Three Filipino sim racers are set to compete against some of Asia’s best virtual drivers as the Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) Asia Esports GT Championship 2026 Asia Finals returns to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on November 15.
Representing the Philippines are returning competitors Russel Reyes, 25, and Enzo Ison, 16, alongside newcomer Michael Velasquez, 26. Reyes previously competed in the regional finals in 2022, 2023, and 2024, while Ison joined the competition in 2024 and 2025.
They will be among 15 drivers from Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand competing across three races for individual and team titles and a share of the USD$31,000 prize pool. This marks Malaysia’s third time hosting the championship.
Among the competitors are three former champions: Indonesia’s Andika Rama, who won in 2023 and 2025; Malaysia’s Taj Aiman, the 2024 champion; and Singapore’s Ar Muhammad Aleef, who claimed the title in 2020.
Five newcomers will also make their Asia Finals debut: Michael Velasquez of the Philippines, Jirat Pakjilayuwat of Thailand, Stanislas Yuveardhitra of Indonesia, and Malaysia’s Nabil Azlan and Ethen Low. Each participating country will also field a driver aged 18 or under, giving younger racers a chance to compete against more experienced drivers.
The competition will feature three races, each using a different circuit and Toyota race car:
- Race 1: Grand Valley – Highway 1, featuring the GR Supra Racing Concept ’18 – Gr.3
- Race 2: Nürburgring GP, featuring the GR Yaris RZ “High performance” ’20
- Race 3: Fuji Speedway, featuring the SF23 Super Formula/Toyota ’23
Drivers will earn points based on their finishing positions, with 25 points for first place, 20 for second, and 16 for third. Points will be awarded down to 15th place, while a two-point bonus for the fastest lap could help determine the final standings.
The USD$31,000 prize pool will be divided equally between the individual and team categories, following last year’s prize structure.
| Individual | Team | |
| Champion | USD$8,000 | USD$8,000 |
| 1st Runner-up | USD$4,500 | USD$4,500 |
| 2nd Runner-up | USD$3,000 | USD$3,000 |
Additional awards include Best Race Craft, Rookie of the Day, and Driver of the Day.
More racing action for fans
The championship weekend will also feature exhibition races. The GR Asia Race on November 14 will bring together representatives from Toyota Motor Asia and participating regional companies. On November 15, the Media Pro-Am Race will pair media representatives with Asia Finalists, while an Esports Team Race will feature teams from Thailand.
Fans can catch the competition live on the Toyota Gazoo Racing Asia Facebook page on November 15, 5pm. Filipino supporters can also follow the action and cheer on Reyes, Ison, and Velasquez through the Toyota Gazoo Racing Philippines Facebook page.
