The Toyota Gazoo Racing Philippine Cup (Toyota GR Cup) is about to take a notable step forward in 2026 with the first-ever staging of the Tamaraw One-Make Race (OMR), a new competition class that brings one of Toyota’s most recognized nameplates into the heat of battle on the track. The addition signals Toyota Gazoo Racing Philippines’ expanded approach to grassroots racing as the long-running series prepares for another multi-leg season across key venues.
As reported during the 2025 season finale, the Tamaraw OMR will run alongside the established Vios one-make category, broadening the competitive field and creating fresh interest among racers and race fans alike. Approximately 30 race-ready Tamaraw units are expected to enter the grid, making it the first time the utility vehicle will be fielded in a dedicated, circuit-based racing class.
The Tamaraw’s inclusion underscores the Toyota GR Cup’s evolution, which has steadily grown from a single-model series into a platform that supports wider participation. While technical specs and race regulations for the Tamaraw OMR have yet to be finalized, the motorsport approach aims to drive home Toyota’s efforts to showcase the Tamaraw’s versatility beyond its commercial vehicle roots.
The 2026 Toyota GR Cup will feature race legs, starting off with a street circuit at Riverpark in General Trias, Cavite, set to run from March 13 to 15. The season will then shift to purpose-built racetracks, with Clark International Speedway (CIS) scheduled to hold Round 2 on July 9 to 11. For Round 3, the event will take place at the Batangas Racing Circuit (BRC) from August 13 to 15, before heading back to CIC on September 10 to 12 for the 4th and final round.
Street racing has become a key highlight of the series, drawing spectators beyond traditional motorsport audiences. Over the years, the Toyota GR Cup has held officially sanctioned racing events at BGC, Filinvest in Alabang, the SM Mall of Asia complex in Pasay, South Road Properties in Cebu, and, last year, Villar City in Cavite. The General Trias opener is expected to continue that trend by combining the thrill of action-packed racing with fan-focused activities, including games, car displays, on-site merchandise, food carts, and live entertainment.
Since its early days as the Toyota Vios Cup, the Toyota GR Cup has become an established training ground for beginner and semi-professional racing drivers in the Philippines. The addition of the Tamaraw OMR further strengthens that role, offering a new path for competitors while reinforcing the series’ commitment to accessible, locally relevant motorsports.
Autocar’s Take
The introduction of the Tamaraw one-make race may be the most interesting development in the 2026 Toyota GR Cup. By bringing a familiar, utility-focused nameplate into circuit racing, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) adds a fresh layer to a series that has long served as a gateway for home-grown racing talents.
The Tamaraw’s move from workhorse to racecar is both symbolic and strategic, showing how grassroots motorsport continues to evolve in the country. No other circuit racing series in the Philippines has ever done such a bold step – fielding a work truck into the heat of on-track action. If all things align at the end of this year’s season, this could be the beginning of a new era of local racing, one that could reshape the local mindset that auto racing isn’t just about sedans, coupes, and sports cars.
