You might think that car manufacturers and aftermarket specialists wouldn’t have much of a relationship. That isn’t the case with Verus Engineering and a team from Toyota. In fact, Verus and Toyota PE Motorsports have built a valuable partnership spanning over 10 years, as they have collaborated on various platforms, including the GR86 and the MK5 Supra.
Verus owner Eric Hazen recently hosted Toyota PE’s Andrew Brownfield and other members of the team at Putnam Park Road Course. Watch the video of their conversation and keep reading to learn more.
What Is Toyota PE Motorsports?
Verus Engineering owner Eric Hazen (center) with members of the Toyota PE Motorsports team at Putnam Park Road Course.
Toyota PE Motorsports is a motorsports team composed entirely of volunteer engineers based at Toyota’s Production Engineering and Manufacturing Center (PEMC) in Georgetown, Kentucky. It’s an opportunity for engineers to do things they love – work on cars and compete in motorsports – while providing valuable feedback to Toyota and Gazoo Racing for the development of both consumer and race cars.
For Brownfield, the opportunity to be part of the Toyota PE Motorsports team was a big reason why he joined and has remained with the company. It’s a benefit to those involved, but also helps Toyota in these ways:
- Feedback from engineers provides Toyota with an opportunity to improve its vehicles for customers and its racing endeavors.
- It makes better engineers. The program brings people from different teams together. Participants get an education on everything from drivetrain and electrical components to body fitment and ECU tuning.
- It’s a valuable recruiting tool and helps Toyota hire better engineers. Brownfield said many students participating in co-ops get exposed to PE motorsports, and the feedback is 100% positive.
How Does Verus And Toyota PE Motorsports Collaborate?
Members of the Toyota PE Motorsports team sit on the guardrail at Putnam Park Road Course, looking over their Toyota Supra.
Toyota vehicles, such as the MK5 Supra, have long been favorites in the Verus shop. Verus has produced a wide range of aftermarket components, including wings, splitters, brake cooling kits, and air oil separators.
Many of these components have been incorporated into Toyota PE Motorsports vehicles. The Toyota team gets exceptional parts for their competitions, and Verus enjoys getting their feedback. Toyota PE has also collaborated on other Verus developments, such as the oil cooler kit. It’s a reciprocal, valuable partnership.
What Events Does Toyota PE Motorsports Compete In?
Members of the Toyota PE Motorsports team prepare to take the track at Putnam Park Road Course.
Brownfield, whose interest in cars began at his father’s body shop and later at demolition derbies, said the Tire Rack One Lap of America is a top event on the PE Motorsports calendar. This eight-day event, spanning over 3,000 miles, features various competitions at venues across the country, including autocross, drag racing, and time attack-style racing.
Toyota, using the Kentucky-based PE Motorsports team as a model, has expanded its volunteer race programs nationwide. These teams compete in a variety of events, including:
- One Lap of America
- Pikes Peak International Hill Climb
- Time attack events
- Rallycross
- 24 Hours of Lemons
Upgrade Your Toyota With Verus Performance Parts
Verus Engineering is a leader in aftermarket Toyota performance parts. While race teams turn to us for special projects and collaborations, we specialize in designing parts for drivers like you. Explore our shop to find what you need to boost confidence on the track and lower lap times.
Verus Visits With Toyota PE Racing At Putnam Park