More than just a race: Toyota GR PH Cup

For years, the Toyota Gazoo Racing (GR) Philippine (PH) Cup — previously known as the Toyota GR Vios Cup — has been one of the hottest one-make races in the country. 

However, our recent outing with Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) proved that the local race series is more than a motorsport event. Aside from watching souped-up cars, here are some other things we did at the second leg of the Toyota GR PH Cup. 

Car spotting 

During the race, TMP displayed its Gazoo-fied offerings for attendees and visitors to check out. 

These included the Toyota Hilux GR-S, Rush GR-S, and Corolla Altis GR-S. These models allow car buyers to daily drive a version of their favorite nameplates that have been given the GR treatment. 

Here are some of the model-specific appointments GR cars get straight out of the factory: 

Toyota Hilux GR-S

• GR-S design wide, matte black overfenders
• Fin-type antenna
• Double wishbone with monotube shock absorber (front)
• Leaf spring rigid axle with monotube shock absorber (rear)
• Ventilated disc brakes with GR brake caliper (front)
• Solid disc brakes with GR Brake caliper (rear)
• GR-S design 17-inch alloy wheels with 265/65 tires
• GR-S design Suede and leather upholstery
• Leather steering wheel with GR-S emblem and paddle shifters
• Leather with technical mesh door trims

Corolla Altis GR-S

• Bi-beam LED headlamp
• GR-S design front grille
• GR-S design front bumper
• GR-S design rear bumper
• Digital instrument cluster (12.3 inches)
• Infotainment system (nine inches)

Rush GR-S 

• Smoked lights
• GR-S design front bumper
• GR-S design side body molding
• GR-S design rear bumper
• GR-S design badges 

In addition to the aforementioned GR passenger cars, TMP also brought in performance-oriented models like the Toyota GR Supra and the GR 86 — the latter also playing the role of Safety Car in the race. 

Here’s a quick side-by-side look at the two nameplates: 

Toyota GR Supra	Toyota GR 86
LED lights	LED lights
19-inch wheels	18-inch wheels
Dual exhaust pipes	Dual exhaust pipes
8.8-inch instrument cluster	Seven-inch instrument cluster
8.8-inch infotainment system	Eight-inch infotainment system
12-speaker JBL HiFi surround system	Leather and suede seats
Alcantara sports seats
Carbon interior trims

 

At the races, TMP also showcased the soon-to-be-launched Tamaraw. 

Terrific timepieces

Serving as the event’s official timekeeper is Seiko Philippines. There, they had a booth where one can check out a selection of beautiful wristwatches, which are also for sale. 

I recently got into watches thanks to the influence of some of the motoring journalists I look up to. And like many who have taken a liking to timepieces, Seiko has been my entrée to mechanical watches.

On display were a variety of models, which range from desk divers and dress watches from the new Seiko 5 Sports line to the popular Speedtimer from the more upmarket Prospex family. 

Hanging out beside the clockmaker’s booth required some level of self-control since it was really tempting to take one’s card and swipe off a new piece — like that SSK001 (Seiko 5 Sports with GMT function), which has been on my radar for quite some time now. 

Official GR merch 

Attendees looking to bring home souvenirs from the thrilling weekend at Clark International Speedway dropped by TMP’s merchandise kiosk. 

We’ve listed some of the apparel sold at the booth:

• Caps
• Shirts
• Jackets

In addition, GR-branded kits — such as brakes and suspension components — were also available at the company’s stall.

Sim racing 

Just across TMP’s booth are rigs for sim racing. 

Here, visitors were able to enjoy the same thrilling experience of sitting behind the wheel of a Toyota race car, minus the relative danger that comes with going wheel-to-wheel with other tuned automobiles. 

We even caught TMP President Masando Hashimoto’s son giving one of the rigs a try. 

RC car circuit 

And while we’re on the topic of racing, those who were present at the event got to try out a remote-controlled car race circuit. 

Model cars

A motoring event is not complete without a model car booth. 

Hong Kong-headquartered diecast car company Pop Race was present at the second leg of the Toyota GR PH Cup. The company’s booth had several model race cars on display, which included the Toyota Fortuner and the Land Cruiser. 

Also available are scale models of the Vios race cars that were fielded at the event. 

Speaking of which… 

Race winners 

The winners of the Toyota GR PH Cup leg two are as follows: 

Super Sporting Class	Sporting Class	Promotional Class	Novice Class
Inigo Anton	Raymond Cudala	Johndale Dy	Russel Reyes
Russel Cabrera	Jay Lao	Bong Garbes	Jamil Lacuna
Royce Sarmiento	Alain Alzona	Mike Santos	John Rey San Diego

 

To note, TMP boss Hashimoto competed in the Novice class — showcasing his passion for automobiles. 

Final thoughts

The recently held Toyota GR PH Cup proved to be an event not only for real motorsports enthusiasts but also for their families and friends who are just getting into racing.

In addition, the weekend motoring expo also has activities for kids who want a taste of the excitement.

Overall, the Toyota GR PH Cup can be a fun family affair for Filipinos who love cars.

Also read:

Yulo officially receives Toyota Land Cruiser Prado

Toyota Camry, Coaster to ferry 2024 APMCDRR delegates

Toyota Motor PH opens 2 new service centers in VisMin region