The 2016 Toyota Mirai has become the first hydrogen fuel-cell car to pace at NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in Virginia, US.
The four-door, mid-size sedan performed to pace the 43-car NASCAR field at Richmond International Raceway (RIR).
The car is powered by hydrogen and is capable of accelerating up to 300 miles on a full tank, and emits water vapour instead of carbon dioxide.
Prior to its track debut, the car was tested by NASCAR, and according to the Japanese auto maker it met the performance requirements to be qualified for the series.
US Toyota Motor Sales Performance VP Ed Laukes said: "Having a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle pace the Toyota Owners 400 is a historic moment for both Toyota and NASCAR and we're proud it's the Toyota Mirai.
"Bringing the Mirai to Richmond to pace this important race is another way for Toyota to showcase our innovation and environmental leadership."
The automaker also placed The Toyota Camry Hybrid in the series.
Image: 2016 Toyota Mirai. Photo: Courtesy of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
