The excitement of the racetrack is reignited! Racing enthusiasts and skilled racers converged once more at the Clark International Speedway (CIS) on September 9, 2023, as Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) launched the second leg of its enduring premier one-make-race series, the Toyota GAZOO Racing (TGR) Vios Cup.
The weekend was a truly unforgettable experience as the racetrack burst into life, resonating with the thunderous cheers of fans in the stands and the electrifying roar of engines. Racing enthusiasts from all corners of the country converged both on the bleachers and through online livestreams to passionately support their beloved racers in both the Circuit Championship and Autocross Challenge.
Returning to the track were contenders from the first leg, including cherished racers and seasoned TGR veterans like Troy Montero and Enzo Pineda, alongside beauty queens Carla Lizardo and Megan Young. Crowd favorites such as Benedict Cua, Bianca Yao, and Lexi Mendiola also made their triumphant return, ready to battle for their place atop the podium.
Across the three Circuit Championship categories—Promotional, Sporting, and Super Sporting—the racers delivered a heart-stopping spectacle from the first lap to the final stretch. In the Promotional class, the exhilarating race crowned Jarond Mesina of Toyota Team Cebu as the victor, with Alain Alzona of Toyota General Santos – Chooks to Go Racing Team and Bong Garbes of Inbox – Toyota San Fernando securing second and third places, respectively. In the Sporting class, Jiro Garbes of Inbox – Toyota San Fernando dominated, with Russel Cabrera of Toyota Team Cebu and Maila Alivia of JBT Racing Team / Toyota Isabela following in second and third places. The Super Sporting class saw Joaquin Garrido of Obengers Racing Team claiming the top spot, with Bryan Co of R Racing Team and JBT Racing Team / Toyota Isabela’s Red Diwa completing the podium.
In the Autocross Challenge, female power once again shone brightly as the Promotional Media Class witnessed an all-female podium, with Lyka Tan of Carmudi seizing the top spot, followed by Pattice Tenorio of Zigwheels in second and Mica Delos Reyes of Philippine Star securing third place. In the Sporting Media Class, C! Magazine’s Wowie Go emerged as the champion, flanked by Ronald Delos Reyes of Philippine Daily Inquirer in second and Autocar’s John Rey San Diego in third.
Emerging talent Ezra Domingo celebrated his maiden podium appearance by securing the top spot in the Sporting Influencer Class. Following closely behind were Bianca Yao and Genesis Redido, claiming second and third places, respectively. In the Sporting Class, Reph Bangsil, after a hiatus from Vios Cup racing, triumphantly returned to clinch the first position. Migy Romulo secured second place, with Lexi Mendiola rounding out the top three.
In a special twist, experienced racers Milo Rivera and Jose Altoveros, alongside TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Philippines Ambassador Marlon Stockinger, united for a thrilling Autocross Challenge featuring the Corolla Altis GR-S HEV as their chosen race car. In this exciting showdown, Milo Rivera emerged as the champion, showcasing his prowess on the track once again.
Here is the full list of winners:
CIRCUIT CHAMPIONSHIP
| PROMOTIONAL CLASS |
| Rank | Name | Team |
| 1 | Jarond Mesina | Toyota Team Cebu |
| 2 | Alain Alzona | Toyota General Santos – Chooks to Go Racing Team |
| 3 | Bong Garbes | Inbox – Toyota San Fernando |
| SPORTING CLASS |
| Rank | Name | Team |
| 1 | Jiro Garbes | Inbox – Toyota San Fernando |
| 2 | Russel Cabrera | Toyota Team Cebu |
| 3 | Maila Alivia | JBT Racing / Toyota Isabela |
| SUPER SPORTING CLASS |
| Rank | Name | Team |
| 1 | Joaquin Garrido | Toyota North Edsa – Obengers Racing Team |
| 2 | Bryan Co | R Racing Team |
| 3 | Red Diwa | JBT Racing / Toyota Isabela |
AUTOCROSS CHALLENGE
| PROMOTIONAL MEDIA CLASS |
| Rank | Name |
| 1 | Lyka Tan – Carmudi |
| 2 | Pattice Tenorio – Zigwheels |
| 3 | Mica de los Reyes – Philippine Star |
| SPORTING MEDIA CLASS |
| Rank | Name |
| 1 | Wowie Go – C! Magazine |
| 2 | Ronald Delos Reyes – Philippine Daily Inquirer |
| 3 | John Rey San Diego – Autocar Philippines |
| PROMOTIONAL INFLUENCER CLASS |
| Rank | Name |
| 1 | Ezra Domingo |
| 2 | Bianca Yao |
| 3 | Genesis Redido |
| SPORTING INFLUENCER CLASS |
| Rank | Name |
| 1 | Reph Bangsil |
| 2 | Migy Romulo |
| 3 | Lexi Mendiola |
In this leg of the event, Toyota took the opportunity to highlight its GR lineup, featuring the GR Supra, GR Yaris, and GR 86, and introducing the eye-catching New Hilux GR-S, which garnered significant attention from the spectators. Adding to the spectacle, the Toyota Tamaraw concept made a notable appearance as the designated safety car for this leg.
To enhance the overall experience for fans, event sponsors set up booths and organized entertaining activities, ensuring that everyone had an enjoyable time.
The successful staging of the Toyota GAZOO Racing Vios Cup Leg 2 was made possible thanks to the valued support of sponsors Bridgestone and Petron, who consistently elevate each TGR fest to new heights. The event also owes its success to the contributions of other essential sponsors, including Denso, 3M, AVT, ROTA, OMP, Tuason Racing, myTOYOTA Wallet, and Kinto One.
Toyota remains dedicated to elevating the standard of motorsports in the Philippines, striving to make it more accessible and inclusive for a broader spectrum of Filipinos through the TGR Vios Cup. Mark your calendars for the final leg of the Toyota GAZOO Racing Vios Cup, scheduled for November 11, 2023, and anticipate more exhilarating GAZOO moments.
For comprehensive information on the TGR Vios Cup, please visit toyota.com.ph/gazoo/vios-cup. Stay updated by following Toyota Gazoo Racing Philippines on Facebook and TMP’s official pages – Toyota Motor Philippines on Facebook and Instagram, toyota.com.ph, ToyotaMotorPH on Twitter, and Toyota PH on Viber – for regular updates on products and services, dealer operations, announcements, and events.
