TGR PHILIPPINES IGNITES PASSION FOR LOCAL MOTORSPORTS WITH STREET RACE COMEBACK

by John Rey San DiegoBACK in August 2023, Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. (TMP) staged the country’s first-ever Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival, headlined by no less than Toyota Motor Corp. Chairman Akio “Morizo” Toyoda. Fans packed the Quirino Grandstand in Manila to witness works team machines like the WRC GR Yaris rally car and Red Bull GR Corolla in action — an unforgettable experience for more than 6,000 attendees.

Fast forward almost two years later, and TMP has proven that the spirit of Gazoo Racing in the Philippines doesn’t hinge on celebrity appearances or globally shipped race cars. It thrives in the roar of local engines, the energy of the crowd, and the unmistakable pulse of Filipino motorsport culture.

Held last May 24-25 in Villar City, the second round of the 2025 Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) Philippine Cup marked a historic return to the streets — seven years since the last urban race in 2018. A section of Villar Avenue was transformed into a tight, technical, 2.4-kilometer street circuit. And for the first time in the racing series’ 11-year history, fans experienced a full-fledged motorsport festival right outside Metro Manila.

What TMP pulled off wasn’t just another race — it was a full-throttle celebration of speed and culture. Over 12,000 people filled the venue across the weekend, with millions more tuning in via livestream. Families, gearheads, and first-time fans were treated to a wide array of attractions beyond the main races: gymkhana showdowns, sim racing sessions, car club displays, and live performances by OPM icons like Rico Blanco, Ely Buendia, Bamboo, and Parokya Ni Edgar.

The event was proof that motorsport isn’t just a niche interest — it’s a community waiting to be tapped.

Bleachers placed along key sections of the track allowed spectators to witness close wheel-to-wheel action from the Vios Cup categories: Promotional, Sporting, Super Sporting, and Legacy. It was racing at its most raw and exciting, made even better by the visceral environment of a street circuit.

As a motoring journalist who first covered the Vios Cup’s 2018 street race as a rookie on the beat, I never imagined that seven years later, I’d find myself on the other side of the barrier — behind the wheel of a one-make race (OMR) Vios. And let me tell you: there’s nothing quite like it.

Heading into the weekend, I was nervous. I’ve had limited experience on street circuits, and the technical layout, lined with unforgiving barriers, left no room for error. But once the green flag dropped, the nerves faded. Each lap through the chicanes, especially the quick flicks through the course’s “Eau Rouge”-like section, was pure adrenaline.

Did I perform well? Not exactly. I had my fair share of missteps and even kissed the barriers twice. I learned the hard way that having pace isn’t enough — you need racecraft, patience, and a bit of luck. But in spite of the setbacks, I loved every minute behind the wheel. Seeing the crowd cheer as we raced past was electric.

What TGR Philippines has done goes far beyond racing. By taking the sport out of secluded tracks and into the streets, they’ve made motorsports accessible to the everyday Filipino. This isn’t just a corporate branding exercise — it’s a sincere push to grow the sport from the grassroots up.

TMP Assistant Vice President for Marketing Services Andy Ty said there are plans to expand TGR’s footprint across different racing disciplines in the Philippines. Circuit racing may just be the beginning. With Toyota Gazoo Racing’s DNA deeply rooted in “pushing the limits for the better,” TMP is laying the groundwork for a motorsport ecosystem that could one day rival our neighbors in Southeast Asia.

Whether you’re a die-hard racer, a casual fan, or just someone looking for a fun weekend, the message is clear: motorsports in the Philippines is alive and kicking — and Toyota Gazoo Racing is leading the charge.

2025-06-09T18:09:45Z