Toyota Camry Scores Historic Daytona Victory
Feb 23, 2016 By Toyota Australia.
Toyota and Camry have scored a breakthrough victory in one of the world?s toughest endurance races, the Daytona 500 in the United States.
In the closest finish in the 58-year history of the prestigious race, Camry claimed all three podium places with veteran Denny Hamlin claiming the chequered flag.
Hamlin won by less than 30cm or just 0.01 seconds after 800km of racing, often at speeds in excess of 300km/h in the V8 race category.
The second-place Camry was steered by Martin Truex Jr while the third-place Camry was piloted by NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) champion Kyle Busch. Another Toyota Camry was placed fifth in the race where Toyota drivers combined to lead 158 laps (of 200) to kick off the 2016 season.
The podium clean sweep comes in the first race since Toyota, Camry and Busch won their first NSCS championship in 2015.
Toyota Australia?s executive director sales and marketing Tony Cramb said this year?s dominance at Daytona reflected the performance, dynamics and reliability inherent in all Toyota vehicles, including Camry.
?People understand the differences between the track car and the road car, but the same level of passion is evident among everyone involved in developing, building and marketing the Camry in Australia,? Mr Cramb said.
?Today?s road-going Camry is more capable than ever with the re-engineered car we released last year fitted with more than 800 new or revised parts. We also offer a true sports version that brings to life the fundamental excitement of driving a car."
Camry is now in its 23rd straight year as Australia's best-selling mid-size car after claiming more than 50 per cent of its segment in 2015.
Camry?s prominence at this year?s Daytona started even before the race was green-flagged, serving as the official pace car. Camry also paced ?The Great American Race? in 2012 and 2015.