In a landmark development for South African motorsport, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing South Africa (TGRSA), in partnership with SVR, has officially opened the doors to its all-new, purpose-built Motorsport Hub in Kyalami, Gauteng. The unveiling of the state-of-the-art 12,500 m² facility signals not just a new home for TGRSA, but a bold new benchmark for motorsport engineering, manufacturing, and innovation—both locally and on the world stage.
A Facility Built for the Future of Rally-Raid
Conceived in October 2024 and completed on an accelerated timeline to meet the demands of a relentless racing calendar, the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Motorsport Hub brings together every element of rally-raid preparation under one expertly engineered roof. From vehicle design and component fabrication to engine testing and logistics, this new facility is a one-stop powerhouse for performance.
At the heart of the complex lies a purpose-designed Rally-Raid Hub—the new nerve centre for the GR Hilux EVO programme. It offers enough capacity to prepare up to 20 race vehicles simultaneously, a substantial upgrade from the six-car limit at the team’s previous headquarters. Supporting this capability is a network of cutting-edge departments, including a dedicated engine room, a high-tech damper lab, an in-house dyno, and a revamped fabrication division built to exacting international standards.
Precision Engineering Meets Passionate Execution
One of the standout features of the hub is its enhanced machine shop, now outfitted with a comprehensive suite of 3-, 4-, and 5-axis CNC machines. This allows TGRSA to produce precision components in-house, to tolerances demanded by the world’s most gruelling motorsport challenges. The result? Greater control, faster turnaround, and uncompromising quality.
Also introduced is a new logistics and inventory system, complete with a bespoke software platform designed to streamline global parts distribution. Not only does this support TGRSA’s needs, but it also services a growing number of partner teams competing in various championships around the world.
Crucially, many operations that were once outsourced have now been brought in-house. This vertical integration enhances both the team’s self-reliance and its ability to rapidly iterate on vehicle performance—an embodiment of Toyota’s Kaizen philosophy of continuous improvement.
A Dream Realised
For Shameer Variawa, Team Principal of TGRSA and founder of SVR, the Motorsport Hub is the culmination of years of passion, perseverance, and vision.
“Toyota and SVR had the vision to open a world-class hub for motorsport fabrication, which would showcase our collective ability and excellence,” Variawa shared. “Using the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing slogan of ‘Pushing the Limits for Better’ as inspiration, we sat down and sketched what we wanted the new SVR hub to become. I’m incredibly proud of the product that stands before us today—from conceptual dream to a place my team can now call ‘home’.”
Despite tight deadlines and mid-build redesigns, the facility was completed in record time thanks to multiple crews working around the clock—a testament to the team’s determination and adaptability. This was all executed while preparing for the 2025 Dakar Rally, where four brand-new GR Hilux EVOs competed with distinction, underscoring the team’s ability to deliver across all fronts.
A New Chapter in Motorsport Excellence
Glenn Crompton, Vice President of Marketing at Toyota South Africa Motors, contextualised the significance of this launch in the broader TGRSA journey:
“The opening of the new SVR Motorsport Hub represents the third chapter for Toyota’s motorsport exploits and TOYOTA GAZOO Racing South Africa. Shameer, with support from the entire SVR team, has transitioned from privateer driver to team principal to world-class Rally-Raid facility operator. This is the beginning of an exciting journey for us all, and I’m confident together we’ll reach even greater heights.”
Affectionately nicknamed the “Man-cave” by the team—a term that speaks to both its technical marvels and the camaraderie within—the facility is more than a building. It is a symbol of what’s possible when passion meets purpose, and when visionary partnerships, like that between Toyota South Africa Motors and SVR, are empowered to thrive.
A Heartfelt Thanks—and a Bold Promise
As the team embarks on this new chapter, Variawa and his colleagues expressed deep gratitude to Toyota South Africa Motors for their unwavering belief in the project. Special thanks were extended to Andrew Kirby, Leon Theron, and Glenn Crompton for their instrumental roles in bringing the Motorsport Hub to life.
In return, TGRSA has made a promise: to repay that faith with world-class results, to continue innovating at the sharp edge of competition, and to carry the South African motorsport legacy forward—faster, stronger, and more united than ever before.
