The 2024 season of the popular motorsports series, the Toyota Gazoo Racing Philippine Cup (TGR Philippine Cup) has just wrapped up. The championship featured intense racing across three weekends, culminating on Nov. 9 with the crowning of the season winners. From emerging talents to seasoned veterans, the series showcased the skill and determination of the country's finest racers.
Among the champions crowned were Iñigo Anton from Toyota Balintawak - Obengers Racing Team in the Super Sporting Class, two-time champion Alain Alzona from Toyota General Santos - Chooks-To-Go Racing Team in the Sporting Class, and Russel Reyes from Toyota Gazoo Racing PH in the Novice Class. Consistent podium performer Bong Garbes of Inbox – Toyota San Fernando secured the top spot in the Promotional Class, while Reyes, a former sim racer, continued to impress on the real track.
A high-stakes final race weekend
The final race weekend was marked by high expectations, thrilling battles, and emotional farewells as racers gathered at the speedway to determine the ultimate champions. TMP President, Masando Hashimoto, participated in the Novice Class, cutting his business trip short to be present at the final event.
“I wanted to meet the racers, mechanics, coaches, and motorsports fans – this is my motivation for coming back,” Hashimoto said. “Today is the last race weekend of the TGR Philippine Cup, which will decide the season winners, so I wanted to say congratulations to them.”
The day began with the Sprint Race for the Novice and Promotional classes. Pablo Salapantan emerged victorious in the Novice Class Sprint Race, followed by John Rey San Diego and Russel Reyes. In the Promotional Class, Bong Garbes took the win, while Ryan Agoncillo received a grid penalty, resulting in a second-place finish. Johndale Dy completed the podium in third place.
The Sprint Race for the Sporting and Super Sporting classes followed. Waytan defended his pole position to clinch victory in the Sporting Class, with Jay Lao and Alain Alzona following close behind. In the Super Sporting Class, Russel Cabrera took the lead into Turn 1 and never looked back, securing first place ahead of Mikey Keilani Jordan and Iñigo Anton.
Between races, the audience enjoyed a thrilling drifting exhibition by professional drifters Dane Cruz and Hans Jimenez. Members from GR Supra, GR Yaris, and GR 86 car clubs also took to the track, giving lucky spectators hot lap rides around the speedway.
An intense endurance race
The final event of the weekend was the highly anticipated Endurance Race, bringing together 34 racers across all classes. Starting positions were determined by the finishing order of the Sprint Races, and the 1.5-hour race tested both the limits of the drivers and the reliability of their machines.
In the Super Sporting Class, Iñigo Anton delivered a brilliant performance, working his way to the front through a series of tactical overtakes. Russel Cabrera settled for second, while Maila Alivia completed the podium in third. In the Sporting Class, Alain Alzona took the win, followed by Jesse Garcia and Paolo Ayo.
In the Promotional Class, Bong Garbes finished first after a consistent drive. Julia Delos Angeles made daring moves to claim second place, with Ryan Agoncillo rounding out the top three. In the Novice Class, Jamil Lacuna secured victory, followed by Reph Bangsil and Russel Reyes.
Season champions and closing festivities
With the conclusion of three race weekends and six Sprint Races, the final points tally determined the 2024 TGR Philippine Cup season winners. In the Super Sporting Class, Iñigo Anton of Toyota Balintawak - Obengers Racing Team took home the championship, while Alain Alzona emerged victorious in the Sporting Class. Promotional Class honors went to Bong Garbes, with Julia Delos Angeles in second, and Rex Abrenilla in third. Russel Reyes was crowned champion of the Novice Class.
The Team Championship was awarded to the Obengers Racing Team, with JBT Racing Team and Toyota Team Cebu Alpha securing second and third places respectively.
The festivities ended with a lively performance from Filipino band The Juans, energizing the crowd with their hit songs. The 2024 TGR Philippine Cup may have concluded, but the memories of close battles, triumphant wins, and a shared love for motorsport will linger until the engines roar to life again next season.