Toyota GR Cup Introduces Blockchain-based Digital Trophies
Toyota is venturing further into the world of blockchain technology, integrating it into its corporate and developmental ecosystems.
The Toyota GR Cup on Polygon Blockchain
The Toyota GR Cup, a prominent North American racing series organized by Toyota Gazoo Racing, has recently made an exciting announcement. The championship will now reward digital trophies and record driver performances on the Polygon blockchain.
On-chain Awards System
The newly implemented on-chain awards system will grant digital trophies to podium finishers, which includes the drivers securing the first, second, and third positions in a race. These ledger entries will also encompass comprehensive statistics about the race and the driver’s performance.
Enhancing Fan Interaction
Jack Irving, the executive commercial director for Toyota Racing Development (TRD), emphasized the significance of this program in enhancing fan interaction:
“Blockchain helps us keep a permanent digital record of drivers’ achievements that they can share with their friends, family, and fans. It also allows us to develop new opportunities to introduce race fans to our partners.”
Fan-Forward Racing Series
Toyota’s Gazoo Racing league and the GR Cup were designed to provide an immersive and fan-friendly experience. Following a gameplay arc similar to that of popular racing video games, real-world GR Cup drivers all begin with a stock Toyota GR86 equipped with only factory-available options.
The drivers’ vehicles are then sent to a TRD garage (referred to as “gazoo,” meaning “garage”) to be fitted with official Toyota racing gear, standardizing the hardware across the grid. This ensures that all drivers start the race on equal footing.
Toyota’s Journey in the Blockchain Space
Toyota has been involved in the blockchain space since 2016, when the company joined the R3 Consortium to collaborate on researching and developing blockchain technologies. In 2019, the company went on to establish its Toyota Blockchain Lab.
Future Interactivity and Next Races
At present, it remains unclear whether fans will have direct interaction with digital trophies or if Toyota intends to create digital collectibles. TRD has not yet responded to requests for comment.
Drivers will be able to access their previous accomplishments quickly and easily both before and after events, as stated in the press release. The upcoming races in the series will be held at the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix in Nashville, Tennessee, from August 4 to 6.
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