We here at Elk Grove Toyota were honestly more than a little shocked when we learned that Toyota President, Akio Toyoda had never experienced NASCAR first hand. The head of the Japanese automaker is big on racing. He's even competed in the infamous 24-hour race at Germany's Nurburgring race track, in Germany. So why no love for NASCAR?.

As it turns out, he has quite a bit of love for the world of American motorsports. The fact is that he just hadn't had a chance to check out a race in person. Upon learning this, NASCAR did him one better than simply inviting him to a race; they invited him for a private ride at the Daytona International Speedway.

That's right, Akio Toyoda took a ride around the track in the all-new 2013 Toyota Camry Racecar, with vereran driver Kyle Busch. Toyoda was thrilled with the experience, and glad that he had a chance to finally see what all the hype is about. "I was always interested in this. So this time I got to come here, and I haven't really, you know, seen everything on the ground yet," Toyoda told the press through a translator during his visit. "But it's like a part of a lifestyle, which is really supported and enjoyed by so many people, and I think it's wonderful."¹

As for details on the updated Camry racer? Those will have to wait. The vehicle was heavily camouflaged, and Toyoda wasn't ready to give details out just yet. Some are speculating, though, that the new racer has been designed to look as much like the freshly redesigned 2012 Toyota Camry consumer-level sedan as possible. After all, Toyota wants the brand image of the Camry to connect with NASCAR fans as much as possible.

Interested in learning more about the Camry? How about any other new Toyota? Simply contact us online or by phone at (877) 312-4647. We carry a wide range of models here at 9640 West Stockton Blvd. Elk Grove, CA 95757 that are ready to be taken for a test drive, from the Toyota Sequoia and RAV4 to the Corolla and Yaris. What's more, our financing team can make the car-buying process a breeze. So make sure to check us out today!