Toyota GR Academy: From a spectator’s perspective

I admit that I was not really into racing. My dad and brother, my bestfriend, and several other very close friends are all huge fans of Formula 1, then there’s me.

Since I started my journey as a motoring journalist, I started gaining my interest in the world of racing, thanks in large part to invites by Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) to the annual Toyota Gazoo Racing Vios Cup. One thing is for sure, everytime I spectate, I’ve always thought “I wish I was racing.”

A few weeks ago, Toyota Gazoo Racing Philippines announced the first session of this year’s Toyota Gazoo Racing Academy (TGRA). With a participating friend’s wife needing a companion to keep her from getting bored while waiting, I did not hesitate to volunteer and see for myself the happenings at the Clark International Speedway (CIS).

Given the many track days different brands invite me to participate in, especially on the CIS, I’m no stranger to driving on the race track. That however does not mean I know what I am doing which is why a proper learning session is still needed and something I wanted to see.

The participants in this first session of the TGRA were a mix of complete newbies, some with some amount of experience both in actual and sim racing, and some media friends who were specifically chosen by TMP thanks to their experience winning previous Media Autocross Challenge legs.

But before we move on, can I just say that the new Toyota Vios OMR car livery is just next level good-looking. The black and red combo is a huge departure from the previous white and red. It’s no longer giving karera ng mga taxi vibes.

Anyway, the first order of the day was a Level 1 classroom session where more than 30 participants received a lecture on various important rules and information for circuit racing such as proper braking techniques, the different types of flags used during a race and their meanings, and most importantly, racing etiquette, among others.

Another important key learning is how sim racing helps you learn the track, and helps you improve various skills that are very much applicable once you are on the actual track.

Of course, participants were able to apply these on the actual track through different courses prepared by the organizers. 

For proper braking techniques, you must hit the brakes hard enough but not too hard to have the vehicle’s ABS system engaging. The ABS engaging on track would mean longer lap times and would give others the chance to overtake easier.

Participants were also made to drive a slalom course as fast as they can in order to practice the combination of proper cornering and throttle input, and braking of course. These were capped-off by a few ‘follow the leader’ style laps around the track which definitely brought smiles to the participants.

Later that day were the Level 2 classes, held for those who will be participating at the upcoming Toyota Gazoo Racing Philippine Cup (formerly known as the the Toyota GR Vios Cup) this coming July 13, 2024. I unfortunately missed most of the classroom session for this one as I went out for some lunch and coffee nearby (priorities hehe). When I got back, the participants were preparing for what is arguably the most exciting part of the day, a mock race.

Everything in the mock race was similar to what an actual race would entail such as a warm-up lap, a grid start, the usage of the different flags mimicking if they were needed during the actual race, and a cooldown lap at the end of it.

Once everyone pulled back into the pits, I couldn’t help but notice the tired, yet large smiles every participant had after completing the mock race. 

 A debriefing session was held after, letting the participants discuss points where they could improve on, as well as their general experience during the different sessions of the day.

While motorsports is already huge in the Philippines, it’s not as big of a thing as it is in other parts of the globe. With the Toyota Gazoo Racing Academy, Toyota Motor Philippines is definitely doing its part in bringing more people closer to their dream of competing on the race track.

Not only that, it’s also a step for drivers to become better and safer not only on the track, but also on public roads. 

As for me, maybe next time. 😉