Video: Toyota’s Dave Wilson Discusses the Early Days of TRD

Dave Wilson, president of Toyota Racing Development, makes a stop at SEMA Central to talk showroom cars and racing efforts.

Wilson talks about the creation of TRD in 1979, which was essentially a small speed shop in southern California, developing accessories for Celicas and Supras. About a year later, TRD reached out through grassroots motorsports, beginning with off-road racing and then the SCCA, an institution the company has supported for nearly 30 years. This approach helped TRD build a loyal, supportive enthusiast community while providing platforms for TRD to become more serious about racing.