The Toyota Department of Fan Operations is an advertising campaign for Toyota’s NASCAR racing program. Created by Saatchi & Saatchi Los Angeles, the campaign is based on a fictional group of well-intentioned Toyota engineers whose off-beat inventions are intended to put fans closer to the racing action.
The ads have been seen and heard in television and radio commercials, online webisodes, print advertisements and at-track displays, and have tackled issues such as finding a better seat at a racetrack and driving a NASCAR race car. NASCAR personalities featured in the campaign include Tony Stewart, Michael Waltrip, Kyle Busch, Denny Hamlin, Dave Blaney, David Reutimann, Mike Skinner, Todd Bodine, Brian Vickers and crew chief Greg Zipadelli.
During the 2008 Daytona 500, a commercial entitled “Fan Controller” was voted by fans as the best new ad of the season according to NASCAR.com. Later in 2008, the campaign was recognized by the One Show advertising awards.
In February 2009, a new commercial entitled "DriverSeeker" debuted during the 51st running of the Daytona 500.
Characters
According to the website, the department is composed of six characters:
Steven: Founder and Head Engineer
Peter: Chief Mechanic
Ken “The Hawk”: Master Builder, Electrician
Jack: Mechanic and Testing Facilitator
Missy: Engineer
Maria: Administrative Assistant