All systems go for 2026 Tamaraw Cup
The much-awaited 2026 season of the Toyota Gazoo Racing Philippine Cup is set to unfold this coming March. Highlighting the prestigious racing action is the much-anticipated Toyota Tamaraw Cup.
According to reports, there will be four racing weekends this season, instead of the usual three.
Kicking off all the excitement will be another street race, which is to be staged, this time, at the sprawling grounds of River Park located in General Trias, Cavite.
Another addition to the thrill is the inclusion of Batangas Racing Circuit in Rosario as one of the racing venues for this year, while the other two races will again be held at the usual Clark International Speedway (CIS) in Pampanga.
“We have planned to do four races this year and it is the first time that we will introduce the Toyota Tamaraw as an official race series,” shared Toyota Motor Philippines Gazoo Racing division head Pocholo Molina. “The Vios is a front-wheel platform and the Tamaraw is rear-wheel. And the Tamaraw being a rear-wheel drive, expect that there will be more exciting races this year,” he added.
He divulged that they have been testing the Tamaraw for so many months last year even prior to the exhibition race that was actually held in CIS.
“It’s very fun to use on the track,” said Molina, who himself is a self-confessed car enthusiast.
He further explained that given the change in platform, these cars have different dynamics.
“That would make it more exciting for the racers since we will get to see how these racers will handle these different types of cars,” he continued.
“We’re expecting even bigger viewership this year given the new platform, plus the first race is a street race.”
Furthermore, he also added that it is going to be their first time to hold an official race at the Batangas Racing Circuit.
For the longest time since its inception more than 10 years ago, Toyota’s one-make race has always been held at the CIS.
“It’s really exciting! Now, drivers will get to tackle a more technical course at the BRC.”
Molina said that he expects to see some familiar racers even transitioning from the Vios to the Toyota Tamaraw.
Brief anatomy of the Tamaraw
For starters, the Toyota Tamaraw racing spec, prepped for the 2026 one-make race, is a modified 2.4-liter turbo-diesel (2GD-FTV) five-speed manual, or 6AT, based on the long wheelbase dropside variant. It features upgraded suspension and a limited-slip differential (LSD), along with an upgraded HKS exhaust system.
The engine, per reports, is tuned for higher performance, with some versions featuring a large front-mounted intercooler to boost to 150hp and 400N-m. For suspension and handling, it sports a lowered suspension setup to enhance handling, including specialized shocks and LSD to improve traction.
Exterior-wise, the modified Tamaraw is equipped with 17-inch wheels (up from the stock 14-inch) with some versions featuring a carbon fiber hood. The tailgate and bed rails are then removed, making it lighter.
Inside, like any usual race-spec Toyota vehicle, it is stripped, but nevertheless includes a full roll cage, Sparco racing seats, and a racing-style steering wheel.
Inspired by “Asia’s pickup country”
Thailand has the highest market share for pickup trucks, which accounts for an average of almost half of its annual vehicle sales.
The Toyota Tamaraw, or more known as the “Toyota Hilux Champ (IMV 0)” in the Land of the White Elephant made its race competition debut in May 2024. It competes in the Thailand Super Series, specifically within the “Super Pickup” category at the famed Chang International Circuit in Buriram Province.
There, the racing Hilux Champ likewise uses a 2.4-liter turbodiesel engine, featuring a massive intercooler, lowered, stiffer suspension, a custom body kit with wide fender flares, and a rear wing for improved stability.
Now, the Tamaraw Cup, here in the country, aspires to emulate this same kind of fanfare.
A more focused team
This feat is possible with a newly-built “more focused” six-man team of TMP, its Gazoo Racing Division, headed by Molina, who has been working with the company since 2015.
“We’re championing local motorsports through the TGR Philippine Cup. The division is focused on promoting ‘making ever-better cars’ through these grassroots racing, along with TGR eSports GT Championship and the GR Academy,” he stated.
“We’re eyeing bigger and more exciting things this year, especially with the Tamaraw Cup.”
And so do we. Indeed, we can’t wait to personally witness these “ever-better cars”, particularly the Tamaraw, on these searing battleground race tracks.
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