Earlier this week, Toyota Motor North America announced that Wilson would step down as president on December 16 after 35 years with the company. Tyler Gibbs, currently general manager of TRD, was named as Wilson’s successor.
The duo took part in a press conference at Richmond (Virginia) Raceway on Saturday that proved to be an emotional affair attended by numerous Toyota NASCAR drivers and team managers.
Wilson’s tenure as TRD President has been successful and includes championships in CART, CORR, Grand-Am, IMSA, Indy Racing League, MTEG, NASCAR, NHRA, SCORE and USAC.
David Wilson, Group Vice President and President of TRD, USA
Photo by: Michael L. Levitt / Motorsport Images
“To see so many people here who are important to me, so many friends – it means the world to me,” said Wilson, 63. “The last few days have been absolutely overwhelming. The kindness and generosity that has been shown to me has been truly special and remarkable.”
“It was incredibly awkward because we come from a place – I come from a place – where we celebrate the team and not the individual. On my very best day, I am simply a reflection of this team – TRD and Toyota.
“The successes – these are not my successes; these are our successes.”
Why now?
However, Wilson said it was “time to hand over the keys,” saying Gibbs “well deserves” to take the reins of the organization.
“There are so many parallels (to Tyler) that have emerged over the years in the company. I’ve enjoyed working behind the scenes,” he said.
“I enjoyed being the guy behind the scenes and then I was kind of thrust into this spotlight after 10, 11 years – if you will – and it really seems like it was just yesterday. Tyler is going to be great for our company and will continue to be great for our company.”
When asked to reflect on his racing legacy with Toyota, Wilson said summarizing his tenure was “pretty simple.”
“I want to believe that TRD is better than it was when I came here. I want to believe that our sport and Toyota’s position in our sport has put NASCAR in a better position,” he said.
“When we entered the market 20 years ago, we did not have the relationship with the sanctioning authorities or the relationship with our competitors that we have today. So a lot has changed.
“I’m proud of the competition model that Toyota has brought to the sport. We’ve changed the way racing is done. I think that’s great. I think that’s great. There’s a lot that I’m really happy and proud of.”
Tyler Reddick, 23XI Racing, The Beast Unleashed Toyota Camry
Photo by: Matthew T. Thacker / NKP / Motorsport Images
The most lasting legacy, Wilson said, is the countless relationships he has built over the years, be they with colleagues, media, participants or competitors.
“I am at peace. My heart is full. We are all wired to be competitive and we are still here because of what we do on the track. A lot of my close friends have heard me talk lately about what drives my soul,” he said.
“What I will be most grateful for – and you won’t find this in a match report – you will find it in the hearts of these people and the trust and the relationship and the love that I developed for so many people in that garage.
“I think Toyota’s entry into the sport has left its mark and our sport has become stronger because of it. Not me, but Toyota and the relationship and professional relationships we have with our competitors.
“It may sound strange, but I am proud of everything because we have the same goals and can work together to make our sport better, and that’s how it should be.”
