TAMARAW UNLEASHED
After several months of anticipation, the 2026 Toyota Gazoo Racing Philippine Cup season is now finally coming into fruition.
The most exciting part of it is that the Tamaraw Class is now slowly getting that much needed fanfare.
Compared to when the idea was first brought up to the local racing community several months back where it was met with mixed reactions, with some even pouring cold water into it—now, the narrative seems to be taking on a different course.
Who could blame them, the Tamaraw, an everyday workhorse— a commercial truck even— now being raced on an actual legitimate race track? It might have worked in Thailand since it is, after all, a “pickup country”. For the local hardcore conventionalists , racing a “truck” sounds absurd—preposterous even.
But, lo and behold, after seasoned racers have tried it on the actual race track, they were actually mum.
“People were really surprised,” said Toyota Motor Philippines Gazoo Racing division head, Pocholo Molina.
“They didn’t expect that a truck of this kind can have handling as amazing as this.”
“It has a very good balance, engineering is built top-notch. And compared to the Vios, engine dynamics is very different. Plus, it’s rear-wheel drive,” he added.
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 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, it is stripped, but nevertheless includes a full roll cage, Sparco racing seats, and a racing-style steering wheel.
He also said that the racers had enough time to practice with the Tamaraw leading to the actual race weekend.
“It took time for them to adjust to the new platform. But, so far, they’re all ready. It’s going to be an exciting weekend ahead.”
According to him, the Tamaraw Class now has the biggest number of participants on the grid with 16 racers. The Super Sporting Class has six, the Sporting, eight and the Legacy has four, accounting for more than 30 drivers on the grid in total this weekend.
Moreover, what’s more exciting is kicking off the season with a street race.
He divulged that compared to the street race in Villar City last year, the makeshift track in Riverpark, General Trias, Cavite, this time, is a bit longer, adding that it has a total of 11 turns, three hairpin and one chicane.
“The Federal Land development there is about 300 hectares and just like Villar last year, it has plenty of space to hold a race this big,” he shared.
Racers getting first dibs
Among those who will get to enjoy the official Tamaraw debut race right behind its wheel is TMP president, himself, Masando Hashimoto.
“It really made me wow!”
“I cannot wait for more people to experience what this car can do when pushed to its limits,” he enthused, as he was able to try the actual “truck” on the race track during a number of practice sessions.
Also joining him is influencer, Alex Lim.
“Driving the Tamaraw is just pure fun,” shared the first-time TGR PH Cup Tamaraw Class driver.
“Power is constant, handling is really surprising and it truly is an enjoyable platform.”
Meanwhile, another new racer, Justin Santos, shared: “What I love most about the Tamaraw One Make Race is that you usually don’t see vehicles like this on a racetrack.”
“Most of the time, Tamaraws are used to transport people or carry goods. That’s why it’s so exciting and unique to see them racing bumper to bumper against each other on the track.”
Finally, empowering girl drivers in the lot is Cheenee Jimenez, the lone female racer for the Tamaraw Class. For her, her favorite part of driving the vehicle is how different it is from the race cars she grew up watching and driving.
“Having to adjust to a front heavy, and torquey diesel rear-wheel-drive is still definitely something I’m learning to adjust to,” she disclosed.
“Being able to adjust to the Tamaraw OMR and push it will be super rewarding for me.”
Their mettle will ultimately be tested as they compete against former Vios Cup champions Iñigo Anton, Dominic Ochoa, Alain Alzona and Jesse Garcia.
