Blackdog Racing is adding a new program to its 2026 racing season with an entry into the Toyota GR Cup for up-and-coming driver Liam Harrison. The 21-year-old will pilot the No. 55 Blackdog Cars Toyota GR86 in the full championship starting with next month’s Arlington Grand Prix.
It marks the first campaign for Blackdog Racing in the single-make series featuring the Toyota GR86 Cup Car, but it’s not the first race in the series for Harrison. After a pair of top-20 finishes last year at Barber Motorsports Park in his series debut, Harrison has his eyes on higher levels of success as a full-time competitor.
That path began this past weekend with a two-day test at Barber with the full Blackdog Racing team. That included Blackdog McLaren Artura GT4 drivers Michael Cooper and Tony Gaples, who helped Harrison get up to speed – literally and figuratively.
“The team support makes me very confident,” Harrison said. “All the guys are spectacular. They have so much experience and success not just from the driving side but on the crew and engineering sides, too. It gives me full confidence that I have the best team behind me for this upcoming season."
An aviation management student at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Harrison’s previous racing experience includes competitive sim racing before real-world stints in Skip Barber F4 and Spec Racer Ford cars as well as in SCCA.
The Toyota GR86 and the Toyota GR Cup is a step up in competition. Built in Mooresville, NC by Toyota Gazoo Racing, the GR86 features a 2.4-liter, flat-four engine, a six-speed sequential transmission, custom aerodynamics, and a full roll cage. Designed for close, amateur-focused competition, it bridges the gap between grassroots racing and professional series, featuring high-end components like adjustable JRI shocks and Alcon brakes.
There are seven events on this year’s Toyota GR Cup schedule with two 45-minute, single-driver races per event.
Blackdog Racing and the No. 55 Toyota GR86 will start the Toyota GR Cup as part of the Grand Prix of Arlington street race on March 13-15. Live timing and streaming video of each race will be available at grcupseries.com.
LIAM HARRISON, NO. 55 BLACKDOG CARS TOYOTA GR86: “The first day of our test at Barber was mostly about me getting sorted in the car… playing around with some different setups. It was hard for me not to chase lap time, and I made some real improvements during the two days. So I was very happy with that. The more seat time has helped a lot. Thanks to everyone at Blackdog Racing, as well, for getting me into a good position.”
(Season outlook): “There is a ton of experience throughout the field in Toyota GR Cup. I would be ecstatic with some podium finishes or even top-fives. Realistically, the goal for both my race weekends and the finishing position at the end of the season in the championship is going to be top-10. I think that’s a realistic goal to achieve.”
RAY SORENSON, TEAM MANAGER, BLACKDOG RACING: “This is an exciting new program for us at Blackdog Racing. Liam performed well over the weekend in testing at Barber, which is very encouraging heading into his first full season at this level of racing. We all learned a lot across the two days – Liam behind the wheel and the team operating the car. We should have a good combination for success. Liam has a good approach and mindset that should help him acclimate well. We’re all looking forward to this new chapter.”
About Blackdog Racing
Ever dreamed of piloting a real SRO GT race car? Blackdog offers rental and “arrive and drive” racing in addition to purpose-built cars. Email sales@blackdogpeedshop.com to discuss the best way to put you in the driver’s seat!
About Blackdog Cars
At Blackdog Cars, luxury and performance converge in an exclusive collection of high-end vehicles, each designed to deliver an unparalleled driving experience. Our curated inventory is a testament to exceptional craftsmanship and innovation, while our GT4 America McLaren Artura race team subtly underscores our passion for precision engineering on the track. Discover the ultimate blend of sophistication and speed at www.blackdogcars.com.