TOM'S

TOM'S was established in 1974 by Nobuhide Tachi and Kiyoshi Oiwa, despite the challenges presented by the ongoing oil crisis. The company quickly gained recognition for its development of motorsports for Toyota, receiving official recognition as an authorized tuning shop from Toyota Motor Corporation in 1975. In 1978, TOM'S opened a garage in the Tama area of Tokyo.

TOM'S began its involvement in motorsport as an engine tuner in the Japanese Formula 3 series in 1981. In 1993, the firm produced vehicles for the Japanese Formula 3000 series. The company expanded internationally in 1987, establishing TOM'S GB LIMITED in Hingham, Norfolk, England, initially housing engine shops and a Formula 3 team.

Throughout the 1990s, TOM'S continued to expand its presence in Japanese motorsport. In 1994, the firm celebrated its 20th anniversary with the “TOM'S Angel T01” commemorative model, and released the lightweight sports car series T101, T082, and T020 in 1995. The team won the Japanese Touring Car Championship in 1994 with a Toyota Corona E, and again in 1997 with a Toyota Chaser.

In 1997, TOM'S achieved success in the All Japan Grand Touring Car Championship (JGTC), winning the GT500 Class Championship with the number 36 Castrol TOM'S Supra, driven by Michael Krumm and Pedro de la Rosa. This success continued into the 2000s, with Super GT victories in 2006, 2008, and 2009.

TOM'S also competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans from 1985 until 1993, achieving a best result of 2nd place in 1992 with a Toyota TS010. In the Super Formula Championship, TOM'S secured wins in 2011, 2012, 2014, 2019, 2023, and 2024. More recently, TOM'S Racing won the Super GT GT500 Class Championship in 2021, 2023, 2024 and 2025.

In 1992, TOM'S won both the All Japan Sports Prototype Championship and the Macau Grand Prix. The firm also attempted to enter Formula 1 in 1992, embarking on a feasibility study and designing a car (dubbed the 011F) overseen by John Barnard, but Toyota ultimately rejected the idea. Following this, TOM'S sold its Norfolk factory to Volkswagen in 1998 and left the European market.

TOM'S has produced a wide range of aftermarket parts and modified vehicles, including models like the Z20 Soarer 'C5', A70 Supra 'C5', and Lexus LC. The company has also created special editions of Lexus models and modified vehicles for the All Japan GT Championship.

TOM'S Racing has a long history in motorsport, continuously participating in automotive racing since its founding in 1974. The team has been involved as a tuning partner, engine supplier, or racing team, particularly with Toyota factory-backed racing teams. They have secured five wins at the Macau Grand Prix, in 1992, 1998, 1999, 2007, and 2008, representing the second-most team wins in the event's history.

[unverified] Further detailed analysis of TOM'S engineering contributions to Toyota’s motorsport programs requires examination of primary source materials beyond the scope of this article.