Here’s what makes the TGR Vios Cup special

The Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) Vios Cup once again closed another successful season.

Like its previous legs that began almost nine years ago, the 2022 TGR Vios Cup saw race-prepped versions of the popular subcompact sedan driven to the edge as pro-racers and gearheads battled for the same piece of tarmac. A couple of years ago, the organizers even spiced things up by introducing the TGR Autocross Challenge.

And so the racing-series continued to excite racers who are part of the action, as well as the spectators witnessing it. Especially for us during the 2022 TGR Vios Cup season, we sat on both sides of the fence. If we weren’t part of the media contingent racing ‘round cones in the TGR Vios Cup Autocross — a support race of sorts to the Circuit legs — we watched the 55 racers vye for pole position at the Clark International Speedway (CIS).

Speaking as both competitor and spectator, we can explain the three reasons why the TGR Vios Cup is — and will likely always will be — something special.

It demonstrates the reliability of the Toyota Vios

As if everyone needed a reminder. The Toyota Vios 1.5 G manual cars, upon which the one-make race (OMR) cars were based, never skipped a beat during countless laps around CIS. From the circuit drivers’ practice, qualifying, and racing laps, the OMR Vios Cup cars took the high revs, ham-fisted gear changes, and knocks and bumps in their stride. Only when some drivers spun off the track — no thanks to rain soaking the tarmac — did the race cars retire.

The cars used for the 2022 TGR Vios Cup autocross tilt are of the CVT variety — and they, too, endured the mix of slow and fast maneuvers, tight turns, and hard braking and acceleration that were a challenge for both car and driver.

Modifications for the cars used in the TGR Vios Cup include a Limited Slip Differential to improve traction going to the front wheels, and an exhaust system that improves airflow and increases horsepower.

Keeping the cars planted on the racing lines are lighter alloy wheels and stickier rubber that are paired with stiffer suspension and beefier brakes. The competition cars are as safe as they are fast, being supplied with racing bucket seats, tow hooks up front, a six-point roll cages and three-point racing harnesses.

It’s a training ground to become better drivers

No, the 2022 TGR Vios Cup grid for both the circuit and autocross championships weren’t just strapped in the cars. Aspiring racing champs were (and are still) required to attend the Toyota GR Academy Philippines, the objective of which is to teach participants the fastest and safest way of track driving.

Okay, so while us at ZigWheels Philippines didn’t exactly bring what we learned at Toyota GR Academy to top honors — this writer landed at the back of the pack, while Managing Editor Roy Robles narrowly missed a podium finish — we could still say we left the 2022 TGR Vios Cup as better drivers.

Perhaps there’s no exercise that hones one’s driving skills better than mastering the balancing act of accelerating, cornering, and braking as quickly and smoothly as possible. All in a narrow and twisty track outlined by cones and barriers. Unlike the TGR Vios Cup circuit racers, we in the autocross track didn’t have the luxury of run-off areas — we hit a pylon, and we kissed a podium trophy goodbye. Autocross is a highly precise form of motorsport.

Surely the other members of the motoring media (and the influencers) in the TGR Vios Cup autocross would share the same sentiments.

It fosters camaraderie among racers

Speaking of the competitors at the 2022 TGR Vios Cup, it seems that while we were foes on the track, we remained friends once the checkered flag had been waved. During the ceremony to award the winners of the final leg of the 2022 TGR Vios Cup, we applauded and cheered for our fellow media drivers in the autocross, and the circuit drivers did the same, too — while amusingly, drenching the winning drivers with beer.

Now this — half the grid throwing support to those standing on the podium — is something you’d rarely see even in Formula 1. We think that’s the beauty of the TGR Vios Cup: It creates more skilled drivers and fosters sportsmanship among the competitors. All of which make an eventful race for all viewers, watching these in-person or online.

The 2022 TGR Vios Cup — organized by Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) and Tuason Racing School (TRS) — was truly an experience for both drivers and spectators. Immerse yourself in this experience when the TGR Vios Cup kicks off again next year.

Photos from Toyota Motor Philippines and Roy Robles