TGR Philippine Cup Leg 1 pits 30 racers in sprint and endurance tilts

The Vios Cup has again proven that it has been the much-anticipated motorsports event every year. And for 2024, it has again met–or rather, exceeded expectations.

Now on its 10th year, it is aptly called the “Toyota Gazoo Racing Philippine Cup”, pitting in a total of 30 drivers in the Novice, Promotional, Sporting and Super Sporting Classes. They all duel it out in the Sprint and Endurance tilts in a total of three races per leg.

Even spicing it up this year is the participation of none other than Toyota Motor Philippines’ own president, Masando Hashimoto, who, at 46, is pushing the pedal to the metal at the Novice division.

“Here, we are making ever-better cars through motorsports,” he said during the opening ceremonies of the event. Thus, what better way to push his vehicles than personally getting behind the wheel of the Toyota Vios in an actual high-octane wheel-to-wheel racing action such as this.

For Race 1, in the Novice Class, the greenhorns were topped by media representative Jamil Lacuna, who finished the 12-lap sprint race in 30:48.025. Five seconds behind him was sim slinger, Russel Reyes, while settling at third was Jose Altoveros.

In the Promotional Class, Inbox-Toyota San Fernando’s Bong Garbes outclassed other racers with a time of 30:14.679. Following him were Rex Abrenilla and Johndale Dy, who both competed under Toyota Team Cebu.

In the Sporting Class, Jiro Garbes, also of Inbox-Toyota San Fernando, outperformed his division with a 29:51.032 finish. About four seconds behind him was Jarond Mesina of Toyota Team Cebu, followed by Danzel Waytan of JD Motorsport – Ribbon Arc.

Lastly, in the Super Sporting Class, Red Diwa of JBT Racing / Toyota Isabela reigned supreme with a time of 29:09.850. A hairline behind him was racing prodigy, Iñigo Anton of Toyota Balintawak – Obengers Racing Team. He was then trailed by Russel Cabrera of Toyota Team Cebu.

For Race 2 in the Sprint Race, the Novice division was topped, this time, by Reyes, while Lacuna only settled for second place. The last spot on the podium was then captured by Autocar Magazine’s John Rey San Diego.

In the Promotional Class, meanwhile, it was a battle of the sexes, as a rose among the thorns scurried to the checkered flag first with Julia delos Angeles of Toyota Marilao/San Jose Del Monte – Obengers Racing Team dominating the grid. She was followed by Garbes and Abrenilla.

The Sporting Class drama, on the other hand, unfolded with Jay Lao of Happy Hotels Racing Team prevailing the pack, followed by Waytan in second place and Carlo Suarez of Toyota Team Cebu in third.

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In the Super Sporting Class, it was a reversal of fate as Cabrera, this time, outmaneuvered everyone with Mikey Keilani Jordan of Jordan Racing netting second, while Anton settled for third.

Finally, in the 1.5-hour endurance race, the Novice Division saw Reyes dominating his fellow neophytes, with Lacuna and another newcomer in the circuit, estrogen-fueled influencer, Lexi Mendiola, settling for second and third places, respectively.

In the Promotional Class, truly ‘girl power’ has proven to be an understatement as de los Angeles again ‘flipped her hair’ zooming to the finish line. Garbes and Abrenilla again, meanwhile, trailed behind her.

In the Sporting Class, Waytan was able to hang on top and remarkably finished first, while a miniscule of a second behind him were Mesina and Suarez.

Lastly, proving his mettle as stakes were highest down the wire was Anton. Trailing him were Cabrera and his teammate Ian Rosales.