CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Lee White, the president and general manager of Toyota Racing Development, will retire at the end of the 2013 season and step away from his daily duties immediately due to family health care needs.

"I have been planning and working toward retirement at the end of this race season in December," White said Tuesday in a prepared statement. "I have been offered and accepted an opportunity to perform a reduced amount of duties from my home office.

"This generous arrangement afforded to us by the company will allow me to attend to personal family priorities."

White was a key player in bringing Toyota to NASCAR in 2007. He has been with TRD for more than 15 years, dealing with everything from engine development, manufacturing, chassis design and development, team and manufacturer relationships and manufacturer and sanctioning body relations.

White's retirement has nothing to do with the six engine failures, including two Sunday at Dover, that TRD has been responsible for.

Prior to joining Toyota in 1997, he worked with LeeCo Engineering as an owner, driver and engineer, served as manager and engineer for Read Racing Engines, team manager for Herman Miller Porsche Racing and general manager and engineer for Roush Racing.

White has been a part of about 1,000 race victories and 250 championships in all forms of motorsports.

White will continue as a Special Advisor to TRD and Toyota Motorsports for the remainder of the year. His duties have yet to be determined.

"Lee has contributed enormously to Toyota Motorsports," Toyota Group vice president and general manager Bill Fray said. "His leadership has resulted in victories and championships in a broad spectrum of racing series.

"He's had an impressive career and his day-to-day leadership will be missed. We offer Lee and [wife] Lynn our support and best wishes."