The iconic Yongin Speedway in South Korea was buzzing with energy and excitement as two automotive giants, Hyundai Motor Company and Toyota Motor Corporation, teamed up to deliver a motorsport experience like no other. The first-ever Hyundai N x TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Festival was nothing short of spectacular, showcasing both brands' commitment to South Korea's motorsport culture. Hyundai’s Executive Chair Euisun Chung and Toyota’s Chairman Akio Toyoda brought the heat as they performed thrilling stunts that had the crowd roaring with excitement. This festival wasn’t just a celebration of speed; it was a testament to the power of collaboration and a shared passion for driving innovation.

Celebrating Speed and Collaboration

Hyundai and Toyota are fierce competitors in the World Rally Championship (WRC), but they set aside rivalry to celebrate their shared vision for high-performance, eco-friendly motorsport. Spectators witnessed jaw-dropping showcases of Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 N Drift Spec and Toyota’s GR YARIS Rally 1 HYBRID, along with other high-performance vehicles. The showstopper? Euisun Chung and Akio Toyoda tearing up the track, drifting side-by-side to the cheers of fans. Toyoda even threw in a heartwarming “Saranghaeyo!” (meaning "I love you" in Korean), making the moment even more memorable.

“Together with Hyundai, we’re here not just to race but to inspire. We’re sharing the excitement of driving with fans and building a brighter future for motorsport,” said Toyoda. Chung echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the unique bond forged over a shared love for cars and the thrill of competition.

  

High-Performance Lineups, World-Class Talent

The festival’s lineup was stacked with racing legends, including Hyundai’s Thierry Neuville and Toyota’s Takamoto Katsuta. Fans witnessed exhilarating show runs by Hyundai’s i20 N Rally 1 Hybrid and Toyota’s iconic GR Supra. Both automakers pulled out all the stops with their finest high-performance vehicles, showcasing just how far each brand has come in combining innovation with driving pleasure.

Adding to the high-octane experience, Hyundai and Toyota gave festival-goers the opportunity to get behind the wheel with track-day events. Thirty Hyundai N-model owners and thirty TOYOTA GR drivers pushed their cars to the limit on Yongin’s professional-level circuit. Meanwhile, other attendees rode along in rally cars with professional drivers, getting a front-row seat to the wild world of WRC.

Immersive Experiences for Fans

The Hyundai N x TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Festival wasn’t just about watching; it was about experiencing. From the ‘WRC Taxi’ rides that put fans inches away from rally-style maneuvers to the Gymkhana Competition that paired customers with pro drivers, attendees were part of the action. At the ‘Show & Shine’ area, proud car owners showcased their customized Hyundai N and Toyota GR models, celebrating the tuning culture that has grown around these brands.

Fans also enjoyed the high-tech WRC Game Zone, where they could race virtual Hyundai N and Toyota GAZOO Racing cars, and the ‘Racing Car Service Park’, which offered a behind-the-scenes look at how WRC race cars are prepped for competition. The event even included a massive Parade Lap featuring 66 Hyundai N and TOYOTA GAZOO Racing cars, driven by fans and led by Chung and Toyoda themselves.

Giving Back to Motorsports Culture

In a generous move, Hyundai and Toyota announced that all proceeds from ticket sales would be donated to the Korea Automobile Racing Association (KARA). This contribution will help foster South Korea’s car culture and support the future of motorsport in the country. This festival is only the latest in Hyundai’s 20-year commitment to advancing motorsport culture in South Korea, from the ‘Hyundai Click Speed Festival’ to the ongoing ‘Hyundai N Festival’.

Hyundai’s high-performance N brand continues to lead the charge in making motorsport accessible to fans. Models like the IONIQ 5 N and the Elantra N are proof of Hyundai’s dedication to merging eco-friendly tech with a passion for high-performance. And with Toyota joining forces, both brands are driving toward a future where motorsport is not just for professionals, but for every car enthusiast.

A Look to the Future

The Hyundai N x TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Festival marks a new era in motorsport culture, one that embraces collaboration, innovation, and the joy of driving. Fans can look forward to seeing Hyundai and Toyota go head-to-head again at the FORUM8 Rally Japan from November 21-24, where both teams will compete in the WRC finale. For now, the Hyundai N x TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Festival stands as a landmark event in South Korean motorsport, fueling excitement, community, and a passion for high-performance driving.

For more info, visit Hyundai.com