Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) has announced the kickoff of its 2024 motorsports season with exciting new developments marking the tenth season of its racing series. This year, the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Vios Cup (TGR Vios Cup) transforms into the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Philippine Cup (TGR Philippine Cup), ushering in a new era for the country’s racing scene.
The TGR Philippine Cup will span three race weekends open to the public: July 13 for Race Weekend 1, September 28 for Race Weekend 2, and November 9 for Race Weekend 3. All events will take place at Clark International Speedway in Mabalacat, Pampanga.
Since its inception in 2014, TMP’s racing series aimed to bring the thrill of motorsports closer to Filipino fans by showcasing local talent racing the beloved Toyota Vios in its OMR format. Now celebrating its 10th edition, the annual motorsports event expands to offer enhanced experiences for fans with an array of new activities.
Newly named and with increased excitement
Competitors from various racing teams across the Philippines will vie for victory in the TGR Philippine Cup Sprint Race across three categories: Promotional Class, Sporting Class, and Super Sporting Class. Notable participants include actor and host Ryan Agoncillo in the Sporting Class, and actor Troy Montero pursuing the Super Sporting championship.
Elevating the excitement, celebrity, influencer, and media racers who excelled in previous editions’ Autocross Challenge will now compete in a new category—the Novice Class. Making their circuit racing debut are Reph Bangsil, Lexi Mendiola, sim racer Russel Reyes, and media racers Pablo Salapantan, Jose Altoveros, Jamil Lacuna, and John Rey San Diego. A surprise driver will also join the competition.
All classes will go head-to-head in both the sprint race and the Endurance Race. Formerly known as the Grand Prix, the Endurance Race is a 1.5-hour circuit battle showcasing the Vios OMR’s capabilities. Meanwhile, the Sprint Race, previously named the Circuit Championship, challenges drivers with a 12-lap or 30-minute showdown, preceded by a qualifying session to set the starting grid.
The Autocross Challenge, a time-attack slalom race, will expand its reach to more drivers and spectators through a dedicated TGR tour to be announced separately.
Exciting activities for enthusiasts
For those eager to experience the thrill firsthand, Toyota will host a track day for TGR car club members. Participants will enjoy exclusive access to Clark International Speedway, where they can drive their GR vehicle on the track. Registration details will be available soon on TGR PH’s online platforms.
E-racing enthusiasts can showcase their virtual driving skills at the TGR GT Cup experience booth, competing for the fastest lap and a chance to win exciting prizes.
Attendees can also look forward to a thrilling driving exhibition featuring professional drifters in the GR 86. Plus, lucky eventgoers can win a shotgun ride via raffle, experiencing the exhilarating thrill of being drifted around a slalom course in the GR 86.
The event will offer freebies and prizes, official GR merchandise for sale, displays and test drives of GR road cars, and a special live performance by a musical guest.
Mr. Danny Cruz, TMP First Vice President for Vehicle Sales Operations, shared, “In 2014, TMP launched its motorsports program dedicated to producing high-performance cars, activating exciting motorsports events, and creating unique experiences for fans. Our aim with this new chapter of Toyota motorsports in the Philippines is to elevate the fan experience by offering more ways to enjoy TOYOTA GAZOO Racing.”
The TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Philippine Cup is proudly presented by Official Fuel Partner Petron and Official Tire Partner GT Radial, with cooperation from Official Timekeeper Seiko. The event is also supported by Toyota Financial Services Philippines, myTOYOTA Wallet, Denso, AVT, 3M, ROTA, Tuason Racing, OMP, and Kinto One.
For more information on the TGR Philippine Cup, visit https://toyota.com.ph/tgrphilippines. Follow TOYOTA GAZOO Racing on Facebook and Instagram and TMP’s official pages—Toyota Motor Philippines on Facebook and Instagram, ToyotaMotorPH on Twitter, and join the Viber community at Toyota PH for updates.
