All the thrill as the TGR PH Cup races back to the streets again
We all probably know by now that the upcoming Race Weekend 2 of the Toyota Gazoo Racing Philippine Cup will be held on the streets of Villar City in Bacoor, Cavite, this May 24 and 25.
Now, with this in mind, many things come speeding through our minds.
If you were able to follow the races of the TGR Philippine Cup, formerly the Toyota Vios Cup, since Day One in 2014, one of the first few races done on the streets was the stint at Mckinley West in Taguig City. It was followed by more exciting street races in Cebu and in Pasay City, not to mention the stretch done at the airstrip of the now-defunct Subic International Airport in Zambales, during the early parts of the one-make race in its successful decade-long run.
In recent years, the Clark International Speedway in Pampanga has been home to the country’s biggest motorsport event.
However, with Toyota Motor Philippines’ relentless drive to make the races as “heart-pounding” or ‘waku-doki’ as ever every single year, the pressure cooker is on the men and women behind the gargantuan staging of such a race series orchestrated by the biggest automaker, not just in the country, but the world.
“We have heard how much the racers and fans wanted to bring back the street race after the successful ones we’ve had in Metro Manila and Metro Cebu,” TMP assistant vice president for marketing services, Andy Ty, shared.
“With the races closer to the Metro, we hope more people will come to experience the thrill and joy of motorsports for themselves and perhaps even discover a passion for speed and all things racing,” he then added.
How exciting is a street race?
Now, we’re not saying that the 4.189-km Clark International Speedway, featuring 18 turns, running in a counter-clockwise direction is not that fun anymore. In terms of logistics, infrastructure, strategic and, at the same time, spectator-friendly location–still–nothing beats CIS. Hands down. It is the most ideal local racing circuit we have right now.
All we’re saying is that it would be more exciting if we take this thrilling speed showdown to a different venue, an unfamiliar environment and setting, hence taking everything to a whole new level–where the stakes are higher than ever.
If you get to watch Formula One, what makes it one of the most followed motorsport events globally is that it takes spectators to famous race tracks in more than 20 locations around the world.
For one, the Singapore Grand Prix Night Race held at the makeshift track on Marina Bay Street is one of the most well-attended races in Formula One. Last year, it gathered about 270,000 racing fans. The race is a major event on the F1 calendar since the circuit is considered the toughest due to its street-like bumpy surface, humid conditions and number of corners. Yet, despite these, it makes it all the more exciting. Plus, it is done at night under artificial lights, together with top-notch performances by the world’s top musicians and a spectacular firework display thrown in the mix, thus creating one unique and breathtaking atmosphere.
Another would be the Monaco Grand Prix–deemed as F1’s most iconic street race. Its prestigious races have been running there since 1929. It is time immemorial, without fail, the most talked-about race in the F1 calendar every year. This is primarily because of its tight and challenging race course, not to mention a prominent city coming alive during the whole duration of the race. In short, it is adrenaline, glitz and glamor in one sentence.
What to expect at the Villar City Street Race
Now, this writer, being included in the roster of Novice Class drivers for this leg is grateful–yet–at the same time awestruck as soon as the race track and lineup of activities have been finalized just last week.
For one, the surface on the streets of Villar City is made of concrete pavement, which has lesser traction compared to the asphalt used in CIS, which, by the way, has Grade 4 accreditation from the FIA. According to the JPEG images sent to our group chats, the makeshift track is about two kilometers long, with about eight turns and about four chicanes from the starting grid with a counter-clockwise direction. It is composed of tight corners and long straights which promises to excite the crowd watching live.
Emulating the excitement from those famous street races the world over, the TGR Philippine Cup Race Weekend 2 is probably the closest thing we can get to a real Formula One race. It will be held for two days, with Saturday heating up the track with the Qualifying and first Sprint Race.
On Sunday, the second and third Sprint Races will then be held.
Other than the usual Circuit Championship format, there will also be drag races, along with car club and gymkhana exhibitions on both days. These will then be livestreamed on the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Philippines Facebook and YouTube channels.
What’s more is that spectators can also look forward to enjoying side activities, including vehicle displays and test drives, sim racing rigs, food concessionaires, original GR merchandise, and live entertainment.
They will likewise be treated to OPM powerhouses Rico Blanco, Parokya ni Edgar, Ely Buendia and Bamboo.
Are you already pumped up for the ‘Waku-doki’ showdown this week? Tune in.
