A DECADE OF DRIVING DREAMS
I was at the Tuason Racing suite when I wrote my Birthday Month Instagram post. I typed “My office today” using Clark International Speedway and the new liveried Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) race cars. I find myself reflecting on two remarkable milestones in my life.
This week, my twin girls celebrate their 10th birthday, and so does the Vios Cup, an event that has become as much a part of my life as my children. It’s just funny as organizing the Vios Cup is like nurturing a child. Both have grown and evolved, and brought unexpected joy and challenges.
The Vios Cup, now called the TGR Philippine Cup, has allowed us to transform dreams into reality. From our first street race set up in McKinley West in Taguig, to the ultimate Manila Bay Circuit at the Mall of Asia, we had to beg DPWH to allow us to use part of the national highway for the Cebu Circuit, race on the runway of the Subic Airport, and transform Filinvest Alabang twice into a Street Circuit.
These setups were part of Tuason Racing’s dream list, and seeing them come alive with the roar of engines and the thrill of speed has been nothing short of magical. That scene of the checkered flag being waved on the last lap on the last day always come to mind with teary-eyed drivers and support staff clapping and shaking hands, forgetting all the blood, sweat, and tears spent to make it happen on and off the track.
Over the past decade, the Vios Cup has undergone significant changes. What started as a straightforward racing event, has morphed into the Toyota Gazoo Racing series, incorporating different online and on-track formats. This season, single-driver endurance races made it more challenging. We even ventured into automatic cars, a concept we never considered in the early days. But this innovation has opened the racing world to more people.
Looking ahead, the next 10 years promise even more excitement and growth. How will the future unfold? Electric or hybrid cars? But if there’s one thing I’ve learned in motorsports, the future is always full of surprises.
Some things, however, will never change.
Motorsports requires courage, the kind that sees you through crashes, mistakes, and stumbling blocks. Like life, you must drive the track immediately to regain your groove.
Starting slow is okay, but you need to learn to take risks at some point. Sometimes, you have to trust your instincts or, in racing terms, your butt on the bucket seat when taking that turn or hitting the brakes late.
And then there’s the drama. Oh, the drama! Motorsports is a stark reminder that there can only be one winner in a world that often settles for mediocrity. The winner takes all, and the thrill of victory is as intoxicating as it is elusive.
Let’s remember the glamour. There’s something undeniably cool about slipping into a racing suit and climbing into a race car. It’s an instant boost to your page or ganda points, a little swagger that stays long after the race.
As I wrap up this reflection, I can’t help but feel grateful for the journey. Being part of the Vios Cup has been a privilege and a joy. It’s a testament to what’s possible when dreams are pursued passionately and persistently. The next decade promises even more thrilling adventures and innovations, and I’m excited for what lies ahead.
Here’s to the next 10 years, to new challenges, new triumphs, and the unwavering spirit of motorsports. Let’s continue to drive forward, leaving things better than we found them and always ready for the next turn in the road. After all, the only way to truly appreciate the journey is to embrace the ride, bumps and all.
