, as well as Castrol’s relationship with Toyota, which spans in excess of 20 years.

Team Castrol Toyota has enjoyed unparalleled success in rallying, off-road racing and circuit racing over the years, picking up a record number of championship titles, spread over the various categories and classes.

Indeed, Toyota claimed a record 18th Manufacturers Championship rally crown in 2009, including 12 successive titles, due the credible performances of its formidable contingent of factory and privateer rally teams – a remarkable feat in anyone's terms! As a long-standing winner in off-road racing, Toyota also secured the SA Manufacturer's championship titles in 2006, 2008 and 2009.

Some of the most prominent names in motor racing have made their mark on the South African motorsport scene in Castrol Toyota colours, including multiple champion Serge Damseaux.

With a staggering 10 driver’s championship titles and a record 74 wins to his credit, along with numerous other accolades, Damseaux has become one of the most successful and accomplished local drivers of all time at the wheel of Castrol-sponsored Toyotas. Although he retired from competitive action at the end of 2007, his proud legacy continues, and sets the benchmark for the current and future stars in the sport.

While Castrol Toyota no longer competes in circuit racing, it achieved unrivalled success in the category with young stars such as Charl Wilken – a multiple production car champion – who moved into rallying in 2003 and proceeded to claim successive titles in the Group N3 and Class A7 categories.

Another impressive young talent to make the switch is Mark Cronje, a circuit racing and karting champion who has competed in off-road racing and rallying for the Castrol Toyota team. With the 2006 Class A6 and 2007 Class A7 rally titles already under his belt, Cronje is already an undisputed star driver in the Castrol Toyota squad and has won several events in 2008 and 2009.

This enviable legacy continues with the team’s current focus on rallying and off-road racing, exhibiting the level of professionalism, and success, that have made it the team to beat at every level.