Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) starts its 2024 motorsports season, with new developments to celebrate its racing series’ tenth season. This year, the Toyota Gazoo Racing Vios Cup (TGR Vios Cup), its premier one-make-race (OMR) series, will be held as the Toyota Gazoo Racing Philippine Cup (TGR Philippine Cup), signifying a new chapter in the country’s racing scene.
The TGR Philippine Cup will be held over three race weekends that are open to the public — July 13 for Race Weekend 1, September 28 for Race Weekend 2 and November 9 for Race Weekend 3. All three race weekends will be held at the Clark International Speedway in Mabalacat, Pampanga.
TMP launched its racing series in 2014 with the goal of bringing the thrill of motorsports closer to Filipino racing fans by inviting professional and amateur homegrown racers to race the locally made fan-favorite sedan, the Toyota Vios, in its OMR form. Now in its 10th edition, the annual motorsports event is expanding to provide ever-better experiences for fans with more activities to look out for.
New name, more racing excitement
New and returning racers from various racing teams across the country will compete in the TGR Philippine Cup Sprint Race under the three categories — the Promotional Class, Sporting Class and Super Sporting Class — to determine the best of the best in Philippine motorsports. Participating in the Sporting Class as part of the TGR Philippines team is actor and host Ryan Agoncillo, while actor Troy Montero continues his bid for the Super Sporting championship.
Celebrity, influencer and media racers who showed exceptional skill in the previous editions’ Autocross Challenge have been promoted to a new sprint race category — the Novice Class. Making their circuit race debut at the TGR Philippine Cup are Reph Bangsil and Lexi Mendiola. Joining them is sim racer Russel Reyes, and media racers Pablo Salapantan, Jose Altoveros, Jamil Lacuna and John Rey San Diego. A surprise driver will also be taking on the challenge.
All classes will go wheel-to-wheel in both the sprint race and the Endurance Race. Previously known as the Grand Prix during the 2024 TGR Vios Cup, the Endurance Race is a 1.5-hour circuit race that will exhibit the capabilities of the Vios OMR. The Sprint Race, previously known as the Circuit Championship, is a 12-lap or 30-minute race that will test the skill of the drivers. Both formats will hold a qualifying to set the starting grid.
The Autocross Challenge, a time-attack format slalom race, will soon be opened to more drivers and audiences through a separate TGR tour that will be announced separately.
Thrilling activities for fans
Now for those who want to experience the thrill of the racetracks themselves, Toyota will be holding a track day for TGR car club members! During the track day, participants will get exclusive access to the Clark International Speedway and get a chance to drive their GR vehicle on the racetrack. Registration will be announced soon on TGR PH’s online channels.
E-racing enthusiasts will also get a chance to showcase their driving skills on the virtual tracks through the TGR GT Cup experience booth! Interested participants can try their hand at setting the fastest lap for a chance to win a prize.
The TGR Philippine Cup will also feature a driving exhibition by professional drifters using the GR 86. And even more exciting is the opportunity for eventgoers to win a shotgun ride via raffle! The winner will get to ride in the passenger’s seat of the GR 86 and experience being drifted around a slalom course on the track.
There will be freebies and prizes up for grabs during the event, official GR merchandise for sale, GR road cars on display and for test drive, and even a special live stage by a musical guest.
“In 2014, TMP launched its motorsports program dedicated to producing high-performance cars, activating exciting motorsports events, and creating unique experiences for fans,” shared TMP First Vice President for Vehicle Sales Operations, Mr. Danny Cruz. “Our hope for this new chapter of Toyota motorsports in the Philippines is to elevate the experience even further for fans by providing them with more ways to enjoy Toyota Gazoo Racing.”
The Toyota Gazoo Racing Philippine Cup is brought to you by Official Fuel Parter Petron and Official Tire Partner GT Radial, and in cooperation with Official Timekeeper Seiko. This event is also supported by Toyota Financial Services Philippines, myToyota Wallet, Denso, AVT, 3M, Rota, Tuason Racing, OMP, and Kinto One.
For more information and updates on the TGR Philippine Cup, visit Toyota's website and follow them on their official pages on Facebook and Instagram.