TGR ends 2026 on 2 high notes
CLARK, PAMPANGA — The Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) Philippine Cup—Toyota’s real-world testbed bridging motorsport technology with everyday vehicles, including trials of low-carbon alternative fuels under punishing track conditions—capped its 2026 season with two major announcements.
Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) President Masando Hashimoto, now in his third year behind the wheel as a competitive racer (currently piloting the One-Make Race Tamaraw), reiterated that the company uses motorsports as a “rolling laboratory” to shape a cleaner, more sustainable future for mobility. Speaking during the Oct. 24 noon press conference, Hashimoto revealed the program’s next steps:
“First, we are thrilled to introduce the GR86 One-Make Race Class for the 2027 season of the TGR Philippine Cup,” Hashimoto announced. “Developed with AutoPlus Sportzeil and Tuason Racing School, 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.”
TMP confirmed that an initial allocation of 30 units of the GR86 OMR race car has been set aside for the series.
“Our second announcement is the establishment of Rookie Racing Garage Manila, a new home for people who love cars,” Hashimoto continued. “Here, 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.’”
Base vs. performance specs
TMP senior vice president Sherwin Chualim explained that the OMR GR86 will be offered in two tiers: A base model and a performance-spec variant. Both will compete together in a single racing class.
The base car starts at P2,960,000, while the full sporting variant is priced at P3,290,000.
“The core difference lies in the equipment package,” Chualim explained. “Owners who begin with the base car can progressively upgrade components over time until reaching the maximum specification required to be fully eligible for the One-Make Race series.”
Because it is an OMR platform, the vehicle adheres to strict, standardized equipment guidelines.
“The base car comes fitted only with upgraded track-ready brake pads, retaining the factory OEM exhaust, stock coilovers and suspension, factory wheels, and standard steering hub,” Chualim noted. “The performance variant, meanwhile, incorporates a full big brake kit, performance exhaust, race-tuned suspension, competition wheels, and a dedicated racing steering setup. The tiered approach keeps entry into the GR86 grid accessible, allowing racers to start at a lower price point and upgrade incrementally.”
Grid eligibility
Chualim acknowledged strong demand for the initial 30-car allocation.
“We have 30 units in this first batch being sold for the grid. In the near future, we plan to open eligibility to existing GR86 owners, who can retrofit and modify their private cars to match official OMR regulations,” Chualim said. “That expansion remains on the drawing board, and we will share full guidelines once the rollout plan is finalized.”
He added: “We would gladly expand the grid but given the build schedule leading up to next season, 30 cars represent our initial cap for the opening round. As capacity allows, we will welcome additional entries in succeeding legs.”
The OMR GR86 is available through certified Toyota GR dealerships nationwide. Visiting the display unit at the Clark International Speedway paddock, I learned that 27 of the 30 allocated cars had already been spoken for.
“Months of preliminary on-track testing definitely gave drivers the confidence to commit early and secure their units,” Chualim remarked.
Rookie Racing Garage Manila
Turning to TMP’s second announcement, Hashimoto detailed the philosophy underpinning Rookie Racing Garage Manila.
“Rookie Racing was born in Japan from the vision of ‘Morizo,’ better known as Akio Toyoda,” Hashimoto said. “Guided by the principle that motorsports build both better cars and better people, Rookie Racing treats the circuit as a rolling laboratory where machines are pushed, broken, and continuously refined.”
Hashimoto highlighted the strong local connection already forged with the outfit: “Behind every milestone is a close-knit family. Representing that spirit are five Filipinas serving as official Rookie Racing team ambassadors, bridging the culture and camaraderie between Japan and the Philippines. In fact, all five are currently on duty at Okayama International Circuit today, sending their support via video.”
A video message followed, showcasing Toyoda alongside the five ambassadors at Okayama.
“As Rookie Racing expands across Asia, we are honored that the Philippines has an active role in that journey,” Hashimoto stated.
The ‘AT’ connection
Reflecting on the leadership behind the initiative, Hashimoto pointed out a serendipitous parallel:
“Interestingly, our principals share the same initials: ‘AT’—Alfred Ty and Akio Toyoda. More importantly, they share an aligned purpose. Akio’s mission is building better cars and better people through relentless challenge and continuous improvement. Alfred’s mission is creating stronger communities and meaningful destinations that bring people together. Rookie Racing Garage Manila brings those two visions under one roof.”
Hashimoto concluded: “It is a space where passion turns into purpose, friendships evolve into community, and vision becomes reality. Two leaders, two countries, one passion.”
Sustainable fuels tests continue
While alternative fuels remain central to Toyota’s multi-pathway decarbonization roadmap, the immediate timeline for bio-fueled entries in the TGR Philippine Cup remains in development.
Charlie Osia, manager of TMP’s technical department, clarified during the briefing that rigorous evaluations are ongoing.
“Our technical team is currently conducting final validation tests on sustainable fuel blends,” Osia noted. “Once we analyze the comprehensive track data, TMP will formally announce the next operational phase and regulations for alternative fuels in the cup. For now, testing remains our primary focus.”
