10 years at full speed

Whether you’re into cars or not, you will have likely heard about the Vios Cup.

From watching your favorite celebrities duke it out on the track to seeing the latest models from Toyota’s GAZOO Racing high-performance division, every weekend at the Vios Cup was a complete celebration of speed and excitement.

A decade ago, this event reignited the passion for one-make racing in the Philippines, with all teams going head-to-head in exactly the same car – a race-prepped version of the best-selling Toyota Vios subcompact sedan. The Vios Cup was also a shot in the arm for Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) by helping reinforce its dominance as the country’s top automaker.

Ten years on, the Vios Cup has transformed into the Toyota GAZOO Racing (TGR) Philippine Cup. With a new race format, drivers, teams and spectators alike are in for one hell of a show this season.

The TGR Philippine Cup has three race weekends that are open to the public — July 13, Sept. 28 and Nov. 9. All events will be held at the Clark International Speedway in Pampanga.

“In 2014, TMP launched its motorsports program dedicated to producing high-performance cars, activating exciting motorsports events, and creating unique experiences for fans,” said TMP first vice president for vehicle sales operations Danny Cruz in a press statement.

“Our hope for this new chapter of Toyota motorsports in the Philippines is to elevate the experience even further for fans by providing them with more ways to enjoy Toyota GAZOO Racing,” he added.

Sprint and endurance races

TMP said new and returning racers from various racing teams across the country will compete in the TGR Philippine Cup Sprint Race under three categories — Promotional Class, Sporting Class and Super Sporting Class.

Participating in the Sporting Class as part of the TGR Philippines team is actor and host Ryan Agoncillo, while actor Troy Montero continues his bid for the Super Sporting championship.

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. Making their circuit race debut at the TGR Philippine Cup are influencers Reph Bangsil and Lexi Mendiola.

Joining them is sim racer Russel Reyes, along with media racers Pablo Salapantan, Jose Altoveros, Jamil Lacuna and John Rey San Diego. There’s also a surprise driver that will also be taking on the challenge!

All classes will go wheel-to-wheel in both the Sprint Race and the Endurance Race. Previously known as the Grand Prix during the 2024 TGR Vios Cup, the Endurance Race is a 1.5-hour circuit race that will exhibit the capabilities of the Vios One-Make Race Car and test teams to their limits.

Meanwhile, the Sprint Race, previously known as the Circuit Championship, is a 12-lap or 30-minute race that will test the racecraft of the drivers. Both formats will hold a qualifying to set the starting grid.

The Autocross Challenge, a time-attack format slalom race, will soon be opened to more drivers and audiences through a separate TGR tour that will be announced separately.

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Fun for fans

TMP said those who want to experience the thrill of the racetrack for themselves can join the track day for TGR car club members.

Here, participants will get exclusive access to the Clark International Speedway and fully enjoy the performance of their GR vehicles safely. Registration will be announced soon on TGR Philippines’ online channels.

E-racing enthusiasts will also get a chance to showcase their driving skills on the virtual tracks through the TGR GT Cup experience booth. Set the fastest lap for a chance to win a prize!

In addition, TGR Philippine Cup will also feature a driving exhibition by professional drifters using the GR 86, with eventgoers getting a chance to win a shotgun ride via raffle. The winner will get to ride in the passenger seat of the GR 86 and experience being drifted around a slalom course on the track.

There will be likewise freebies and prizes up for grabs during the event, official GR merchandise for sale, GR road cars on display and for test drive, and even a special live stage by a musical guest.

Who will you be rooting for in this all-new TGR Philippine Cup?