Bringing a new level of competition
The 2026 season of the Toyota Gazoo Racing Philippine Cup has just been concluded. And yes, the exciting season saw racers, such as Alain Gabriel Alzona from Toyota General Santos-Davao Racing, Bern Zaragoza from Resultado Racing, and Iñigo Anton from Obengers Racing capturing the top crowns in their respective categories.
But after four grueling and heated weekends, the biggest story from Clark International Speedway in Mabalacat, Pampanga during that weekend was something from Toyota Motor Philippines president, Masando Hashimoto.
In an announcement, he said: “First, we are thrilled to introduce the GR86 One-Make Race Class for the 2027 season of the TGR Philippine Cup.”
According to him, it is developed with AutoPlus Sportzeil and Tuason Racing School, as the GR86 race car embodies Toyota Gazoo Racing’s commitment to pure driving enjoyment.
“We look forward to welcoming a new generation of drivers and enthusiasts as we expand our platform into three distinct classes: The Vios, the Tamaraw, and the GR86.”
The OMR GR86 is available through certified Toyota GR dealerships nationwide.
Next, Hashimoto stated: “Our second announcement is the establishment of Rookie Racing Garage Manila, a new home for people who love cars.”
Per the TMP head honcho, the enthusiasts can personalize their vehicles, discover exciting performance cars, learn the art of performance driving and racing, and connect with others who share that same passion.
“Rookie Racing Garage Manila is built around one simple belief: ‘I love cars.’,” he continued.
For the uninitiated, the Rookie Racing establishment is owned directly by Chairman of the Board of Directors and Representative Director of Toyota Motor Corporation Akio “Morizo” Toyota.
In Japan, it’s a purpose-built, fan-accessible motorsport hub located at the Fuji Motorsports Forest adjacent to the iconic Fuji International Speedway in Shizuoka Prefecture.
Locally, the facility to be built along Macapagal Avenue in Pasay City. It is designed as a gathering place to foster connections among car lovers, builders, and racers. The place is expected to host vehicle showcases, racing displays, and GR performance parts activities.
Bringing a new level of competition
“It’s a very exciting development for Philippine motorsports,” meanwhile said Rene So, president of Toyota Dagupan Group and former president of the Toyota Dealers Association.
He also owns teams that have actively participated in TMP’s one-make races since the beginning.
“Adding the GR86 Cup will bring a new level of competition to the Toyota Gazoo Racing Philippine Cup,” he continued.
For him, the GR86 is a rear-wheel-drive sports car, so it will offer a different racing experience compared to the existing categories.
“I believe this will help attract more racing enthusiasts and further develop motorsports in the Philippines,” So said.
When asked if they are likewise pitting a team like what they have, ever since, doing, he replied: “We are very interested in joining the GR86 Cup next year.”
In fact, according to him, the R Racing Team has already registered their driver.
“We are now just waiting for the final confirmation of our booking. We are looking forward to participating in this new category while continuing our involvement in the Tamaraw OMR category.”
As for the Rookie Racing Garage Manila, So divulged that he had the opportunity to visit the Rookie Racing facility at Fuji Motorsports Forest in Japan earlier this year.
“It was a very interesting experience. However, I understand that Rookie Racing Garage Manila will have a different concept. Since it has not officially opened yet, I am curious to see what they have planned for the Philippine market.”
He further shared that it is an interesting development.
“I am looking forward to visiting the facility soon after its inauguration in December.”
These “fast developments” in Toyota is surely on everybody’s heads right now, something that the market leader needs these days, amid a stronger competition from the Chinese cars.
Truly, the country’s biggest carmaker is bringing a new level of competition.
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