Countdown begins
Every year there’s always something to look forward to in the exciting adrenaline-pumping world of motorsports. In Formula One, for example, we get to witness legendary multiple world champion, Lewis Hamilton, under a different banner, Scuderia Ferrari. Making headlines along with him are the new drivers debuting in what is considered the highest class of international racing for open-wheel single-seaters, such as: Kimi Antonelli, Gabriel Bortoleto and Isack Hadjar.
Locally, we have our own exciting motorsports affair to look forward to every year–the Toyota Gazoo Racing Philippine Cup–wherein unraveling right in front of us are the seasoned drivers, along with the new drivers toe-to-toe tooth and nail competing against each other for podium spots.
For this 11th season, there are new drivers, new cars, new race formats and new classes to watch out for.
Legendary racer’s son debuts
We all know the Filipino-American racing driver, Don Pastor. He was the first Filipino-American to ever participate in the NASCAR Whelen Euroseries race circuit. He was even named Philippine Driver of the Year in 2010 and bagged the 2012 Global Time Attack race held in California. Surely, he has captured countless accolades under his belt, even earning himself the name the “Don of Racing.”
Now, his own son Dino will see racing action for the very first time at the TGR Philippine Cup. This 10th Grader from La Salle Greenhills has excelled in karting and has briefly proven his mettle in endurance races. Will the same apple fall not far from the tree? That’s something we have yet to see.
Young face of Philippine motorsports
The 2024 TGR Philippine Cup Super Sporting Class defending champion, Inigo Anton, is back. He has won the title twice and is the first driver to ever do so in the prestigious motorsports affair.
This young prodigy, who hails from Baguio, started his racing career at the tender age of eight, racing cars in Time Attack races. In his 12-year career, he has already captured 12 national championship titles and countless other accolades in karting, slalom/gymkhana, Formula V1, sim/ virtual racing both here and abroad. He was even named the “youngest ever” Philippine National Champion at just 11 years old.
He has likewise tried his hand in Formula 4 with an impressive debut in Australia.
Will he be able to defend his title against the likes of Russel Cabrera and other new Super Sporting class drivers Alain Alzona and Jarond Mesina, who leveled up from the Sporting Class?
Racing Senator returns
Joseph Victor Gomez Ejercito or simply JV Ejercito is not only running politics these days. He’s also running race cars and these are the 2014 third-generation Toyota Vios OMR models that are set to compete in the inaugural Legacy Class this weekend.
Senator JV won a race in his class in 2017 and is looking to again clinch a title in the new Legacy Class this year.
Newest Toyota GR Yaris debut
Other than the racers, another thing to look forward to is this baby right here.
The newest Toyota GR Yaris will likewise see action during its race track debut this race weekend.
Few of the feature highlights of the vehicle are its bolder and more aerodynamic exterior design, emphasizing its rally-bred heritage, along with 18-inch 225/40 aluminum-forged wheels and tires, LED headlights, daytime running lamps, and rear combination lamps, and a rear spoiler. Under the hood is the G16E-GTS: three-cylinder, inline, DOHC 4-valve Roller-Rocker engine that produces 278 hp and 390 N-m of torque. It has also adopted an upgraded drive mode select, as well as a new sub radiator and intercooler spray to provide additional cooling, thus increasing the overall performance of the vehicle.
Fourteen teams are expected to compete in the Novice, Sporting, Super Sporting and the Legacy Classes. Seven drivers will compete in the Super Sporting Class, 14 in the Sporting, seven in the Novice Class and six in the Legacy Class.
For the GR Club owners, there will be 22 drivers competing in their own mini-five-lap sprint race. They will be behind their GR Supras, 86s and Yaris models.
We just can’t wait to have this race weekend started. Bring out the popcorn, please.
