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Toyota to enter NASCAR in 2007

Toyota will race in the NASCAR Nextel Cup and Busch series from 2007

Representatives of the Japanese manufacturer have confirmed that Toyota will become the first foreign car manufacturer to race in the sport's modern era. Toyota will base their car on the Camry model and become the fourth regular manufacturer in the sport, joining Chevrolet, Ford and Dodge.

The move has been widely expected for more than a year now, since it first became clear that they were likely to withdraw from the Indy Racing League.

Toyota put their toe in the NASCAR water in 2004, when they started competing in the Craftsman Truck series.

Further details on Toyota's plans for 2007 will be made available on Tuesday, with details of possible sponsor and driver-line ups being made public.

"NASCAR welcomes Toyota to the greatest auto racing in the world," said NASCAR chairman and CEO Brian France.

"Toyota's entry into the NEXTEL Cup Series and Busch Series is good for drivers, teams and the fans. This move provides for even more intense competition on the track between drivers and manufacturers, which will provide more excitement and fan interest.

"Toyota's entry also provides more options for drivers and teams, which will increase the competition between manufacturers."

Dave Illingworth, senior vice president and chief planning and administrative officer for Toyota Motor Sales USA, said that the firm wanted to compete against the best - which meant racing in NASCAR.

"We've competed and won in different series and on tracks across America," Illingworth said. "Toyota drivers and teams have won championships in a variety of different series. But, if you want to compete against the best, in America that means NASCAR.

"We look forward to February of 2007 when the green flag waves to start the Daytona 500 and the starting line-up features the Toyota Camry."

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