Legacy Class: A new exciting addition to the 11th TGR PH Cup
Think of the possibility of a local racing prodigy who was then 15 years old when he first won the inaugural Toyota Vios Cup (Toyota Gazoo Racing Philippine Cup’s former name), again suiting up for the exciting races this year. Or maybe perhaps a legendary multiple Vios Cup winner donning the red-black-white suit of the Japanese auto giant, to again compete, this time, together with the younger and more dynamic roster of racers. Just just imagine how thrilling this could be for this annual prestigious motorsports affair.
Dubbed as “Legacy Class,” the newest racing division composed of former Vios Cup racers, along with owners of the third-generation Vios, will debut this year. This would be one exciting way to again see the legends of the one-make race back on the race track and–again–duking each other out for podium spots.
“We talked with race fans and our customers to work out how we can make the TGR Philippine Cup even better. This led to the development of the Club Race and the Legacy Class, where fans themselves can participate in track activities,” shared Toyota Motor Philippines assistant vice president for marketing services, Andy Ty.
Moreover, according to TMP, the racing community is very much appreciative with the addition of these classes in this year’s racing series.
The company said that through this, they can use the older generation of the Vios and again see them in action.
The Legacy Class is open to all previous racers of the Vios Cup who own the third-generation Toyota Vios OMR. Racers here will get to compete in two sprint races during the weekend.
Aside from the Legacy Class, the TGR Philippine Cup is also introducing a another new race format. This consists of owners of the GR Yaris, GR Supra, and GR 86 competing against each other in a mini five-lap race. Here, they get to have their own mini-competition and vie for respective trophies and bragging rights.
This is not the usual Track Day where they just drive their cars around the track. This time, it will be more intense as an added “competition factor” is thrown in the mix.
Meantime, for car club members who will not be participating in the club race, they still get to have the whole track all for themselves during the usual Track Day sessions.
New ‘rally-raised, road-ready’ Toyota GR Yaris debut
To further spice things up, the newest Toyota GR Yaris will likewise see action during its race track debut on that race weekend.
Few of the feature highlights of the vehicle are its bolder and more aerodynamic exterior design, emphasizing its rally-bred heritage, along with 18-inch 225/40 aluminum-forged wheels and tires, LED headlights, daytime running lamps, and rear combination lamps, and a rear spoiler. Under the hood is the G16E-GTS: three-cylinder, in-line, DOHC 4-valve Roller-Rocker engine that produces 278 hp and 390 N-m of torque. It has also adopted an upgraded drive mode select, as well as a new sub radiator and intercooler spray to provide additional cooling, thus increasing the overall performance of the vehicle.
Minus one, yet usual exciting races
Unlike before, there will only be three divisions: the Novice, Sporting and Super Sporting Classes. Racers in their respective divisions will come dicing each other in two sprint races and one 1.5-hour long endurance race.
Back in action in the Novice class are none other than TMP president Masando Hashimoto and influencer Reph Bangsil, together with media racers John Rey San Diego and Pablo Salapantan.
New additions for this year are Vios Cup Autocross alumna and celebrity Arianne Bautista, sim racer Luis Moreno, and another media racer Ian Magbanua.
Leveling up to the Sporting Class are 2025 TGR Philippine Cup Novice Class champion Russel Reyes and runner-up Jamil Lacuna who get to face more intense and challenging competition ahead. Joining them is Kody Ng who is returning from last season.
Everyone is just simply excited to see some ‘Waku-doki” (heart-pumping) racing action back on the track.
“Through events such as the TGR Philippine Cup, we hope more Filipinos can become interested in cars and motorsports, and experience for themselves the thrill of pushing the limits for better,” Ty then concluded.
The 2025 TGR Philippine Cup season will hold three race weekends, starting this March 21 to 22, with the following races set this May and August.
