Tras to Compete Again in the 31st AXCR 2026 as “Tras POWER 135 TRD HILUX”

Tras will once again take part in AXCR 2026 as Team “Tras POWER 135 TRD HILUX.”

AXCR 2026 Event Details

• Venue: Kingdom of Thailand

• Schedule: Monday, August 10 – Saturday, August 15, 2026

• Total Distance: Approximately 2,000 km

• Team: Tras POWER 135 TRD HILUX

• Vehicle: TRD Hilux

• Driver: Masanao Nitta

• Co-driver: Hirokazu Somemiya

• Team Support: Toyota Customizing & Development Co., Ltd.

• Project Leader: Katsutoshi Kashimura

The 31st Musashi Asia Cross Country Rally (AXCR) 2026 will be held entirely within Thailand. Starting from Pattaya, the approximately 2,000 km route will pass through Prachinburi, Nakhon Sawan, Kamphaeng Phet, Phitsanulok and other areas. Competitors will face a wide variety of demanding stages unique to Asia, including mountainous terrain, jungles, swamps, coastal sections and plantations.

The defining feature of the “Tras POWER 135 TRD HILUX” is its bodywork (hood, bumpers, and front and rear fenders) manufactured by Tras using natural fiber composite materials. The components utilize flax-based fibers — ampliTex™ and powerRibs™ — supplied by Swiss company Bcomp. These ampliTex™ materials are processed into prepreg by Germany’s SGL Carbon. The successful production of parts that can withstand Asia’s hot and humid conditions is the result of close collaboration among the three companies. Natural fiber products offer up to 85% lower CO₂ emissions from manufacture to disposal compared with carbon fiber equivalents, making them an environmentally conscious choice. Since its debut in 2022, the team has continuously refined and improved the practical performance of these materials year after year.

The vehicle is based on a 2016 Hilux Double Cab equipped with a 2.8-liter diesel engine. Progressive updates, including a change from leaf springs to a 4-link rear suspension, have been made each year. The team will compete in the T1D class (modified cross-country vehicles / diesel engines). Vehicle preparation and team operations are supported by Toyota Customizing & Development (TCD) TRD and TCD Asia.

This year’s AXCR marks Tras’s fifth consecutive challenge. The team has achieved four consecutive finishes to date (20th overall in 2022, 10th in 2023, 28th in 2024, and 27th in 2025). Specialized driving training continues under the guidance of TCD Senior Technical Advisor Takanobu Fukuoka.

Joining as the new co-driver is Hirokazu Somemiya, who brings extensive experience from the Dakar Rally and previous AXCR events. Somemiya comments: “AXCR is the most difficult rally in the world for navigation. I will give my full support to help the driver and the vehicle realize their full potential without mistakes.”。

Hirokazu Somemiya Co-driver (Navigator) Born May 20, 1972, in Gunma Prefecture Representative Director of Rally Stream Co., Ltd., Where he oversees rally control systems that ensure participant safety and enhance the spectator experience.

On June 23, the team held a participation announcement and joint training session at Inabe Motorsports Land in Mie Prefecture. Intensive practice on a near-race course further refined the vehicle and strengthened team cohesion.

Armed with the experience gained through continuous participation since 2022 and sustainable technologies such as natural fiber composites, the team aims once again for a strong finish and a high overall placing. We look forward to your continued support!