Toyo will participate in the "Dakar-2026"
Toyo Tires announced that during the 2026 Dakar rally-marathon, it will provide technical support to the Overdrive Racing and Team Land Cruiser Toyota Auto Body (TLC) teams, which will participate in the Ultimate and Stock classes, respectively. Next year, TLC intends to win the serial off-road vehicle category for the 13th time, and both teams will use special versions of the Toyo Open Country M/T-R tires designed for each competition class.
The Dakar rally, first held in 1978, is known as one of the most challenging off-road races in the world, and tires, like drivers and cars, must cope with various conditions, as the route can pass through mountain ranges and deserts. In 2026, the total length of the 13 special stages and connecting sections will be 7,994 km, which participants will cover in two weeks.
Toyo has been collaborating with TLC, Toyota's factory team, since 2021, and Overdrive Racing won the 2025 rally in the overall off-road vehicle ranking. Both teams will be provided with tires developed for maximum off-road traction and, as the manufacturer notes, featuring increased strength and wear resistance, as well as being made from environmentally friendly materials.
"The knowledge we gain in the harsh conditions of off-road racing is later used to improve the characteristics of tires for pickups and off-road vehicles. We will continue to develop new products and materials, improve technologies, and master alternative raw materials to replace environmentally hazardous analogs, in order to contribute to the creation of next-generation mobility," Toyo says.
The Toyo Open Country M/T-R tires for the Ultimate class were specially designed for major international rally-raids like the Dakar, and particular attention was paid to factors such as off-road capability, resistance to damage at high speeds in complex conditions, including on rocks, sand, and mud, i.e., on hard, soft, and slippery surfaces. In the 2026 rally, the tires will be used in the 37x12.50 R17 LT size.
In turn, the tires for the serial off-road vehicle category were designed taking into account the features of the new Land Cruiser 300 GR Sport, which TLC will start participating in the rally with next year. According to Toyo representatives, the tires have a strengthened but more lightweight design, and their developers have improved their resistance to wear and durability when driving on rocky sections and in the desert. The tires will be provided in the LT 275/75 R17 size.