Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) is kicking off its 2024 motorsports season with announcements of new developments to celebrate its racing series’ tenth edition.
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 Toyota Vios in its OMR (one-make race) form. Now in its 10th edition, the annual motorsports event is expanding to provide ever-better experiences for fans with more activities to watch for.
Here are 10 things you need to know about the 2024 race:
- New name, same excitement. TMP is kicking off its 10th motorsports season with a new name for its premier racing series. The Toyota Gazoo Racing Vios Cup (TGR Vios Cup) is now called Toyota Gazoo Racing Philippine Cup (TGR Philippine Cup), signifying a new chapter in the country’s racing scene.
- Catch the races live. The TGR Philippine Cup will be held over three weekends and the races are open to the public. Race Weekends 1 (Juy 13), 2 (September 28), and 3 (November 9) will all take place at the Clark International Speedway in Mabalacat, Pampanga.
- From pros to newcomers. New and returning racers will compete in the Sprint Race across three categories: Promotional Class, Sporting Class (including actor Ryan Agoncillo), and Super Sporting Class (including actor Troy Montero).
- New sprint race category. 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. Reph Bangsil and Lexi Mendiola will make their circuit race debut. 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.
- Wheel-to-wheel. TGR Philippine Cup features two race formats: the Sprint Race, previously known as the Circuit Race (a 12-lap or 30-minute race) and the Endurance Race, previously. known as the Grand Prix (a 1.5-hour circuit race). Both formatswill have qualifying rounds to determine the starting grid.
- Separate Autocross Challenge: The Autocross Challenge, a time-attack slalom race, will soon be opened to more drivers and audiences through a separate TGR tour, which will be announced later.
- Thrills for everyone. TGR car club members can participate in a track day to experience driving their GR vehicles on the racetrack. Details and registration will be available on TGR PH’s online channels.
- E-racers, take note: E-racing enthusiasts can also test their skills and vie for prizes at the TGR GT Cup experience booth.
- More than just racing. The event promises exciting activities for spectators, including an exhibition by professional drifters using the GR 86. Event goers can even get a chance to win a shotgun ride via raffle.
- Festive atmosphere. Expect freebies, prizes, official GR merchandise for sale, GR car displays and test drives, a musical guest performance, and more.
The Toyota Gazoo Racing Philippine Cup is brought to you by official fuel partner 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.
