David Wilson, the retiring president of TRD U.S.A., received the Bill France Award for Excellence at the NASCAR Awards ceremony last Friday.
This award is one of NASCAR’s highest honors, recognizing individuals who have significantly impacted the sport.
Wilson expressed his gratitude, saying, “To be called up on stage by my dear friend, Jim France, and to be recognized – and as I said, and what I believe and what is in my heart – again, on my very best day, I’m simply a reflection of a wonderful team that has supported me, that has trusted me, that has empowered me to serve.”
Wilson’s influence in NASCAR spans over 35 years with TRD. He announced his retirement earlier this year at Richmond Raceway. His leadership was pivotal in Toyota’s racing achievements over the past 11 seasons. Under his guidance, Toyota secured its first three NASCAR Cup Series championships with drivers Kyle Busch and Martin Truex Jr., along with their initial Daytona 500 victories with Denny Hamlin.
The Bill France Award for Excellence has been awarded only 29 times. Last year it was given to Goodyear’s Rich Kramer. Previous recipients include Toyota team owners Jimmie Johnson in 2020 and Joe Gibbs in 2019. Wilson’s recognition highlights his contributions to motorsport and his role in shaping Toyota’s success.
Toyota has been part of North America’s cultural landscape for over 65 years. The company focuses on sustainable mobility through its Toyota and Lexus brands and operates more than 1,800 dealerships. In North America alone, Toyota employs nearly 64,000 people who have helped design and assemble almost 47 million vehicles across its 14 manufacturing plants.
In 2025, Toyota plans to start producing automotive batteries for electrified vehicles at its North Carolina plant. Currently offering 30 electrified vehicle options, Toyota leads the market with more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker.
Impact of the TD2 Program
Wilson’s legacy will continue through his dedication to the Toyota Driver Development (TD2) program. This initiative has helped many drivers achieve their dreams in motorsport. Notably, Christopher Bell, a multi-time Championship 4 driver, is among those who have benefited from this program.
Wilson holds a mechanical engineering degree from Virginia Tech University and served as an Army veteran before joining TRD. His technical expertise and leadership have been instrumental in numerous achievements within TRD over the decades.
The recognition of David Wilson at the NASCAR Awards underscores his lasting impact on motorsport and his commitment to fostering talent through programs like TD2. As he steps down from his role at TRD U.S.A., his contributions will continue to influence future generations in racing.
