Can Keanu Reeves make the Toyota GR86 a true John Wick escape car?
Keanu Reeves, the beloved actor known for iconic roles in The Matrix, John Wick, and Speed, is gearing up for a thrilling weekend at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. This weekend (in America), he will take the wheel of a Toyota GR86 sports car as part of a special one-off appearance in the Toyota GR Cup Series.
Fans are buzzing with excitement, and with the actor’s impressive history in motorsport, it promises to be a weekend to remember, provided he doesn’t drop below 50 mph! The announcement was made via the social media channels of the Fanatec GT World Challenge America, which oversees the event.
Moreover, the GR Cup Series in which Reeves will participate is modelled after the successful Toyota Gazoo Racing Australia GR Cup. In this format, drivers race in identical fleets of GR86 sports cars, ensuring that skill and strategy are key to victory. These races often coincide with larger events like V8 Supercar races, making the atmosphere electric with anticipation.
At 60 years old, Reeves is no stranger to the racing scene. In 2009, he showcased his driving prowess by winning the Pro/Celebrity race at the Long Beach Grand Prix, where he drove a Scion tC, similar to the GR86 he’ll be piloting this weekend.
The GR86 is also equipped with significant upgrades including enhanced brakes, suspension, racing transmission, and advanced engine management systems, ensuring it meets the demands of high-performance racing. Safety is a priority as well, with features like a roll cage, lightweight wheels, and slick racing tires and much more.
On top of that, Reeves is not just an actor, he’s a passionate motorsport enthusiast. Often spotted at major racing events like Formula One and Le Mans, he has also lent his voice and influence to the 2023 Disney documentary series focusing on the underdog Brawn GP racing team.
His love for speed also extends beyond four wheels, he is a dedicated motorcycle fan and co-founded Arch Motorcycle, which operates out of Hawthorne, California. Reeves’ participation in the GR Cup races is part of the 2024 Indianapolis Eight-Hour sports car race weekend.
With one race scheduled for Saturday, 5 October, and another on Sunday, 6 October, fans are eager to see how this Hollywood star fares on the racetrack. We got all this from MSN and their full article is linked here. Thank you MSN for the information and images.
