--- title: "Toyota Prius Spec Racing Is a Blast to Watch And Belongs in the States" date: "2024-12-13" modified: "2024-12-13" authors: - name: "Jerry Perez" job_title: "Deputy Editor" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/jerry-perez" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/toyota-prius-spec-racing-is-a-blast-to-watch-and-belongs-in-the-states" categories: - "News" - "News by Brand" - "Racing" - "Toyota News" tags: - "hybrid" - "Prius" - "sedan" - "Toyota" --- # Toyota Prius Spec Racing Is a Blast to Watch And Belongs in the States ![]() *\Superrace Championship via YouTube\* One-make racing is great—just look at the [Mazda MX-5 Cup](). That series puts on some of the most exciting motorsport you'll ever see. Equal machinery with little to no room for adjustments forces drivers to hone their skills and battle each other on merit, and that's exactly why the [Toyota]() [Prius]() PHEV Racing Series also recently caught my attention. First off, I must admit that I was unaware that there was a spec Prius cup. Perhaps that's because it's limited to just South Korea, which is a bit odd. It looks like the series runs in support of the [Superrace Championship](), and it held its first race in April at the Everland Speedway in Yongin-si. It expanded across the country over the past year, hitting up various road courses including two separate rounds at the Korea International Circuit, a former [Formula 1]() venue. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ll951AY92H0 The championship's [YouTube channel]() does a great job documenting each race and is the greatest [source]() of information on the Prius PHEV Class I could find. After watching several of the rounds (some of them in the rain), it looks like the average field size varies from 15 to 17 entrants, though it hit 18 on two occasions. Driver experience appears to range from veterans to rookies, but that's just my assessment from watching these videos. The guys at the front show real skill when it comes to driving lines, handling the car, and passing maneuvers, while the guys at the very back are often on the wrong side of the track when approaching a corner. But what about the car? All competitors are in the latest-generation Toyota Prius, which, [as we already know](), is a stunner in its own right. I wasn't able to find anything specific about their racing modifications, but after watching several of these, it's obvious that they're running performance (Bridgestone) tires, brakes, suspension, and alignment. Zoom in a little closer and you'll see a full cage with proper racing seats and harnesses. As far as performance, while the hybrids aren't slow, they're certainly no touring cars. They're definitely hustling, though. I don't believe their power or torque credentials have been altered for competition, so they likely remain at the stock 194 horsepower sent to the front wheels only. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQdF8nDnltM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YgNMqED0fw Regardless, a spec series with run-of-the-mill cars isn't about power, it's about handling (and about having fun)—and the Prius PHEV Class achieves that. Most of the races are very entertaining and I loved seeing those *Prii* getting whipped around like they're in some DTM race. Kudos to the drivers, organizers, and Toyota of South Korea for putting this thing together. Just one thing: Please bring this series to the United States. Please! As a former kart racer and the [proud owner]() of two [Honda Civics](), I'm a true believer in "slow car fast is way more fun than fast car slow." Driving a car that requires keeping up momentum, finesse with braking, and millimeter-perfect steering is one of the greatest joys in life. *Got a tip? Email us at tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Jerry is responsible for upholding The Drive's ethos as an audience-first, enthusiast-driven car blog that serves up industry-leading news, reviews, culture, and motorsport coverage. Overseeing a staff of writers and editors from his home base in Indianapolis, he helps curate the site's daily rundown, as well as its medium- and long-term content strategies. Jerry joined The Drive in 2018 as a writer and worked as news editor and managing editor before becoming the deputy in 2023. As a lifelong car enthusiast and racing fan, Jerry believes that all cars are cool, but the people behind the machines are even cooler. This belief often gives The Drive a slightly different focus from most other car sites, where we explore the humanity behind the machines. When he's not obsessing over the day's biggest stories or hanging out at a race track, Jerry can be found behind the wheel of a car, most likely sharing a laugh with his teenage son or daughter. ### Author social links [Instagram]()