MANILA: This year’s class for the Toyota Gazoo Racing Academy (TGRA) Philippines has been opened.

A training ground for both aspiring and experienced racers, the TGRA is designed to help those who are eyeing to start or improve their career on the tracks.

Conducted at the Clark International Speedway last June 29, more than 30 individuals joined the two-part course varying from sim racers eyeing to move to actual racing to fans who wanted to experience the thrill for themselves.

“For aspiring racers, the TGRA is a gateway to achieving their dreams,” Toyota Motor Philippines Vice President for Marketing Services Elvin Luciano was quoted as saying.

“Our mission with the TGRA is to provide a starting point for anyone who wants to try their hand at racing. We’re thrilled to know some even go on to pursue professional careers in the sport after graduating from the TGRA,” he added.

For the first part of TGRA, participants were educated about the racing basics such as how to identify the flags used during a race, braking points on the track, and racing etiquette. It is on the second part that they were able to apply the teachings through a slalom activity. The lessons concluded with a ‘follow the leader’ activity where students drove around the track behind a pace car.

Since it started in 2014, the TGRA has been able to produce skilled racers who have participated in various local racing events, including TMP’s own racing series, the TGR Vios Cup (which has been renamed to Toyota Gazoo Racing Philippine Cup).

The TGRA is brought by Petron and GT Radial, in cooperation with Seiko. It is also supported by Toyota Financial Services Philippines, myToyota Wallet, Denso, AVT, 3M, Tuason Racing, OMP, Rota, and Kinto One.

Relatedly, the Toyota Gazoo Racing Philippine Cup is scheduled on July 13. “Race towards the ultimate test of endurance in every leg. The Toyota Gazoo Racing Philippine Cup 2024,” TGR PH noted in a recent social media post.

Photos from Toyota Motor Philippines

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