AORC debut for FJ Cruiser

Toyota's recently launched FJ Cruiser made its national competition debut at the opening round of the Australian Offroad Championship near Hyden in WA on the weekend. Though not strictly speaking part of the competition, the privately owned FJ Cruiser was used for recee of the 450km course by the reigning national champion Peter Kittle Motorsports team on Saturday and proved its worth over the rough stuff.

A significant dealer for Toyota throughout SA and the NT, Peter Kittle's branding of his high profile AORC team would no doubt have a few tongues wagging back at Toyota HQ. Locally, they withdrew their support for Neal Bates' Australian Rally Championship operation back in 2009 and ceased their disastrous foray into F1 the same year.

The Peter Kittle Motorsports Team is privately owned and the prominent Toyota signage reflects his support for the brand. Team Principal, Peter Kittle was keen to point out the decision to use the FJ Cruiser was entirely his and was in no way connected to any plans Toyota may have in the future, though one can't help wondering if this might be enough to entice the Japanese auto giant to reconsider its decision to abandon motorsport locally.

Talk surrounds their possible come back into the ARC with either the new Lexus Hybrid or a RAV4 in the SUV category recently announced by ARC CEO, Scott Pedder. Just maybe Peter Kittle's impressive looking FJ Cruiser could offer an opportunity in the Australian Off Road Championship with minimal outlay as the manufacturer faces an uphill sales battle and possible supply problems in the aftermath of the Japanese tsunami.