LEXUS LC WILL NOT PARTICIPATE TO THE 24 HOURS OF NÜRBURGRING 2020

Lexus LC will not participate in the 48th edition of the 24 Hours of Nürburgring Endurance Race (“24 Hours of Nürburgring”), which is scheduled to take place September 24 to 27, 2020. Originally set to be held in May, the race was moved to September as a result of COVID-19.

This year would have been the third participation for Lexus LC in the Nürburgring 24 Hours. The team was planning to run a newly-developed V8 twin-turbo engine and peripheral new technologies.

However, the global spread of COVID-19 has resulted in travel restrictions. The team did not have enough opportunities to conduct driving tests in the Nürburgring on track, and this has had a substantial impact on the development of the race car.

In the present circumstances and given how demanding the 24 Hours of Nürburgring is for race cars, it would have proven more difficult for the team and the race car to complete the 24 hours race in a safe manner. For these reasons, the company has decided not to participate in this year’s edition.

Nevertheless, the 24 Hours of Nürburgring continues to be highly important to Lexus. Therefore, the company is committed to resume their participation in the race next year onward. The decision not to take part this year has freed up time, which the team intends to use effectively by beginning preparations early for next year’s race. The intention is clearly to be ready with a stronger team and car for the 2021 edition of the 24 Hours of Nürburgring, which is set to be held in June.

■ Akio Toyoda, President and Representative Director of Toyota Motor Corporation

“The other day, a friend who lives in Nürburg sent me a photograph of the “Nürburg cherry blossoms”—beautiful flowers that bloomed again this year. For the past 13 years, every year, the team and I have prayed for safety and pledged to make ever-better cars in front of those cherry blossoms before the race. We are unable to do so this year, and my disappointment is immense.

Even in these adverse circumstances, and although I am far away in Japan, while looking at the photograph I once again pledged to continue making ever-better cars.

We have chosen not to participate in this year’s race. However, together with all our mechanics, engineers, professional drivers, suppliers, sponsors, and partners, we will continue to take on the challenges of making ever-better cars. It is my hope that all our fans continue to watch over our activities and continue lending their tremendous support.”