The Toyota Gazoo Racing Vios Cup is back for this year as the ‘Toyota Gazoo Racing Philippine Cup’

One of the country’s largest racing series is back this year for its 10th season. Formerly known as the Toyota Gazoo Racing Vios Cup, the one-make-race series returns as the Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) Philippine Cup.

Set to kick-off this coming July 13, 2024 (Saturday) for its first leg, with its second and third leg happening on September 28 and November 9, 2024, respectively, it will once again be held at the Clark International Speedway (CIS) in Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga.

The racing series was first introduced by Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) in 2014 with the goal of bringing the thrill of motorsports closer to Filipino racing fans by inviting professional and amateur homegrown racers to race, utilizing the country’s most popular car model, the Toyota Vios, in its OMR form.

Racers, both new and returning, from various racing teams across the country will compete in the TGR Philippine Cup Sprint Race under the categories of the Promotional Class, Sporting Class, and Super Sporting Class. Meanwhile, celebrity, influencer and media racers who were victorious in previous editions of the Media and Influencer  Autocross Challenge will take part in a new sprint race Novice Class category. TMP also says that a surprise driver will also be taking on the challenge.

All race classes will also go together in both the Sprint Race and Endurance Race. This was previously known as the Grand Prix in last year’s season. The 1.5-hour race will exhibit the capabilities of the Toyota Vios OMR car. On the other hand, the Sprint Race is a 12 lap or 30 minute race that will test driver skills. Both races will also hold a qualifying race to set the starting grid.

The Autocross Challenge which was previously part of almost every TGR Vios Cup will be part of a separate TGR tour and will be opened to more drivers and audiences. Its dates will be announced separately as well.

Not part of any of the races? Don’t worry. TMP and TGR Philippines have prepared some other activities. If you’re a TGR Car Club member, you can get exclusive access to the CIS with the chance to drive your GR Toyota on the track through a track day. Registration details will be announced soon.

E-racing enthusiasts on the other hand can showcase their driving skills on the virtual tracks through the TGR GT Cup experience booth. Interested participants can try their hand at setting the fastest lap for a chance to win a prize.

The TGR Philippine Cup will also feature a driving exhibition by professional drifters using the Toyota GR 86. Eventgoers can also win the chance to ride shotgun through a raffle. The winner will get to ride in the passenger’s seat of the GR 86 and experience being drifted around a slalom course on the track.

As with every TGR Vios Cup before, there will be freebies and prizes up for grabs during the event, official GR merchandise for sale, GR road cars on display and for test drive, and even a special live stage by a musical guest. 

“In 2014, TMP launched its motorsports program dedicated to producing high-performance cars, activating exciting motorsports events, and creating unique experiences for fans,” said TMP First Vice President for Vehicle Sales Operations Mr. Danny Cruz. “Our hope for this new chapter of Toyota motorsports in the Philippines is to elevate the experience even further for fans by providing them with more ways to enjoy Toyota Gazoo Racing.”

This year’s Toyota Gazoo Racing Philippine Cup is sponsored by Petron, GT Radial, and Seiko. It is also supported by Toyota Financial Services Philippines, myToyota Wallet, Denso, AVT, 3M, ROTA, Tuason Racing, OMP, and Kinto One.