As Toyota prepares to enter the Repco Supercars Championship in 2025, there was a privateer effort in the late-1990s based around the A80 Supra proving more than capable against some of the world’s most exotic brands.
The Australian GT-Production Car Championship was launched in 1995 and quickly grew to feature large grids representing many different manufacturers, which started to support teams throughout all of the classes.
It was a varied field in GT-P as Ferrari, Porsche, Dodge and other exotics took to the track alongside small capacity Suzukis, Protons and Peugeots, with this lasting until the exotic models raced in Nations Cup in 2000.
Limited import models also took part in GT-P including the Toyota Soarer, Nissan R33 Skyline GT-R and the Toyota Supra RZ.
The A80 version of the Supra failed to make it to Australian shores when it was released in 1993 as it was deemed not suitable to the local market.
However, this didn’t stop limited imports and one of these raced in GT-P proving rather competitive against the exotica it was up against.
Compared to the previous iteration Supra, the A80 was an improvement in all facets from power to body stiffness to handling.
The only disappointments according to Britain’s Autocar Magazine was the Supra’s lack of power below 3000rpm, numb steering and poor ergonomics, but these were all superseded by the advancement of the package.
Powered by the renowned 2JZ engine featuring twin-turbocharging, it proved a potent package on the track.
This was demonstrated by young gun Jamie Cartwright in selected events during 1998, 1999 and 2000.
Debuting at the 1998 Australian GT-P Classic supporting the Sandown 500 where it finished fifth behind a Maserati, Ferrari and two Porsches, with Cartwright being joined by Christian D’Agostin.
Frank Lowndes, father of Craig, assisted the team in building the Supra and it was quick immediately although it failed to finish on its first appearance at the Mountain at the Showroom Showdown in 1998.
Struggles during 1999 led to a disappointing GT-P season, but at the annual Showroom Showdown was where the Cartwright Supra shone to finish third this time partnered by Aaron McGill.
A short stint in Nations Cup was met with little success as the stakes began rise due to Porsche’s new GT3 and the Ferrari 360 Modena just to name a few.
This marks one of the last Supra programs until the new GT4 debuted this season ahead of the Supercars contender in 2026.