Here’s what went down at the heart-pounding Toyota Gazoo Racing Vios Cup Leg 2

It was another exhilarating weekend for Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) and motorsports aficionados as Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) staged the second leg of the TGR Vios Cup 2023 at the Clark International Speedway in Pampanga last Saturday (September 9).

Since the TGR Vios Cup began in 2014, it has brought the excitement of racing closer to Filipinos by allowing drivers from local professional and amateur teams to compete in one-make races using the locally produced Toyota Vios.

For this year, seasoned and up-and-coming racers participated in their respective classes for the Circuit Championship category. Meanwhile, in the Autocross Challenge, participants completed a predetermined obstacle course in the least number of laps possible.

Here are the highlights of the second leg of the TGR Vios Cup 2023:

Star-studded racer lineup

The second leg of the TGR Vios Cup 2023 featured a star-studded lineup of racers as celebrities Ryan Agoncillo, Enzo Pineda, and Troy Montero competed in the Circuit Championship, while Megan Young, Genesis Redidio, and Ezra Domingo showcased their driving skills in the Autocross Challenge.

Social media stars Bianca Yao, Arianne Bautista, Lexi Mendiola, Carla Lizardo, Apple David, Benedict Cua, Migy Romulo, Reph Bangsil, and Macoy Dubs also joined in the thrilling action in the Influencer Class of the Autocross Challenge.

Featured cars

TMP's GR and GR-S vehicles, namely the GR Supra, GR Yaris, Rush GR-S, and Fortuner GR-S, were displayed at the event. The Autocross Challenge was also made more exciting with the addition of the Toyota Corolla Altis GR-S HEV race car.

The New Generation Tamaraw Concept also made a stint as the pace car for this leg. Unveiled by Toyota Motor Corporation Chairman Akio Toyoda at the 35th anniversary celebration of TMP in August, the New Generation Tamaraw Concept is based on the IMV0 platform and can accommodate various body styles. Its production model will be assembled at the Toyota plant in Santa Rosa, Laguna.

New Hilux GR-S preview

Aside from the racing activities, TMP also previewed the New Hilux GR-S at the event. The pickup truck features exterior design upgrades and an improved Gazoo Racing suspension.

Under the hood of the New Hilux GR-S is a 2.8-liter turbodiesel engine that produces 224hp and 550Nm of torque. The New Hilux GR-S will retail for P2.166 million.

Podium finishers

TMP ended the day with the awarding of the winners for each class. For the Circuit Challenge, Jarond Mesina won the top podium finish in the Promotional Class, with Alain Alazona placing second and Bong Garbes taking the third spot.

Jiro Garbes championed in the Sporting Class, with Russel Cabrera finishing second and Maila Alivia completing the top three.

Joaquin Garrido bagged the top spot in the Super Sporting Class, with Bryan Co and Red Diwa finishing second and third, respectively.

For the Autocross Challenge, Lyka Tan of Carmudi Philippines finished on top of the Media Promotional Class, with Patricia Tenorio of ZigWheels Philippines claiming the second spot and Mica delos Reyes of Philippine Star on third place.

Siegwald Go of C! Magazine ruled the Media Sporting Class, with Ronald delos Reyes of Philippine Daily Inquirer finishing second and John Rey San Diego of Autocar placing third.

Taking the Influencer Promotional Class top spot was Ezra Domingo, followed by Bianca Yao who finished second, and Genesis Redido who bagged the third spot.

Reph Bangsil was hailed champion in the Influencer Sporting Class, with Miguel Romulo and Lexi Mendiola claiming the second and third sports, respectively.

Milo Rivera won the Hybrid Class, while Jose Altoveros placed second and Marlon Stockinger finished third.

The winners of the TGR GT Cup Philippines 2023 season were also announced, with Russel Reyes in first place, Matthew Ang in second, and Luis Moreno in third.

TMP will continue the exciting racing action on the third and last leg of the TGR Vios Cup 2023 on November 11. For updates on TGR and its upcoming events, visit https://toyota.com.ph/gazoo.

Photos from Jumigo Rafols, Patricia Tenorio, and Jirehl Kent Flores