Racing enthusiasts are in for a thrill as Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) gears up for the second race weekend of the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Philippine Cup (TGR Philippine Cup), set to take place on September 28 at the Clark International Speedway in Mabalacat, Pampanga.
In line with Toyota’s global philosophy of providing “Fun to Drive” experiences, TMP continues its mission to deliver ever-better cars to Filipino customers through motorsports. TMP is pushing both racers and vehicles to their limits, with each race a proving ground for performance, innovation, and endurance. Originally launched as the Vios Cup in 2014, this prestigious racing series has evolved into what is now known as the TGR Philippine Cup, showcasing the racing prowess of locally manufactured Toyota vehicles. As the competition continues to grow, fans can look forward to seeing even more Toyota models debut on the track in future events.
Exciting Wheel-to-Wheel Action
The TGR Philippine Cup promises a heart-pounding weekend of racing, featuring two types of race formats designed to challenge drivers in different ways:
- Sprint Race: A high-intensity, 12-lap or 30-minute race that tests speed and precision.
- Endurance Race: A grueling 1.5-hour test of stamina, strategy, and consistency.
Both formats are divided into four categories, ensuring fair competition for participants of different skill levels: Novice Class, Promotional Class, Sporting Class, and Super Sporting Class. Racers will compete using the Vios OMR (One-Make Race) cars, ensuring a level playing field in this thrilling head-to-head challenge.
Among the racers in the Novice Class is TMP President Masando Hashimoto, who made his racing debut during the first race weekend. This class also includes graduates of the Autocross Challenge, such as Reph Bangsil and Lexi Mendiola, as well as well-known media personalities Jamil Lacuna, Jose Altoveros, Pablo Salapantan, and John Rey San Diego. Also competing is Russel Reyes, a celebrated sim racer who recently took 3rd place in the 2024 TGR GT Cup, Toyota’s premier sim racing tournament.
Representing Team TGR Philippines, veteran racers Ryan Agoncillo and Troy Montero return to the track, competing in the Sporting Class and Super Sporting Class respectively. Joining them for the second race weekend is newcomer Kody Ng, who was selected through an intensive driver tryout. They will go head-to-head against top racing teams from across the country, raising the stakes for a weekend packed with high-speed action.
A Grandstand Spectacle for Racing Fans
The excitement doesn’t stop with the races! Toyota car clubs will bring their GR performance cars to the track, offering an exclusive look at the engineering and design of models such as the GR Supra, GR 86, and GR Yaris. Racing fans can enjoy the visceral experience of roaring engines and sleek Toyota supercars tearing up the track.
In addition, a driving exhibition featuring professional drifters will showcase the high-octane capabilities of the GR 86. Lucky fans from the audience will have the rare chance to ride alongside these pros, adding an unforgettable adrenaline rush to their weekend.
For those with a passion for virtual racing, the TGR GT Cup experience booth will be open for sim racing enthusiasts to test their skills and set their fastest lap times. Prizes await those who conquer the virtual track, adding another layer of competition to this motorsports event.
Throughout the day, attendees can enjoy a variety of activities, including:
- Freebies and giveaways
- Exclusive GR merchandise on sale
- Display of Toyota’s latest GR road cars
- Special musical guest performance on the live stage
And the best part? Admission is FREE for everyone! It’s the perfect weekend getaway for families, racing fans, and car enthusiasts alike.
A Message from Toyota Motor Philippines
Mr. Elvin Luciano, TMP’s Vice President for Marketing Services, emphasizes the excitement and community spirit behind the event:
“The fun never stops with TOYOTA GAZOO Racing! As we continue to develop motorsports in the Philippines, through initiatives like the TGR Philippine Cup, we hope to bring even more excitement to fans and give them the chance to experience the thrill of the track firsthand.”
Event Sponsors and Partners
The TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Philippine Cup is made possible through the support of its esteemed partners: Petron as the Official Fuel & Lubricants Partner, GT Radial as the Official Tire Partner, and Seiko as the Official Timekeeper. Additional support comes from Toyota Financial Services Philippines, myTOYOTA Wallet, Denso, AVT, 3M, ROTA, Tuason Racing, OMP, and Kinto One.
For more details and the latest updates on the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Philippine Cup, visit Toyota’s official website and follow TOYOTA GAZOO Racing on Facebook and Instagram. You can also stay connected with TMP’s official pages on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (@ToyotaMotorPH), and join the Toyota PH Viber community for exclusive news.
