Toyota turns the new Tundra into a NASCAR race truck

When Toyota launched the all-new Tundra earlier this month, it received an all-new platform, gets new engines, and is available in several variants. It's set to go up against other full-size pick-up trucks such as the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado, and the Ram 1500. While it's meant for hauling and carrying loads, it seems the new Tundra isn't just for heavy-duty lifting.

Toyota has revealed the new Tundra TRD Pro built to compete in the NASCAR Truck Series starting the next season. It will compete alongside the new Toyota Camry TRD Next Gen Cup series racer and the Toyota Supra NASCAR challenger currently competing in the Xfinity Series.

“The launch of the new Tundra is a really exciting time for our entire organization, so to be able to reflect that new styling in our NASCAR Tundra with the TRD Pro design is a reflection of the importance of the series to all of us and allows us to continue ensuring our on-track production resembles its production counterparts that can be found in our Toyota showrooms,” said Paul Doleshal, group manager of motorsports for Toyota Motor North America.

While the truck may be new, Toyota has been competing in the truck series for almost two decades. The automaker made its debut in 2004 and has since claimed 8 driver's championships and 11 manufacturers' titles. Earlier this season at Daytona International Speedway, Ben Rhodes drove the Tundra to victory lane for the 200th time.

Toyota didn't provide specifics such as what engine will power the NASCAR-spec Tundra. However, it will likely be carried over from the model currently competing in the series. For reference, the road-going variant uses either a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 or a hybrid twin-turbo V6. The “base” non-hybrid produces 389 horsepower, while the electric-assisted has a total output of 437 horsepower.

Will Toyota dominate in the NASCAR Truck Series next year with the new Tundra TRD Pro? Let us know what you think.