How did ‘Morizo’ start in motorsports?

MANILA: At the time of writing this article, Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) Chairman Akio Toyoda had just took part in the 2026 ADAC Ravenol 24h Nürburgring campaign, which was held on one of the world’s most challenging tracks.

The Japanese automaker’s top executive (better known as “Morizo” at motorsport events) participated in this year’s endurance race and clocked around 77 laps at the Green Hell.

But how did a man of his stature—whom the whole company relies on for critical decision-making—started leading the brand’s motorsport-related activities as well?

Here’s how Toyoda created this totally different persona to make ever-better cars, according to Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) President Masando Hashimoto.

During the recent watch party for the 2026 ADAC Ravenol 24h Nürburgring campaign, Hashimoto said that Toyoda’s decision to be part of the racing competitions form part of his passion (and the company’s goal) to make ever-better cars.

“Many were not supportive of then-Vice President Akio’s decision to participate in such a dangerous sport, especially because he was a ‘Toyoda’ – Toyota Motor Corporation’s heir,” he shared.

So, armed with his passion to make motorsports an avenue to create ever-better cars, Toyoda trained and competed incognito. The TMC chair started under the wing of Master Driver Hiromu Naruse and joined races under the name “Morizo.”

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Back then, Toyoda used a 1980 Toyota Supra for his training—which was bought out of his own pocket.

Further, Toyoda also had a taste of his first 24 Hours of Nürburgring in 2007 by fielding a pair of second-hand Altezza units (commonly known as the first-generation Lexus IS).

And the rest, as they say, is history.

Morizo, a legend

Per TMP Chairman Alfred Ty, Toyoda has reached a rockstar status for his aura and ability to spread his love for cars wherever he goes.

His fanbase in the Philippines became evident when the brand’s local arm conducted the Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival back in 2023. At that time, Toyoda (wearing his ‘Morizo’ hat) performed a drifting exhibition in front of Philippine fans.

“As Morizo, Akio has become a legend — with people from all over the world as witnesses to what he has done for the automotive world,” Hashimoto said.

Thousands of motorsport aficionados around the world also expressed their support for Morizo and the rest of the Toyota Gazoo Rookie Racing team.

‘Rookie Racing’

Further, Toyoda was also responsible for the formation of Toyota Gazoo Rookie Racing.

Created in 2019, the team aims to “make ever-better cars using motorsports as a starting point” and “create a group of car makers that can compete on the world stage.” Additionally, the name “Rookie” was also derived from the name of Toyoda’s pet dog.

“The return to the Nürburgring as Rookie Racing is Morizo’s way of reminding us where making ever-better cars begins – through real-life testing on track,” Hashimoto claimed.

At the latest ADAC Ravenol 24h Nürburgring, Morizo competed alongside his son Daisuke, as well as Hiroaki Ishiura, and Kazuya Oshima—this time on board the track-ready GR Yaris.

With all this, Toyoda’s decision to get directly immersed in motorsports showed his immense passion for creating ever-better cars—serving as Toyota’s driving force for innovation.

Also read:

Toyota's Akio Toyoda to lead Super Taikyu race series

Toyota chief Akio Toyoda is World Car Person of the Year

Toyota puts spotlight on prototype GR Yaris Morizo RR Edition at Tokyo Auto Salon 2026

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