Up-and-coming dirt track star Jade Avedisian has signed a multi-year contract with Toyota to be one of the manufacturer’s development drivers.
The 17-year-old has been backed by Toyota since 2021, but the partnership didn’t become official until both parties put pen to paper on Friday, Nov. 17. The contract is a big sigh of relief for Avedisian, who has been hard at work building her on-track resume over the last two years.
This season, she became the first woman to win a national midget championship when she clinched the Xtreme Outlaw Midget Series title at I-44 Riverside Speedway on Oct. 14. She was also named the Chili Bowl Nationals Rookie of the Year this past January.
“I’m excited to spend the next few years with them,” Avedisian noted. “We still keep the same goals though. We still need to go win races and lead as many laps as we can. But to know that I’m in a contract, it’s obviously a big dream come true as well.”
With the many resources Toyota provides its development drivers — from access to the Toyota Performance Center, dedicated time in the gym and meetings with nutritionists — Avedisian is optimistic that the deal will set her up for success.
“On the racing side, they never want to set you up for failure, so they’re going to prepare you the best they can,” Avedisian explained. “I cannot thank Trent Rodriguez and Jack Irving for giving me a shot.”
While the contract certainly opens up more opportunities for the California native, it doesn’t affect her go-out-and-win mentality at each and every race — in fact, it only deepens it.
“If I run good, it can fast forward a lot of years,” Avedisian said, referring to the career path she’s seen other Toyota development drivers take. “I know what my plan is and I know what my potential is.”
Next season, Avedisian will compete in USAC national midget and Xtreme Outlaw races with Keith Kunz Motorsports, while also running the complete Toyota GR Cup schedule with Nitro Motorsports to gain experience on pavement and road courses.
Toyota Racing Development general manager Tyler Gibbs added, “Toyota and TRD remain dedicated to finding and developing the future talent of our sport. Jade has earned her place in our development program with her tremendous talent, work ethic and bright future. We are thrilled to make this commitment to Jade and her family and look forward to continuing to watch her succeed at the highest levels in years to come.”