Walk the talk
Automotive executives often enjoy laid-back hobbies like going on long drives or playing golf.
But Toyota Motor Corporation chair Akio Toyoda, grandson of company founder Kiichiro Toyoda, prefers putting the pedal to the metal. He is once more donning his “Master Driver Morizo” persona as he takes on a grueling 24-hour endurance race in the world’s most challenging track.
Morizo is one of the drivers of the factory-backed Toyota GAZOO ROOKIE Racing (TG-RR) contingent that will once again field an automatic Toyota GR Yaris at the 2026 ADAC 24h Nurburgring. He had first joined TG-RR last year when the Japanese carmaker returned to the “Green Hell” for the first time in six years.
Lexus Manila on Saturday hosted a live watch party at the Lexus Gallery in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City. Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) president Masando Hashimoto said in a speech that the event is one of the many ways that the brand is increasing the number of car lovers locally.
“Tonight, we will be witnessing Master Driver MORIZO once again take on the most punishing circuit in the world,” he said. “As MORIZO, Akio has become a legend — with people from all over the world as witnesses to what he has done for the automotive world.”
‘Learning by doing’
Morizo has not only competed in numerous races, but has also served as a test driver for many of Toyota’s high-performance models. Yes, he walks the talk for the largest automotive company in the world company by sales volume and production, rolling out over 10 to 11 million vehicles annually
Hashimoto said Morizo first joined the 24 Hours of Nurburgring in 2007 using two, second-hand Toyota Altezzas. The Toyota chair then formed TG-RR in 2017.
“ROOKIE Racing aims to go back to its roots of ‘learning by doing’ – this is ROOKIE Racing’s motto,” he said. “At its core, ROOKIE Racing is all about REVITALIZING the love for cars and motorsports. This ‘learning by doing’ is why ROOKIE Racing’s participation in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring is very important.”
Hashimoto likewise noted the close relationship between Morizo and TMP chair Alfred Ty, who have known each other since 1998.
“Some people say Akio is like a sumo wrestler in Japan, but Chairman Alfred calls him a ‘rock star’ because of his aura and ability to spread his love for cars wherever he goes,” he said. “He has been to the Philippines several times and has seen how his fanbase continues to grow.”
Hashimoto likewise recalled when Morizo joined the 2023 TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Festival at the Quirino Grandstand, where he performed a drifting exhibition in front of Philippine fans who cheered loudly for the exuberant Japanese auto executive.
“This was also when I personally fell in love with cars and motorsports – and I thank Chairman Akio for helping me discover the joy of driving,” said Hashimoto, a current driver in the Toyota GAZOO Racing Philippine Cup.
ROOKIE ambassadors
The TMP president likewise mentioned that GT Capital Inc., which is the parent company of TMP, is one of ROOKIE Racing’s sponsors.
“GT Capital believes in the potential of ROOKIE Racing in making it to the global stage through this very love for cars and motorsports,” Hashimoto said.
Hashimoto also introduced five women as the new ambassadors of ROOKIE Racing, having learned from the Morizo Academy and from factory tours in the Philippines and Japan.
“They’re stepping into something much bigger, carrying the spirit of challenge and Akio’s determination with them,” he said. “Please join me in supporting Rica, Nicollet, Max, AJ, and Maricar as they join us at races and motor shows in Japan, sharing MORIZO’s vision and story in their own voices, and helping grow a global community of car and motorsport fans.”
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