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Manila Bulletin devider Drive devider TGR Philippine Cup opens 2025 season with action-packed race weekend

TGR Philippine Cup opens 2025 season with action-packed race weekend

Published Apr 28, 2025 12:25 am

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Toyota Motor Philippines kicked off the 2025 season of the Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) Philippine Cup with a high-energy opening race weekend on March 29, setting the tone for an eventful year of motorsports. The season opener, held under the TGR banner, showcased thrilling racing action, fan engagement activities, and the public debut of the new GR Yaris.

Leading the competition in the premier Super Sporting Class was racing veteran Maila Alivia, who dominated both sprint races and secured a top-five finish in the endurance race. Jesse Garcia took the lead in the Sporting Class, while rising talent and sim-racing graduate Luis Moreno topped the Novice Class standings. Notably, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) President Masando Hashimoto achieved his second podium finish of the weekend by finishing third in Sprint Race 2 after capitalizing on a runoff by fellow Novice Class competitor Pablo Salapantan.

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The Legacy Class saw familiar names return to the track, including Senator JV Ejercito and Paolo Ang, the latter reclaiming victory in both sprint races. Race formats added a twist with a reverse grid rule in Sprint Race 2, altering starting positions based on Sprint Race 1 results. The rule brought added unpredictability and excitement, particularly in the Legacy, Sporting, and Super Sporting classes, where full grid reversals shook up race strategies.

The endurance race in the Super Sporting Class featured an intense battle between Mikey Jordan and Alain Gabriel Alzona for third place. Alzona eventually prevailed after several attempts to overtake a strong defensive drive by Jordan. Meanwhile, in the Sporting Class endurance event, Jesse Garcia returned to the top step of the podium, followed by Julia de los Angeles and Raymond Cudala.

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GR 86 drifting exhibition

Highlighting Toyota’s commitment to bringing motorsports to a wider audience, the weekend also included the debut of the Club Race, where GR car club members raced competitively for the first time. Owners of Toyota GR performance cars and Lexus F SPORT vehicles also participated in a dedicated Track Day, while fans were treated to a display area showcasing the latest GR and F SPORT models.

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Beyond the track, event-goers engaged with sponsor booths offering freebies, tried their hand at remote-controlled car challenges and sim racing, and browsed collectible diecasts. The festive atmosphere underscored Toyota’s continued push to blend racing culture with a strong community experience.

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Toyota Motor Philippines President, Masando Hashimoto, waves to the crowd as he announces the refreshed GR Yaris during Race Weekend 1.

In his remarks during the opening ceremony, TMP President Masando Hashimoto stated, "At TGR Philippines, we stay committed to our goal of growing an inclusive and exciting motorsports hub where we can all come together and celebrate our love for cars and motorsports. This year, we are celebrating 11 years of the TGR Philippine Cup, and it is our pride and honor to continue bringing you the thrill and joy that only TGR can bring!"

The next leg of the 2025 TGR Philippine Cup is scheduled for May, bringing the racing excitement to Cavite City on a still-to-be-announced street circuit.
 

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gazoo racing Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP)
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